EQUIPMENT BY A ROPE

TECHNICAL FIELD

According to the international patent classification the concerned patent can be classified into the following groups:

- F16B 17/00 Fastening means without screw-thread for connecting constructional elements or machine parts by a part of or on one member entering a hole in the other, and

- F21V 21/08 Devices for easy attachment to a desired place.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

A technical problem that is solved by the concerned procedure and device is detachment and attachment of the equipment mounted in hard to access areas only by a rope.

The other problem that is solved by this procedure and device is the manipulation with the equipment that is mounted at the same heights in a row, such as public streetlight lamps or indoor halls lighting, whereby implementing this procedure a stick with a rope is moved from one lamp to the other without folding the stick. This solution helps to overcome the problem of manipulation with equipment that has complicated configuration and large span (joists or constructions that require three or more points of hanging), using two or more devices while accessing all devices carrying the equipment from one position.

Using this method, the lifting and assembly of prefabricated objects with simpler configuration can be done from the ground.

The technical problem of maintaining such devices is solved in such manner that all the mobile parts of the device can be detached only by a rope.

BACKGROUND ART

Looking at the existing solutions, it could be concluded that the inventors were mainly focused on the manipulation with lamp bulbs, which is most frequently the area of application for such devices. Characteristics of the existing solutions can be mostly divided into the following categories:

- motorized drive mechanism, where motor control is either solved by a wire connection or remote control device. There is normally a ceiling-mounted electric motor with a separate electricity supply. An integral part of the device is a rope or ropes wound on a winch of the length required for a lamp to be lowered at the needed height. Some variants also have a wound cable that supplies the device with electrical power. (Patent US5105349);

- if the manipulation is not motorized, then the rope used for lowering and lifting the equipment is guided from the hanging object to the place accessible to the operator where he lowers the hanging object by a winch, either manually or by electrical screwdriver and the like (patents US3686498 A, US5975726 A),

- in some cases, where the equipment is mounted on pillars, bringing down of the pillars to the level accessible to the operator is applied. Sometimes the pillars are brought down so that the rotation axis is in the pillar base, and sometimes the rotation axis is at approximately half of the pillar’s height.

- some solutions for replacing the lamps use a stick which has a rubber extension on top for unscrewing and screwing of the light bulb using friction.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A procedure and device are used for easier access to and manipulation with an equipment (a hanging object) that needs to be mounted in places so hard to access that their mounting, maintaining, cleaning or replacement would require scaffolding, ladders, a truck mounted crane or even hiring a professional with alpinist skills. Sometimes, the equipment has to be mounted in the zones inaccessible for humans due to toxicity or temperature.

The device consists of three basic parts necessary for its functioning:

- a fixed part, without mobile elements, affixed to the supporting construction by one of the familiar means, either using screws, glue, welding and the like. The fixed part does not necessarily need to exist as a separate part but it can be carried out as a specially shaped supporting construction by perforation of a pillar or joist on which the hanging object is planned to be attached,

- a mobile part, attached to the fixed part carrying the hanging object which, when manipulated with, is lowered and lifted together with the hanging object, and

- a rope, put on an interlock that is an element of the mobile part of the device.

The following elements are not necessary for the basic functioning of the device, however they significantly contribute to its functionality, safety and reliability, such as: a stick, a brake, a safety guard against uncontrolled unlatching of the bolt, a device lid and a manual or motorized rope winch.

A doubled rope assures that the hanging object is precisely placed in a desired position.

The devices can operate using gravitational force to lower the hanging object and, in this case, the operator must stand at a level lower than that of the hanging object, however he does not need to stand right underneath the device but he can be standing quite away from the side of the device. If the operator is at the level higher than the hanging object and the device cannot use the gravitational force, he must be equipped with an additional interlock and simulate the gravitational force with the other rope. The doubled rope can be used as a support for the hanging object to slide along when being lowered or lifted to be brought straight in front of the operator.

Components of the mobile part of the device also use gravitational force, as it reduces the number of components of the device and probability of failures of the device. The device can also be carried out by using springs or other technical solutions to achieve the same effect given by the gravitational force. The device is accessed by a rope from the direction that is nearly at a 90 degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the interlock.

The procedure and device are conceived in such manner that the fixed part of the device, that is already mounted on the structure, does not further need immediate physical access during the entire time of the exploitation life of the equipment, and the mobile part is accessed from the distance with the rope and stick (and finally drone and the like). During the construction of a facility (halls, houses, lighting poles and the like) or afterwards, it is necessary to mount the fixed part of the device on the supporting construction or do the certain perforations that perform the function of the fixed part.

The device is simple and can be made of easily available and eco-friendly materials.

The procedure of manipulation with the device can be divided into three procedures as follows:

A) the first placing of the hanging object, including pulling of the rope through the fixed part of the device and lowering it to the hanging object, attachment of the hanging object to the rope, followed by lifting and fixing of the mobile part together with the hanging object to the fixed part,

B) lowering of the hanging object for the intervention and returning it to the original position consists of putting the rope on the interlock, loosening of the rope and lowering the fixed part together with the hanging object to a position predefined by the brake, and then after the intervention of pulling through the rope is done, lifting and fastening of the mobile part of the device, together with the hanging object, to the fixed part of the device, C) complete dismantling of the mobile part together with the hanging object consisting of putting the rope on the interlock, loosening of the rope and lowering of the mobile part of the device together with the hanging object to the ground, detachment of the rope from the mobile part and removing the rope.

A complete description of the device and manipulation procedure is given in the detailed description of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1: (FIGURE la and FIGURE lb): A view of the basic model of the device including a detail of the safety guard against uncontrolled unlatching of the bolt.

FIGURE 2: A view of Variant I of the device for vertical mounting (on a wall),

FIGURE 3: A view of Variant I of the device for horizontal mounting (on a ceiling),

FIGURE 4: A view of Variant II of the device for vertical mounting (on a wall),

FIGURE 5: A view of Variant II of the device for horizontal mounting (on a ceiling),

FIGURE 6: A view of Variant III of the device for vertical mounting (on a wall),

FIGURE 7: A view of Variant III of the device for horizontal mounting (on a ceiling),

FIGURE 8: (FIGURE 8a to FIGURE 8h) Lowering of the hanging object for Variant III of the device for vertical mounting in 8 stages, FIGURE 9: (FIGURE 9a to FIGURE 9f) Lowering of the hanging object for Variant III for horizontal mounting in 5 stages,

FIGURE 10: (FIGURE 10a to FIGURE lOe) Lifting of the hanging object for Variant III for horizontal mounting in 5 stages,

FIGURE 11: (FIGURE 11a to FIGURE lib) Figure of the brake position before lowering of the hanging object starts and at the end of lowering of the hanging object,

FIGURE 12: (FIGURE 12a to FIGURE 12b) Replacing of the light rope with a heavy rope, initial stage and final stage,

FIGURE 13: (FIGURE 13a to FIGURE 13b) Figure of the lid, in open and closed position, side view, FIGURE 14: View of the guideways perfonned as a perforation in the fixed part of the device, orthogonal projection,

FIGURE 15: (FIGURE 15a to FIGURE 151) Placing of the rope in guideways in 6 stages, horizontal mounting,

FIGURE 16: (FIGURE 16a to FIGURE 16f) Putting of the rope on a hook in 6 stages when the interlock is “behind” the fixed part of the device,

FIGURE 17: (FIGURE 17a to FIGURE 171) Putting of the rope on a hook in 6 stages when the interlock is “in front of’ the fixed part of the device,

FIGURE 18: (FIGURE 18a and FIGURE 18b) View of manipulation when the rope is used as a support to the hanging object in two stages, when the interlock is“in front of’ the fixed part of the device,

FIGURE 19: (FIGURE 19a and FIGURE 19b) View of manipulation when the rope is used as a support to the hanging object in two stages, when the interlock is“behind” the fixed part of the device, without additional support,

FIGURE 20: View of manipulation when the rope is used as a support to the hanging object when the interlock is“behind” the fixed part of the device, with additional support,

FIGURE 21: View of manipulation when the equipment is at a lower level than the operator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Detailed description of the invention will show and explain the device, procedure and details relevant for the efficient use of the device.

