DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0001]The present invention relates to a rapid protection camming device. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for coupling a rapid protection camming device to an equipment holder of a harness. BACKGROUND ART

[0002]As known, a rapid protection camming device, in technical jargon referred to as a "friend", is a mechanical device, with movable cams, used as a means for securing and/or progressing while climbing a rock face. [0003]Hereinafter, reference will be made either to friend or to rapid protection camming device, meaning the same device.

[0004]In its essential form, a friend comprises a shank and a system of mobile cams, which cams can be actuated by means of a transmission and by virtue of the sliding of a movable component along the shank. [0005]More in detail, by sliding the movable component along the shank in the direction opposite to the system of mobile cams, a retracting action of the movable cams is achieved, which thus reduce their overall dimensions. [0006]Instead, when the movable component is released, by virtue of a spring-operated system, the cams tend to return to the initial position, in which the system of mobile cams is open and has a larger dimension than the retracting position.

[0007]By virtue of this operating mode, the user, after having retracted the camming system with the movement of the movable component along the shank, can insert the system of mobile cams into a crack in the rock. Once the movable component is released, the camming system opens and grips the walls of the crack in the rock. [0008]The shape of the friend is such that the extraction of the cam system from the slot is prevented precisely by virtue of the extraction movement from the crack, which causes a broadening of the system of mobile cams.

[0009]A possible example of a rapid protection camming device is shown in the Canadian patent application CA 2537289 A1. In this particular example, the friend is provided at the opposite end of the shank relative to the mobile cams, with a lanyard which can be used during climb, or for connection to the equipment holder of the harness by means of a carabiner.

[0010]Although widely appreciated and used, the rapid protection camming device of the prior art are not free from drawbacks.

[0011]Indeed, the rapid protection devices of known type require a change of position of the hand between the step of grasping of the friend, when it is connected to the equipment holder of the harness, and the step of positioning of the friend, in which the system of mobile cams must be actuated. [0012]More in detail, in the step of grasping of the friend, it is necessary to grasp a carabiner, generally connected with a tape to the shank of the friend, and then release it from the equipment holder.

[0013]The hand must then be repositioned so that the movable component can be actuated along the shank and the system of mobile cams can be operated.

[0014]Changing the position of the hand, especially while climbing up a rock face, is certainly not an easy operation, and may have serious consequences such as dropping the friend.

OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION

[0015]Therefore, the need is felt to solve the drawbacks and limitations mentioned above with reference to the prior art. [0016]Therefore, a need is felt to provide a rapid protection camming device which can be used more easily. [0017]Furthermore, the need is felt for a rapid protection camming device which does not require a repositioning of the hand from the step of grasping to the step of positioning. [0018]Such requirements are met by a rapid protection camming device according to claim 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more comprehensible from the following description of preferred embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples, in which: figure 1 shows a diagrammatic side view of a rapid protection camming device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a possible configuration of use; figures 2 and 3 show a diagrammatic view of two possible embodiments of a rapid protection camming device according to the present invention; - figures 4 and 5 show diagrammatic views of a portion of a rapid protection camming device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in two operating conditions;

- figure 6 shows in a diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment of a portion of a rapid protection camming device according to the present invention; figures 7 and 8 show diagrammatic views of a rapid protection camming device to an embodiment of the present invention, in two possible configurations of use; and figure 9 shows a diagrammatic view of a rapid protection camming device according to an embodiment of the present invention, held by a user; figure 10 shows a diagrammatic view of a possible embodiment of a portion of a rapid protection camming device according to the present invention; figure 11 shows a diagrammatic exploded view of a portion of a rapid protection camming device according to a possible embodiment of the present invention;

- figures 12 and 13 show diagrammatic views of a rapid protection camming device to a possible embodiment of the present invention, in two possible configurations of use. [0020]Elements or parts in common to the embodiments described will be indicated hereafter using the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021]In figure 1, reference numeral 12 indicates a rapid protection camming device 12 according to the present invention as a whole.

[0022]The rapid protection camming device 12 comprises a shank 14 having a first end 16 and a second end 18. A system of mobile cams 20 is arranged at the first end 16, a tape 22 is connected close to said second end 18, to which tape a carabiner 24 comprising a gate 26 is connected. [0023]Engagement means 28 are provided at the second end 18 adapted to retain a portion of the carabiner 24. The gate 26 is provided with a lever 30 protruding towards the interior of the carabiner 24 adapted to actuate the opening of the gate 26 of the carabiner 24. [0024]The system of mobile cams 20, which is provided at the first end 16 of the shank 14, is diagrammatically shown in figure 1. However, the system of mobile cams 20 is adapted to assume an open position and an insertion position following the action of a user on a cam puller 32.

[0025]In particular, the rapid protection camming device comprises a cam puller 32 adapted to slide along the shank 14, towards the second end of the shank 18 to actuate the system of mobile cams 20 from the open position to the insertion position.

[0026]The rapid protection camming device 12 further comprises automatic retraction means 34 adapted to return the system of mobile cams 20 from the insertion position to the open position, and are thus adapted to make the cam puller 32 slide along the shank 14 towards the first end 16.