In this description, in addition to the main variant, three variants of the solution are presented using basically the same idea however they are different inasmuch that they can be adjusted to different user needs. Besides these three variants, it is undoubted that more variants or combinations of the elements presented in these variants can be made.

Description of the device In each of the variants, the device consists of three basic parts (FIGURE 1):

- a fixed part 1 that is affixed to the supporting construction 9, and it can also be carried out as part of the supporting construction 9,

- a mobile part 2 consisted of: a supporting element 10, a slide bolt 4 and an interlock 3. The supporting element 10 carries the slide bolt 4. A strip 11 connects the supporting element 10 with a hanging object 8 and the interlock 3,

- a rope 6 (in the drawings shown in zigzag lines).

FIGURE 1 shows a basic model of the device on which, among others, all the above-mentioned basic elements of the device can be observed. The device for the mounting on the ceiling is shown (supporting construction 9). The rope 6 is used for the manipulation with the hanging object 8 and mobile part 2. Putting on and detaching of the rope 6 from the interlock 3 is carried out by a rope bracket 15 placed on the top of a stick 5 managed by the operator as described further in the text, shown in the FIGURE 17.

FIGURE la shows the situation when the rope 6 is already put on the interlock 3. The operator holds the rope 6 tightened. A rope 80 connects one end of the interlock 3 and the safety guard 25. The tightened rope 6 has pulled the rope 80 to the interlock 3. Pulling of the rope 80 rotates the safety guard against uncontrolled unlatching of the bolt 25 and it is lifted and enters the dent 81 in the slide bolt 4. The slide bolt 4 is therewith released for unbolting. FIGURE lb shows, in dotted lines, the safety guard in the dent 81 in a position 25a. It is the position in which the unlatching of the slide bolt 4 is possible, since the rope 80, which passes through a groove 79 in the slide bolt 4, is tightened towards the interlock 3. The next step in this procedure of detachment of the hanging object 8 is that the operator is using the hook 30 on the stick 5 to pull the lever of the bolt 43 and it rotates around the bracket 10 pulling out of the bolt slots 19 and releases from the pressure and contact with the mobile part 1. The operator eases up the tension of the rope 6 and under the weight of the hanging object 8 everything attached to the interlock 3 under gravity starts lowering to the operator. After the slide bolt 4 is moved from the bolt slots 19, the stick 5 can be put aside. This manipulation can also be carried out without the hook 30 for unbolting of the slide bolt 4 in such a way that the operator puts the rope 6 both at the bolt lever 43 and the interlock 3 at the same time (in FIGURE 1 the rope 6 between the lever 43 and the interlock 3 is shown in dotted lines), so pulling the rope 6 first tightens the rope 80 as its tightening and rotation of the safety guard 25 to the position 25a requires a very small force. The slide bolt 4, released from the blockage of the safety guard 25, is rotated and unlatched. The hanging object 8 starts lowering by its own weight, and the rope 6 in a certain position of the slide bolt 4 is removed from the bolt lever 43 and switched only to the interlock 3. When switched, the hanging object 8 falls through a little. Nothing hinders further lowering.

Lifting (raising) of the hanging object 8 is carried out when the operator pulls in the rope 6. The mobile part 2, thanks to the shape of the interlock 3, the supporting element 10 and the strip 11, is without option to hook itself, thanks to the guideways 17, it is precisely entered onto the starting position. When the mobile part 2 arrives into the final position, the slide bolt 4 with its own weight falls into the slots on the bolt 19 and therewith the device is bolted and the hanging object 8 remains attached to the ceiling. By detaching the rope 6 from the interlock 3, the rope 80 is released from the pressure and the safety guard against uncontrolled unlatching of the bolt 25 by its own weight rotates around the axis 78 to the position above the dent 82 that prevents the slide bolt 4 from unlatching when the rope 6 is not attached on the interlock 3. In the Figure lb it can be seen that by pulling the bolt lever 43 the safety guard 25 would insert into the dent 82 which would prevent further movement and unlatching of the slide bolt 4.

All the variants, including the already described basic model, have the following in common:

-The device can be used for the mounting on both vertical surfaces (walls, pillars...) and horizontal surfaces (ceiling, joist...), and it can also be adjusted to the mounting under any other angle between the two final positions. The description mostly relates to the situation when the device is located at the level higher than the position of the operator, however with the help of an additional hook 70 it can be used for positions lower than that of the operator, where gravitational force must be simulated by the other rope 71, as shown in FIGURE 21.

- The interlock 3 (FIGURE 1) is a part which creates contact between the mobile part of the device 2 and the rope 6, and it is supposed to secure safe attachment of the rope 6 during the entire time of the manipulation without the risk of being disconnected due to some jouncing or unwanted hooking to the construction. This patent presents the interlock 3 of a cylindrical shape bound to the supporting element 10 and the hanging object 8 with the flexible strip 1 1. The width of the strip 11 should suffice for it to smoothly slide over the guideways 17 and other elements of the fixed part 1. For the connection between the interlock 3, the supporting element 10 and the hanging object 8 instead of the strip two ropes can be used, however such connection is weaker. The strip 11 is tied to the central part of the roller shield. The width of the strip at the attachment point with the interlock 3 is equal to the distance between the guideways 17 which secures that the rope 6 goes through the guideways 17. The length of the interlock 3 is greater than the width of the strip 11, so that towards the ends of the roller, free parts of the roller are big enough for the rope 6 to be put over them. Loose ends of the interlock 3 remove the risk of the rope 6 being disconnected even at the small bevels of the interlock 3. The cylindrical shape of the interlock 3 reduces the possibility for the rope 6 to attach to the interlock 3 when putting and removing the rope 6. The rope 6 when put and tightened with the strip 11 looks like and behaves similar to the once doubled rope in continuity. This solution secures that during the manipulation the interlock 3 does not touch the fixed part 1 of the device but the contact of the mobile part 2 is made only by means of the rope 6 and strip 11 on one side, and the fixed part 1 of the device on the other, and enables the interlock 3 to run across the sharp edges. As the interlock 3 may be of a small diameter it means that the whole device may be small in dimensions and adjustable to different shapes of the supporting structure. The hook must be longer than the width of the slot 18. The interlock 3 must weigh enough that when it is free from the rope 6 it can keep the strip 11 tightened. The strip 11 must be non-extensible, as the precision of entering the mobile part 2 of the device into the fixed part 1 and precision of attachment of the hanging object 8 in relation to the supporting structure 9 and electrical contacts 24, should the hanging object 8 require them, depend on this,

- There are two ways of device realization as far as the way of moving the interlock 3 through the fixed part 1 of the device is concerned, one is when the attached rope 6 does not cross ways with the trajectory of the hanging object 8. For this type of realization hereinafter the expression that the interlock 3 is„in front of“the mobile part 2 of the device will be used (examples shown in FIGURES 1, 3, 5 and 7). The other type is when the rope 6 crosses ways with the trajectory of the hanging object 8 and for this type hereinafter the expression that the interlock 3 is„behind“ the mobile part 2 of the device will be used (examples shown in FIGURES 2, 4 and 6). The interlock“behind” the mobile part 2 is practical when it comes to the mounting of the hanging object on the vertical surfaces.

- A brake 7 can be mounted on the rope 6 that is, in fact, a piece of solid material shaped and affixed to the rope 6 that, when loosening the rope 6, the brake 7 is brought to the entrance hole 14 of the fixed part 1 of the device, and then due to its dimensions that are bigger than the hole 14, it cannot go through and therefore blocks further movement of both the rope 6 and the mobile part 2 as well as the hanging object 8 in that direction. A practical solution that the brake 7 be in a shape of a roller, the same shape and manner of attachment to the rope 6 as the interlock 3 is. The brake 7 is attached to the rope 6 so that it does not hinder bypassing the hanging object 8, as shown in the FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 19. This type of solution is most practical in situations when the rope 6 is used as a support, if the hanging object 8 needs to be lowered at an angle that is not vertically beneath. In such situations the brake 7 is attached to the rope 6 on the opposite side of the one with which the ropes 6 are in contact with the hanging object 8 so that it does not hinder lowering of the hanging object 8. This does not limit the possibility that the brake 7 is of a different shape and attached to the rope 6 in a different manner. The brake 7 may have additional function of securing the hanging object 8 from uncontrolled falling during the manipulation as, in case the operator drops the rope 6, the brake 7 would prevent the hanging object 8 from falling on the ground.

- The rope 6 can be attached to the interlock 3 in several ways, at low heights it can be done even with the hand tools, and at very high heights a drone or any other way that the user may find appropriate may be used. This description shows the use of the stick 5 with the rope bracket 15 as a way of manipulation that is most widely applied. The stick 5 can be of any cross section, telescopic or not, however it must be light and rigid enough for the operator to be able to precisely and without much effort easily lead the rope 6 through the slots 18 and holes 13 and 14 of the fixed part 1 of the device. FIGURE 16 shows, in stages, putting of the rope 6 onto the interlock 3 when the interlock is“behind” the mobile part 2. FIGURE 17 shows in stages, putting of the rope 6 onto the interlock 3 when the interlock is“in front of’ the mobile part 2. The figure gives an overview how it is done. It is indicated with arrows in each figure in which direction the stick 5 should be moved to reach the position given in the next figure. What requires attention is that when the interlock 3 goes though the fixed part 1 of the device the rope 6 should always be in contact with the fixed part 1. - The rope bracket 15 is a light construction (it can be wired) that is installed on the top of the stick 5, and it can be rotated in relation to the points of contact with the stick 5 and thus be adjusted to the position of the operator in relation to the device, rotation direction as indicated in FIGURE la. There are two pairs of grooves on the rope bracket 15: the grooves 44 for the first guiding of the rope 6 through guideways 17, with the same space between them as the space between the two parallel guideways 17, which is smaller than the mutual space between the grooves 31 used for the rope 6 to be put on the interlock 3. The grooves 31 and 44 prevents slightly tightened rope 6 from getting off the bracket 15. Part of the bracket 15 between the grooves 44 and 31 must be of an adequate size to provide smooth attachment and detachment of the rope 6 from the interlock 3, whereas part of the rope bracket 15 from the grooves 44 to the stick 5 must have the width and shape that fits the width of the slot 18 and enables precise guiding of the bracket 15 through the slot 18 for the needs of the first guiding of the rope 6 through the fixed part 1 of the device and placing in the guideways 17. How the support looks like can be seen in several figures of which the most detailed one is the FIGURE la.

- The rope 6 put on the interlock 3 by the operator is enough to do all the required manipulations if the hanging object 8 is light. The rope 6 should be light, flexible, non-stretchable, and of course strong enough to withstand the total weight hung on it. Material that these ropes can be made of is any material that fulfills the above mentioned criteria: from nylon used for fishing lines, thin metal cords to ropes made of natural or synthetic fibers.

- If the light rope 6 is not strong enough to withstand the total weight and a stronger, i.e. heavier rope is needed, that is not possible to attach directly by the stick 5, then the procedure is as follows: at one end of the light rope 6 that is already attached on the interlock 3 the operator attaches the stronger rope 16 by means of a coupling 63, making a smooth transition between the two ropes. It is best that the coupling 63 be shaped as a truncated cone, as shown in FIGURE 12. Then the other free end of the light rope 6 is pulled and thus lifts the stronger rope 16 that, following the light rope 6, is put on the interlock 3. Finally, when the stronger rope 16 is pulled towards the operator it fully replaces the light rope 6, both in its place and role. During the attachment process of the heavier rope 16, it is important that the interlock 3 remains in its position, which can be achieved either with the sufficient weight of the interlock 3 or by shape of the carrier of the interlock 3 in which it is protected from movement. Or simply another light rope 6 can be put on the interlock 3 that the operator holds tight and protects the interlock from displacement during the manipulation of replacement of the light rope 6 with the heavy rope 16.

- If the hanging object 8 needs to be lowered at an angle that is not vertically beneath in relation to the hanging object 8, in order that the hanging object 8 is lowered right in front of the operator, the rope 6 can be used as a support to hanging object 8, as shown in FIGURES 18, 19 and 20. This is particularly useful in case of manipulation with equipment that cannot be accessed vertically from beneath, such as the lighting fixtures above swimming pools. The hanging object 8 in some cases must be added special supports 12 (shown in the FIGURES la, 18 and 20) wherewith the hanging object would lean on the rope of the operator. - the device lid 73 can be mounted on the mobile part 2 of the device as shown in FIGURE 13. The shape of the lid 73 should be adjusted to the concrete needs. The components that can be recognized on the lid are as follows: a hinge 74 that connects it to the mobile part 2 of the device and around which the lid 73 can have limited rotation; and a hook support 75 that the hook 30 rests upon, which serves to the operator to, by pulling the hook 30, open the lid by bending the elastic tab 76 and pulling it out of the strike plate 77. The strike plate is actually a groove in which the tab 76 enters, as shown in FIGURE 13a. Inversely, when the lid closes, the operator pushes the lid 73 until the elastic tab enters the strike plate 77, as shown in FIGURE l3b. Apart from the esthetic, the practical role is to prevent birds and insects from entering, and it can also provide good IP protection (against rain and dirt). The advantage of mounting the lid 73 on the mobile part 2 is the possibility that it is fixed or replaced when lowered together with the hanging object.

- In all the variants the fixed part 1 of the device consists of the following elements described in the text below:

- an entry hole 14, that is a hole alongside which the interlock 3 is in a sleep mode, i.e. when the hanging object 8 is attached on the construction 9,

- a slot 18, spanning from the entry hole 14 to the exit hole 13, serving for the conduction of the stick 5 with the rope bracket 15 and the rope 6 used for the first hanging of the mobile part 2 to the fixed part 1 or in case it had to be demounted for some reason and then mounted again. The slot 18, at the entry of the hole 14, is widened and rounded so that it would be easier for the stick 5 to be conducted into the slot 18. See FIGURES 2, 3, 4 and 5.

- an exit hole 13, positioned on the opposite side of the entry hole 14, through which the interlock 3 passes during manipulation,

- a slot for the bolt 19 or bolt support 20 to which the bolt 4 is attached during the latching process. In some variants, the attaching is carried out by the operator manually, and in others automatically,

- rope guideways 17 that have the role to ensure the motion of the mobile part 2 and the hanging object 8 along a precisely defined track thus preventing the ends of the doubled rope 6 from interweaving, which would distract the proper manipulation. The rope guideways 17, over which the interlock 3 passes, consists of two semi-circular or semi-elliptical elements 72 connected to the base with their cross sectional part, at a distance between them approximate to the thickness of the rope 6, which enables precise guiding of the rope 6. In the upper part, these elements 72 are moved apart which makes the first conduction of the rope 6 easier. For this manipulation to be precise the already mentioned shape of the rope support 15 is important. Roundness of the guideway 17 elements enables traversing of the interlock 3 over the guideway 17 without major resistance. The guideway 17, carried out as a perforation of the fixed part 1, is shown in three orthogonal projections in the FIGURE 14. In order to ensure that the rope 6 is securely passed, at least two guideways 17 need to exist along one strand of the doubled rope 6, because when the interlock 3 comes along one guideway 17 the rope 6 will be lifted and removed from that guideway 17, however it will still be in the other guideway 17 so that the movement of the rope is always controlled. In situations when the space between the entry hole 14 and the exit hole 13 is large it is useful to have even three or more guideways 17 for the better guidance control of the rope 6,

- a safety stop 46, in case of the falling out of the rope from the guideway 17, prevents the falling out of the rope 6 through the slot 18 and the uncontrolled falling of the hanging object 8. This safety stop is placed at the edges of the slot 18. Shape and size of the stop 46 is the same as one strand of the guideway 17, and it is placed at a sharp angle in relation to the base to which it is attached. The stop 46 is shown in FIGURES 2 and

3.

- means guiding the direction of the strip 22 (FIGURE 5) are useful accessories when the strip 11 is long, as its trajectory cannot be controlled by the guideways 17,

- this device, (same as devices described in the patents US2798680, US5105349 A, US20080037264 Al, US6634901 B2...), enables that the hanging object 8 is supplied by electrical energy via electrical contacts 24 placed on the end stops 21. This is enabled by using doubled rope and strip that put the hanging object 8 precisely in a predefined position. Also, the manipulation with the electrical hanging object 8 is safe because when suspended, the hanging object 8 is automatically detached from the voltage. In FIGURE 3, the manner of setting up electrical contacts can be seen. The conductors 64 conduct the electricity to the contacts 24 of the fixed part 1, whereas the conductors 65 conduct the electricity from the contacts 24 to the electrical hanging object 8.

In some variants, there are various modifications of the shape of the fixed part 1 of the device and some additional components in relation to the above description, however it will further be mentioned for each variant separately.

Variant I

FIGURE 2 shows a view of the vertical surface (wall) mounting device, and FIGURE 3 shows a view of the horizontal surface (ceiling) mounting device.

The device in this variant is the simplest in its construction, however it is the most robust one. This variant requires an additional engagement of the operator to perform locking of the slide bolt 4, from the distance (by a hook 30 on a stick or rope), which prolongs the procedure insignificantly, however it makes a very firm connection of the hanging object 8 to the base that could be compared to the screw connection, protected from an incidental detachment by safety guards against uncontrolled unlatching of the bolt 25. Without safety means, the detachment could be caused by vibrations, an earthquake and the like. This variant does not comprise rotating elements. The fixed part 1 of the device also in this variant does not have to be a separate element but it could be carried out as a perforation of the supporting construction 9 as shown in FIGURES 2 and 3.

In case when the hanging object 8 is mounted on the vertical surface, FIGURE 2 shows a solution where the interlock 3 is attached“behind” the mobile part 2 of the device and hanging object 8, which is mostly a more practical solution. FIGURES 2 and 3 show differences in carrying out of elements when the device is mounted on a wall or a ceiling, thereby the differences in details of operation and manipulation.

Description of the fixed part 1 of the device

In the perforated zone of the supporting construction 9 the following necessary elements can be seen: the slot 18, that spans from the entry hole 14 to the exit hole 13; then the entry hole 14 accessed by the rope 6 and where the interlock 3 is placed; then the exit hole 13 through which the interlock 3 passes when leaving the fixed part 1; then the bolt slot 19 in which the slide bolt 4 is inserted, which can be carried out as a perforation shown in FIGURE 2 or as the bolt support 20 shown in FIGURE 3; rope guideways 17 that can be carried out by perforation; and the stop 46 preventing the rope 6 from falling through the slot 18. The stops 21 ensure precise position of the slide bolt 4 necessary for proper latching. In this variant, the stop 23 is also needed as, although the safety guard against uncontrolled unlatching of the bolt 25 prevents unlatching, a possibility that the whole mobile part 2 is removed from the fixed part 1 of the device by pulling the hook 27 to the side is not prevented.

Description of the mobile part 2 of the device

The mobile part 2 consists of the basic elements as follows: the supporting element 10, slide bolt 4 and interlock 3. The supporting element 10 carries the hanging object 8, slide bolt 4 and safety guard against uncontrolled unlatching of the bolt 25. The stops 83 prevent the supporting element 10 from uncontrolled movement in relation to the safety guard 25. The latching interlock 26 and unlatching interlock 27 should also be noticed, as well as latching - unlatching ropes 28, latching - unlatching rope supports, then the strip 11 that connects the interlock 3 and supporting element 10. Unlatching interlock 27 and latching interlock 26 are shaped as the Latin letter“V” which ensures equal tension forces on both ropes 28 when pulled. The ends of interlocks 26 and 27 have the same shape as .the interlock 3 which enables that it is pulled not only by the hook 30, but also with the other light rope 6. Pulling by the rope is needed during manipulation with a massive device where the necessary pulling force cannot be accomplished by a thin and light rope.

Description of the functioning

To lower the hanging object 8 that is already hung, after putting the rope 6 on the interlock 3 the operator pulls the rope 6 towards himself thus firstly lifting the safety guard against uncontrolled unlatching of the bolt 25 that is moving until it touches the supporting element 10 with its bottom part. Then in the upper part it is enabled that the slide bolt 4a can bypass the safety guard 25. By tightening the rope 6 further, the slide bolt 4 is released from the pressure made by the weight of the hanging object 8 and thus it enables easy movement of the slide bolt 4. The operator then pulls the unlatching interlock 27 with the hook 30 and unlatches the slide bolt 4, freeing it from the bolt hole 19 (or the bolt support 20), and part of the slide bolt 4a is pulled under the safety guard 25. Further process includes loosening of the rope 6 and lowering of the hanging object 8. To do the lifting of the hanging object 8, after the intervention on the hanging object 8 is finished, the operator pulls in the rope 6 and brings the mobile part 2 to the final position allowed by the stops 21, said position being when the slide bolt 4 is next to the bolt hole 19 (or bolt support 20). The operator holds that position by tightening the rope 6 (by braking the winding winch 45 or the operator manually holds the rope 6 tight). Then the operator pulls the unlatching interlock 26 with the hook 30 on the stick 5 all the way to the final position that allows the movement of the slide bolt 4, by this procedure the slide bolt 4 comes across the bolt support 20 (or enters the bolt hole 19) and the hanging object 8 is fastened to the construction 9, and part of the slide bolt 4a went out underneath the safety guard 25.The unlatching interlock 27 has also moved, as both were connected to the slide bolt 4. The operator then loosens the rope 6, and the safety guard against the uncontrolled unlatching of the bolt 25 descends by its own weight on the supporting element 10 and with its position blocks the motion of one part of the slide bolt 4a and the movement of the slide bolt 4 in the unlatching direction. Thus the unexpected unlatching of the bolt is disabled. If the unlatching interlock 27 would be pulled on a device locked as such, the stop 23 would prevent any movement.

Variant II

FIGURE 4 shows a view of the vertical surface (wall) mounting device, and FIGURE 5 shows a view of the horizontal surface (ceiling) mounting device.

Variant II is primarily intended for the hanging of objects in places without surveillance in which the equipment would be exposed to unauthorized estrangement because it can be easily disinstalled. This variant differs from the basic variant and Variant I in it that the latching of the slide bolt 4 is done with the cylindrical lock 32 and the key 33 placed on top of the stick 5.

Description of the fixed part

The elements of the fixed part 1 of the device described in other variants can be recognized in this variant too, considering that here additionally a conception is done of the bolt support 20 on the plate 40 affixed to the strip 11 of the mobile part 2 (FIGURE 4), and not on the fixed part 1 of the device as in other variants. In this variant, the stop 23 is also needed for the same reason as in the Variant 1.

Description of the mobile part

In this variant too, the mobile part 1 of the device consists of the interlock 3, strip 11 and supporting element 10, the difference being in the method in which the latching is done and in parts that enable it. Latching and unlatching is done from the distance with the key 33 installed on top of the stick 5. For access with the key 33 to the keyhole 35 on the cylindrical lock 32 a key guide 34 is used. The key guide 34 is, in fact, a wrap of a truncated pyramid of big enough the base that the operator is able to enter the key 33 inside it from the distance with the stick. On the supporting element 10, there is a joist 39 around which the whole locking mechanism can rotate in a limited rotation (up to 90 degrees), and it is made of: the mechanism support 67, the cylinder 32, the key guide 34, the cam 36 and the paddle 37. The arrow 66 shows the direction of rotation around a horizontal axis. The two plates 38 that are mutually firmly connected with a connection 38a and carrying the slide bolt 4 can move translationally on the same joist 39. The plates 38 move by two paddles 37 affixed to the cam 36. The key guide 33 is affixed to the cam 36. By turning the key 33 in the cylindrical lock 32 (turning angle is 90 degrees) the cam 36, key guide 34 and paddle 37 that push the plates 38 to rotate, and it causes translational motion of the plate 38 along the joist 39 and movement of the slide bolt 4 to the bolt support 20, thereby locking of the slide bolt 4. The cylindrical lock in this variant removes the risk of an unplanned unlocking of the slide bolt 4.

For the case when the hanging object 8 is mounted on a vertical surface, and its barycenter creates a considerable burden on the slide bolt 4, we will have a poor adherence of the hanging object to the surface and vibrations can cause damages to the device. In order to prevent that, a mobile plate 40 with the bolt support 20 can be used (FIGURE 4). The mobile plate 40 carries bolt supports 20 on it, affixed to the strip 11 in one line 41 transversally to the strip 11, so that during the manipulation it can easily go across the bends 42. For the distribution of forces, it is useful to affix the hanging object 8 to the supporting element 10 nearby the exit hole 13. The non-extensible strip 11 of precisely dimensioned length must be used, and the latching is to be done in the position when the strip 11 is tightened to the maximum. Under such conditions the hanging object 8 will entirely adhere to the fixed part 2. This solution shows that the bolt supports 20, which can be deformed by the forces that are exerted upon them, do not need to be at the remote fixed part 1 of the device. This type of solution is also possible for other variants described in this patent.

Description of the functioning

The device in this variant functions similarly as in the Variant I. The difference is the method of latching and unlatching, which is done in the following way: while the operator holds the rope 6 tight, with the other hand (or other operator) with the stick 5 he inserts the key 33 into the key guide 34 shaped as the truncated pyramid and guides the key 33 straight to the keyhole 35 on the cylinder 32. By turning the key 33 the entire assembly is turned, made of the key guide 34 connected to the cam 36 that has 2 paddles 37 on itself mutually moved by 90 degrees. By turning the cylinder by 90 degrees the paddles 37 push the two plates 38 mutually connected by the connection 38a sliding along the joist 39. In one turning direction of the cylindrical lock 32 the slide bolt 4 comes across the supports 20 and performs the latching, and in the opposite direction the unlatching of the slide bolt 4. For the mechanism to function, a mutual distance between the plates 38 should be greater than the semi-diameter of the paddles 37 multiplied by 1,41, and smaller than two semi-diameter of the paddles 37. The entire locking mechanism, made of the cylinder 32, key guide 34, cam 36 and paddles 37, is attached to the joist 39 and can, to a limited extent (up to 90 degrees) rotate around its longitudinal axis. Thanks to the wide surface of the plates 38, the forces from the paddles 37 can be transferred to the plates 38, accessing the device by the stick 5 from different angles.

When the slide bolt 4 is massive, tire described mechanism is not robust to move it, therefore it should be used only to unlock the slide bolt 4, and the slide bolt 4 itself should be manipulated in the manner described in the Variant I.

The described mechanism with the cylindrical lock and key 33 on the stick 5 can be used for the locking of any equipment installed in a remote place, even unrelated to the device described in the patent herein. If the point of access to the device is defined in advance neither the plates 38, the paddles 37 nor rotation around the joist 39 are needed, so the whole mechanism with cylinder could be significantly simplified.

Variant III

This variant represents a simple and, above all, a compact solution in which all that is needed is on the interlock 3 itself. This variant has the potential to be most widely used, primarily intended for the lighter hanging objects 8, however not limited only to that segment of use. The mobile part 2 of the device without special adjustments is applicable both for horizontal and vertical mounting as well as for the placing of the interlock“in front of’ and“behind” the mobile part of the device.

FIGURE 6 shows a view of the vertical surface (wall) mounting device.

FIGURE 7 shows a view of the horizontal surface (ceiling) mounting device.

Description of the fixed part of the device

The fixed part 1 contains all the elements described in the basic variants and Variants I and II with addition of the lever slot 63 (the same slot is on the strip 11) and the end stop for the movement of the hook 47. This stop 47 ensures precise positioning of the interlock 3 above the bolt slot 19, and its dimensions should not hinder the manipulation with the rope 6.

Description of the mobile part

The mobile part 2 looks like a cylinder with a round or elliptical base. In this variant, the interlock 3 performs the fimction of the supporting element 10 as well, consisting of the following parts: the slide bolt 4 which rotates it around the axis 48. Movement of the slide bolt 4 is limited with the stops 49 and 50. The barycenter of the bolt is marked with a full circle 68 in FIGURES 6, 8, 9 and 10. The lever 51 rotates on the same axis 48, and its movement is limited by the slide bolt 4 on one side and the stop 52 on the other. The barycenter of the lever is marked with a filled square 69 in FIGURES 6, 8, 9 and 10. A part accepting the rope 53 and part for pushing the bolt 54 can be seen on the lever 51. The position of the barycenter 68 and barycenter 69 is important for understanding of the device operation. The next element is the strip 11 that connects the interlock 3 and hanging object 8. On the strip 11 we can also see the hole needed for the movement of the part accepting the rope 53. The interlock 3 consists of two straight cylinders, the end cylinders 55, carrying the stops 49, 50 and 52 to which the strip 11 is attached, and between them is the axis 48 that connects them and gives them firmness, carrying the slide bolt 4 and the lever 51 that can rotate around the axis 48 to a limited extent. At the very contact point of the ropes 6 with the interlock 3, the cylinders 55 may have dents 56 in order to facilitate easier removal of the rope 6 from the interlock 3 at the end of the manipulation procedure. The length of the interlock 3 is greater than the length of the bolt hole 19 and the lever slot 63, so they do not hinder its movement. The space between the further ends of the two parts accepting the rope 19 is greater than the width of the slot 18 so the slot does not hinder the movement of the lever 51. Considering that in this variant the interlock 3 does not hang from the entry hole 14 as in previous variants, but it leans on the fixed part 1, the access with the bracket 15 and the rope 6 is difficult, so it might be useful to use an additional interlock 57. The additional interlock 57 is shaped as a roller same as other interlock. The additional rope 58 is attached to its two ends and it is thrown over the interlock 3 so that when the additional interlock 57 is pulled the additional rope 58 performs the same role as the rope 6. In order to ensure that, after the manipulation is done, the additional rope 58 is returned to its starting position, there is the weight 60 placed tightening the additional rope 58 via the ropes 62 all the way to the stops 59 that are attached to the strip 11. This manipulation is shown in FIGURE 6. FIGURE 7 shows the other method of returning the additional rope 58 into the starting position by being tied by the rope 62 to one end of the elastic strip 61. The elastic strip 61 is affixed to the strip 11 with the other end. In the other case the elastic force changes the gravitational force that is transferred by the weight 60 via ropes 62 to the rope 58.

Description of the functioning

To follow the description of the functioning, one should follow the movement of the device elements in FIGURES 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, taking into consideration the position of the barycentre of certain elements (filled circle 68 shows the position of the barycentre of the slide bolt 4, and the filled square 69 the position of the barycentre of the lever 51). In describing the functioning, three most important forces that are exerted upon the motion of the mobile part 2 have been taken into consideration, as follows: the weight of the hanging object 8, the tension of the rope 6 and the weight of the interlock 3.

In the position when the hanging object 8 is attached the operator throws the rope 6 over the interlock 3 and it fits into the part accepting the rope 53 of the lever 51. When the rope 6 is attached the operator pulls the rope 6 towards himself, the lever 51 rotates around the axis 48 and the part pushing the bolt 54 is pushing the slide bolt 4 and it starts pulling out of the bolt slot 19. The length of the part accepting the rope 53 provides that its tip is behind the level of the strip 11 so that the strip 11 does not allow the rope 6 to be removed until the moment when the slide bolt 4 is unlatched. It would be ideal if complete pulling out of the slide bolt 4 from the bolt slot 19 i.e. the unlatching took place when the rope is taken off the part accepting the rope 53 or just before that moment.

In FIGURE 8, for the vertical mounting with the interlock 3“behind” the mobile part 2, a side view is shown on the elements of the mobile part 2, by stages:

FIGURE 8a: shows an initial view of the device with the rope 6 attached on the interlock 3. In this figure the elements of the device important for the procedure monitoring are shown and the same applies for the FIGURES 8, 9 i 10,

FIGURE 8b: shows a view after the pulling of the rope 6 and rotating of the lever 51 that pulls out the slide bolt 4 when it is not out of the bolt slot 19 yet,

FIGURE 8c: the slide bolt 4 is released from the pressure by the bolt slot 19 and suddenly rotates towards the stop 49, and the rope 6 is shown at the moment of being removed from the lever 51 , FIGURE 8d: the rope 6 is removed from the lever 51, the interlock 3 moved from the bolt slot 19 under the weight of the hanging object 8, so there is no possibility for the re-locking, and the rope 6 is attached to the strip 11 and it is positioned in the dents for the rope 56,

FIGURE 8e: the interlock 3 is additionally rotated until it reaches the balance position conditioned by mutual influence of the mentioned three forces,

In FIGURES 8f, 8g and 8h the position of the elements of the interlock 3 can be followed conditioned by the mentioned forces, also by following the positions of the barycenter 68 and barycenter 69.

Lifting and attaching manipulation can be seen in these same FIGURES and in FIGURE 8h to FIGURE 8A when at the end of the lifting process the slide bolt 4 under its own weight is pulled in the bolt slot 19.

FIGURE 9 is a side view of the elements of the mobile part in stages for the lowering manipulation in case of the horizontal mounting and when the interlock 3 is“in front of’ the mobile part 2:

FIGURE 9a is an initial view of the device with the rope 6 attached to the interlock 3,

FIGURE 9b shows the moment when the slide bolt 4 is pulled out of the bolt slot 19 and the rope 6 still on the lever 51 ,

FIGURE 9c shows the interlock 3 that is moved by the weight of the hanging object 8 and disabled the slide bolt 4 to fall into the bolt slot 19 again, and the rope switched to the strip 11 and in the rope dents 56.

FIGURES 9d and 9e show continuation of the movements of the mobile parts of the interlock 3 conditioned by the mentioned forces and following the positions of the barycentre 68 and 69.

FIGURE 10 shows a side view of the elements of the mobile part 2 in stages for the manipulation of lifting in horizontal mounting and the interlock 3“in front of’ the mobile part 2:

In FIGURES 10a and 10b we can follow the conduct of the elements of the interlock 3,

FIGURE 10c shows a moment when the interlock 3 reaches the final stop of the interlock movement 47 and when the slide bolt 4 slides into the bolt hole 19.

FIGURE lOd shows detachment of the rope 6 from the interlock 3 when it pushes the lever 51, moved by the bracket 15, until the rope 6 is released from the lever 51 and remains free for the rope bracket 15 to detach it from the interlock 3. The lever 51 , under its own weight, returns to the balanced position shown in the FIGURE lOe, or the position in which the device is ready for the next detachment manipulation.

Safe and reliable hanging of the hanging object 8 is ensured by the friction between the slide bolt 4 and the bolt hole 19. Prior to the detachment of the rope 6 from the interlock 3 and due to the round shape of the interlock 3, the rope 6 could get stuck between the strip 11 and the interlock 3, and it could be solved if one strand of the rope is strongly pulled. The other solution is a constructive one, including making of the dents 56 on the interlock 3 at the contact point of the strip 1 1 and the interlock 3 which do not hinder other stages of manipulation, and release the rope 6 from getting stuck as mentioned.

When for the manipulation an additional interlock 57 is used, the procedure is as follows: the operator puts the rope 6 on the additional interlock 57 and pulls it towards himself, then the additional rope 58 sits on the part for the acceptance of the rope 53 on the lever 51 where the rope 6 would normally sit. Further procedure is identical to the manipulation with the rope 6. When the hanging object 8 is being lifted and the latching is done the operator takes off the rope 6 from the additional interlock 57, the weight 60 or elastic strip 61 pulls the additional rope 58 over the ropes 62 so that the rope 58 moves the lever 51 and bypass the part for the acceptance of the rope 53 and is placed in the initial position ready for a new manipulation.

Procedure of manipulation with device

The procedure of manipulation with the device can be divided into three procedures as follows:

Procedure A - Mounting of the hanging object 8 together with the mobile part 2 of the device into the fixed part 1 of the device.

Procedure B - Lowering of the already mounted mobile part 2 of the device, together with the hanging object 8, for servicing and re-lifting and fastening into the fixed part 1 of the device,

Procedure C - Demounting of the mobile part 2 of the device together with the hanging object 8.

General rules apply for all procedures:

- manipulations should be performed from such direction that the force of pulling the rope 6 attached to the interlock 3 be approximately at the right angle on the longitudinal axis of the interlock 3, otherwise there is the risk of the rope 6 being pulled out of the guideways 17 or being removed from the interlock 3 and thus hinder the proper operation of the device,

- during the manipulations it is necessary that the longitudinal axis of the interlock 3 is at all times in a horizontal position therefore the pulling or releasing of both strands of the doubled rope 6 should be done in parallel i.e. pulling or releasing of one strand is not allowed, unless easy sliding of the rope 6 over the strip 11 and interlock 3 is ensured. Otherwise, there is the risk that the interlock 3 is beveled and the rope 6 removes from it causing the hanging object 8 to fall on the ground uncontrollably. This is achieved by the rope 6 wound on a winch 45 or if the rope 6 is held with hands in a way that both ends of the doubled rope 6 are held at the same time in one hand (as in the FIGURE 1). If the rope 6 is removed from the guideways 17 by careless handing the stops 46 will prevent the rope from falling through the slot 18 and thus prevent the hanging object 8 from falling down uncontrollably. In case the rope 6 is removed from the guideways 17 the procedure is to put the mobile part 2 on the ground, holding the ends of the rope 6 in parallel, then put the rope 6 on the ground too, and then according to the procedure A for the first mounting, everything is lifted.

Description of the Procedure A: Mounting the hanging object 8 together with the mobile part 2 of the device into the fixed part 1 of the device consists of the following steps:

1. On the grooves 44 of the rope bracket 15 the operator puts the doubled light rope 6 long enough that the other end of the rope 6 stays with the operator the whole time, controlled manually or otherwise (by pulling or loosening),

2. Towards the fixed part 1 of the device the operator brings the doubled light rope 6 to the entry hole 14 of the fixed part 1 of the device with the light stick 5 (drone and the like), with the rope bracket 15 on it,

3. Through the entry hole 14 into the fixed part 1 of the device the rope 6 is pulled in and through the slots 18 towards the exit hole 13 of the fixed part 1, through the gui deways 17, so that the rope 6 enters the guideways 17. Then the rope 6 is pulled out the fixed part of the device through the exit hole 13. The bracket 15 must be of shape and dimensions that suit the slot 18 so as to ensure that the rope 6 is guided precisely above the guideways 17.

4. The bracket 15 is pulled in with the rope 6 towards the operator and removes the rope 6 from the bracket 15 so that both ends of the doubled rope attached to the fixed part 1 are with the operator. This part of manipulation is shown in the FIGURE 15.

4. a. If the hanging object requires a stronger and harder rope 16, such doubled rope should be connected with the light rope 6 by a smooth coupling 63 to the end coming out of the entry hole 14, and pull both strands of the light rope coming out of the exit hole 13 until the stronger rope 16 replaces the position of the light rope 6. A view of the smooth coupling 63 can be seen in FIGURE 12. Further manipulation is independent of the rope type.

5. The operator now manually puts the end of the doubled rope coming out of the exit hole 13 of the fixed part Ion the interlock 3 so that the mobile part 2 together with the hanging object 8 be hung on the rope 6.

6. The operator pulls the end of the doubled rope 6 coming out of the entry hole 14 of the fixed part 1, manually or by device such as the winding winch 45. The rope 6 through the guideways 17 precisely guides the mobile part 2 of the device into the fixed part 1 to the position when the mobile part 2 reaches the final position (the final position is determined by the stop 21 or when the hanging object 8 touches the construction 9).

7. Then the latching of the mobile part 2 in the present position is done. The latching, depending on the variant of the device, is done manually or automatically.

8. Removing the rope 6, which can be done either by a simple pulling of one end of the doubled rope 6 downwards until the other end of the rope is put over the interlock 3 or the rope 6 is taken over by the stick 5 with the rope bracket 15 when the operator moves the stick 5 so that one strand of the doubled rope 6 is seated in the groove 31 on the rope bracket 15 with slightly tightened rope 6, then moves the stick 5 aside enough to make the space between the two strands of the doubled rope 6 so that the other strand could be put on the other groove 31 of the rope bracket 15, then the stick 5 is pushed along the ropes until it reaches the interlock 3 and continues to lift part of the rope 6 that was attached to the strip 11 and the interlock 3 and releases it from the interlock 3. The rope 6 should be slightly tightened all the time, then the stick 5 is pulled back horizontally and takes the rope 6 away from the interlock 3.

Removing the rope 6 is a reverse procedure to that shown in FIGURES 16 and 17. The other method of removing the rope is applicable only for the light rope 6 and it is more favorable when installation of other same hanging objects 8 that are nearby and at the same height should be continued (such as for example the installation of the new year’s decoration on the street light poles in a row alongside streets). The advantage of this method is that the rope 6 stays on the rope bracket 15 and it is enough for the operator to bring the entire set (a stick 5 with the bracket 15 and the rope 6) to the next device. Removing the stronger rope 16 is done when the operator pulls one strand of the rope until its position replaces the light rope 6, and then the light rope 6 is removed in the already described manner. The reverse procedure from the one shown in the FIGURES 12a and 12b.

Description of the Procedure B: Lowering of the mobile part 2 of the device together with the hanging object 8 for servicing and re-lifting and fastening of the mobile part 2 together with the hanging object 8 into the fixed part 1 consists of the following steps:

1. The operator places the doubled light rope 6 on the grooves 31 of the rope bracket 15. It is necessary to select the rope 6 long enough to do the manipulation (the smallest length is a four-fold distance between the operator and the fixed part 1 of the device). The other end of the rope 6 is held by the operator slightly tightened, enough to keep the shape as in FIGURES 16a and 17a.

2a. In case when the interlock is“in front of’’the device, the operator brings the doubled light rope 6 to the fixed part 1 of the device with the rope bracket 15 and the light stick 5 (or drone and the like) so that it is above the interlock 3. The distance between the two strands of the doubled rope 6 is greater than the length of the interlock 3 so that it does not touch it during its placement. Dimensions and position of the interlock 3 define the dimensions, shape and position of the rope bracket 15. FIGURE 17b.

2b. In case when the interlock is“behind” the operator takes the bracket 15 with the rope 6 into the entry hole 16 so that it is underneath the interlock 3 as in FIGURE 16b.

3. The operator moves the rope bracket 15 and the rope 6 towards the interlock 3 and further until it passes the interlock so that the rope 6 remains attached to the hook, or the strip 11 in place where it is connected to the interlock 3, FIGURES 16c and 17c.

4. The operator pulls the rope bracket 15 backwards, holding the rope 6 slightly tightened so that it remains on the strip 11 and the interlock 3 and the rope bracket 15 slides on the doubled ends of the rope 6 and gets out of the interlock 3 zone, FIGURES 16d and 17d.

5. By moving the rope bracket 15 with the Stick 5 aside to one strand of the doubled rope 6, as in FIGURES 16e and 17e, and by turning the stick 5, the rope bracket 15 is released from the rope 6, and the rope 6 still remains tightened under control of the operator, as in FIGURES 16e and 17e.

6. In case the manipulation with the hanging object 8 requires stronger rope 16 than the rope that is attached, the replacement is done by attaching the stronger and heavier rope 16 to one end of the doubled rope 6, and then the other free end of the light rope 6 is pulled until the stronger rope 16 is put over the interlock 3 and brought to the operator. The coupling 63 between the light rope 6 and the stronger rope 16 should be smooth so that it does not get stuck when passing over the hook. The replacement of the light rope 6 with the stronger rope 16 is shown in FIGURES 12a and 12b. Further manipulation is continued independently of which rope is used for manipulation (hereinafter we will refer to the rope 6 only because the same procedures are also used when the manipulation is done with the strong rope 16).

7. On the rope 6 the operator places the brake 7 by affixing it to both ends of the rope 6. The brake 7 must be of such dimensions and shape that it does not pass through the entry hole 14 of the fixed part 1 of the device. The spot on the rope 6 where the brake 7 is placed determines the final position of the hanging object 8 at lowering (the brake 7 is not necessary if it is planned that the hanging object 8 is lowered to the ground during servicing). FIGURE 1 shows the method of placing the brake 7 on the rope 6, FIGURE 11a shows the position of the brake 7 before the manipulation starts, and FIGURE 1 lb is a view of the brake 7 performing the braking function.

8. The operator tightens the attached rope 6 in order to enable that the slide bolt 4 for latching is released from the pressure made by the weight of the hanging object 8.

9. The slide bolt is unlatched either automatically (in Variant III of the device), or manually (in Variant I and II by the operator using the hook 30 or key 33 on the stick 5).

10. This is followed by the lowering of the mobile part 2 of the device together with the hanging object 8, when the operator loosens the rope 6 (manually or by unwinding the winch 45). The lowering can be done vertically downwards or by moving towards the operator at an angle in relation to the vertical using the rope 6 as a support, as shown in FIGURES 18, 19, 20 and 21. When the rope 6 is used as a support, the shape of the brake 7 should not hinder bypassing the hanging object 8 and the addition for support 12. The operator lowers the mobile part 2 of the device and the hanging object 8 either on a surface or to the height determined by the brake. When the hanging object 8 is lowered to the determined height, the intervention may follow on the hanging object hung on the rope, or the hanging object 8, together with the mobile part 2 of the device is detached by taking the interlock 3 off the rope 6, and continuing to carry out the servicing at any place.

11. Upon servicing and returning of the mobile part 2 and the hanging object 8 by attaching the interlock 3 on the rope 6 (if detached) the operator pulls the doubled rope 6 in, manually or with a device (winch 45 and the like), thus pulling in the mobile part 2 and the hanging object 8 to the fixed part 1 of the device. The rope 6 through the guideways 17 precisely puts the mobile part 2 of the device into the fixed part 1 to the position when the mobile part 2 reaches the final position (the final position is determined by the stop 21 or when the hanging object 8 touches the construction 9).

12. Then the latching of the slide bolt 4 in the present position is done. The latching, depending on the variant of the device, is done manually or automatically.

13. Removing of the rope 6 follows, which can be done in two ways. The first way is by simple pulling of one end of the doubled rope 6 towards the operator until the other end is put over the interlock 3. The other way of removing the rope 6 can be followed in FIGURES 16f to 16a and FIGURES 17F to 17A, and it is done by taking over the rope 6 with the stick 5 and the rope bracket 15 by leaning the grooves 31 on one strand of the doubled rope 6, slightly tightening the rope 6; then the stick 5 is moved to the side so much to make space between the two strands of the doubled rope 6 so that the other strand could be attached to the other groove 31 of the rope bracket 15; then the stick 5 is moved to slide over the rope 6 strands until it reaches the interlock 3 and end of the rope 6 so that it is tightened over the bracket 15. Further on the operator moves the stick 5 and the rope bracket 15 with the rope 6 and takes it off the interlock 3.

This other method of removing the rope is applicable only with the light rope 6 and it is useful in case when the servicing needs to done on the same other hanging objects 8 that are nearby and at the same height (for example changing the bulbs of the indoor lighting systems inside a hall). The advantage of this method is that the rope 6 stays on the rope bracket 15 and it is enough that the operator just brings the whole set (the stick 5 with the rope bracket 15 and the rope 6 to the next hanging object 8). Removal of the stronger rope 16 is done by the operator pulling one end of the stronger rope until its position is replaced by the light rope 6, and then the light rope 6 is removed as already described.

Description of Procedure C: Complete disassembly of the mobile part 2 of the device together with the hanging object 8 consists of the following steps:

The steps are the same as in the Procedure B from point 1 to point 10, followed by the rope removal. The operator is free to remove the rope 6 from the fixed part 1 of the device by pulling to himself either the strands of the doubled rope 6 coming out of the hole 14 or the strands coming out of the hole 13 until the rope 6 falls off the fixed part 1 of the device. In case of a very heavy rope whose free falling would be risky, before the removal of the stronger rope 16 it is possible to attach to it the light pilot rope 6 that would similarly to the placing of the stronger rope 16 serve as the additional rope, holding the heavy rope 16 when pulled through the fixed part 1 , until it is lowered.

INDUSTRIAL OR OTHER APPLICATIONS OF THE DEVICE

The device and procedure can be applied for industrial, home or communal needs where it is necessary to install the equipment in places that are difficult for direct access and/or needing to be accessed periodically for servicing, periodic inspections, cleaning or frequent installing or de-installing of the equipment.

Examples of applications are:

- indoor and outdoor lights,

- chimney and aerial pole lighting,

- traffic signalization,

- measuring and surveillance equipment such as the elements of video surveillance, motion sensors, smoke and fire detectors, gas detectors,

- crane systems and their elements,

- various carriers of pipe fittings and cable trays,

- aerial systems and their elements,

- roof ventilation systems,

- outdoor units of air conditioners, - billboards and banners high up on buildings or constructions,

- decoration elements such as the city new year light decorations,

- foldable constructions such as tent constructions, green house constructions, smaller prefabricated facilities and the like.

- the fixed part of the device could be installed on the outside of high buildings and serve for evacuation of people or equipment in emergency situations, as well as to lift firemen or rescuers to high floors.

- the device and procedure may be used also in cases when de-installing of the equipment is not planned however it makes easier, faster and cheaper the first mounting such as installation of above ground electrical network that would first be formed on the ground along lines of pillars and then by such devices the complete line together with insulators and conductors carriers would be lifted up on the pillars. This solution is acceptable considering the reliability and price of the device, working speed and workplace safety.

Many examples of the device applications are already listed here, however that surely does not exhaust all its possibilities.