[0027]The automatic retracting means 34 may comprise, for example, spring-operated means (not shown). The retracting means 34, being known in themselves, will not be further described. [0028]As shown in figure 7, according to a possible embodiment, the cam puller 32 may comprise a central body 36 from which two side arms 38, 40 protrude in a transverse direction. Furthermore, the central body may be provided with a sliding seat 42 for the shank 14.

[0029]As shown in figure 1, a through-hole 44, inside which the tape 22 is inserted, may be arranged at the second end 18. The tape 22 can be inserted into the through-hole 44 so that it can either slide inside or not slide.

[0030]Advantageously, the tape 22 can make a closed loop, in which the carabiner 24 is also inserted, as can be seen in the embodiments shown in the accompanying figures. In alternative embodiments, the tape can be made by means of a section of material at the ends of which respective fastening rings to the shank 14 and the carabiner 24 are provided.

[0031]According to a possible embodiment, the engagement means 28 may comprise two flexible wings 46, 48, one facing the other, adapted to retain a portion of the carabiner 24 therebetween.

[0032]As shown in figure 1, the flexible wings 46, 48 are adapted to keep the carabiner locked at the shank 14 to be integral. [0033]This is particularly advantageous during the use of the device because it allows to have a carabiner locked relative to the shank and not free and spaced from the shank by means of the tape alone.

[0034]According to a possible embodiment, the flexible wings 46, 48 can be made of polymer material.

Advantageously, the flexible wings 46, 48 can be made of high-tenacity polymer material, e.g. ABS or PA6.

[0035]According to alternative embodiments, the flexible wings 46, 48 can be made of harmonic steel or composite materials. Advantageously, the flexible wings 46, 48 can be made from carbon foils.

[0036]According to an aspect of the present invention, the flexible wings 46, 48 are adapted to allow an elastic deformation such as to allow the insertion of a portion of the carabiner 24 between the two flexible wings 46, 48, and to prevent the accidental extraction thereof. Likewise, the flexible wings 46, 48, by means of their elastic deformation, are adapted to the extraction of the carabiner 24 from the flexible wings 46, 48 by the user. [0037]Advantageously, the flexible wings 46, 48 can be adapted to accommodate a base portion of the carabiner 24, close to the connection point of the gate 26.

[0038]According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the flexible wings 46, 48 are provided with an inner surface 50, 52 shaped to accommodate a portion of the carabiner 24.

[0039]Advantageously, the inner surface 50, 52 can be counter-shaped relative to a portion of said carabiner 28. [0040]In other words, the inner surface 50, 52 may comprise a seat, having in section a substantially shaped as an arc of a circle, adapted to accommodate a surface portion of the carabiner 24.

[0041]According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, at least one shape guide 54, 56 is made at the second end 18, in which the flexible wings 46, 48 are provided.

[0042]At least one shape guide 54, 56 may protrude from a connecting portion 58 between the two flexible wings 46, 48 in the direction opposite to the zone between the two flexible wings 46, 48, creating an abutment for the outer surface of the carabiner 24 close to the portion engaged by the flexible wings 46, 48.

[0043]According to a possible embodiment, shown in the example in figure 3, the shape guides 54, 56 can be two and opposite to each other. Advantageously, the shape guides 54, 56 together with the connecting portion 58 can make a U, in which the shape guides 54, 56 define the arms of the U. [0044]In figures 4 and 5, a carabiner 24 is shown with a gate 26 to which lever 30 is connected.

[0045]Advantageously, the shape guides 54, 56 are adapted to prevent the rotation of the carabiner 24 on the engagement means 28, and to fix its position, to facilitate the actuation of the opening system of the gate 26, as will be described below.

[0046]According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the engagement means 28 and/or the guides of form 54, 56, which in use is intended to come into contact with the portion of the carabiner 24, may be coated with a layer of non-slip material, such as rubber or silicone. Thereby, it is possible to further limit the rotation of the carabiner relative to the engagement means. [0047]According to a possible embodiment, the flexible wings 46, 48 and/or the shape guides 54, 56 can be made in one piece with the shank end 14 or assembled to the shank 14.

[0048]According to a possible alternative embodiment shown in figures 10-13, the engagement means 28 may comprise a substantially C-shaped coupling element 68, with a side seat 70. The coupling element 68 is adapted to accommodate a portion of the carabiner 24 inside the side seat 70. [0049]As shown in figure 13, the coupling element 68 is adapted to keep the carabiner locked to the shank 14 so that the carabiner is held together as a whole.

[0050]As for the embodiment mentioned above, this is particularly advantageous during the use of the device because it allows to have a carabiner locked relative to the shank and not free and spaced from the shank by means of the tape alone.

[0051]According to a possible embodiment, the coupling element 68 can be made of polymer material, preferably of elastomer material. Advantageously, the coupling element 68 can be made of high-tenacity polymer material, e.g. TPU or the like.

[0052]As with the embodiment described above, the coupling element 68 is adapted to allow an elastic deformation such that a portion of the carabiner 24 can be inserted into the side seat 70, preventing the accidental removal therefrom. Similarly, the coupling element 68, by means of elastic deformation, is adapted to allow the extraction of the carabiner 24 from the side seat 70 by the user.

[0053]Advantageously, the side seat 70 can be adapted to accommodate a base portion of the carabiner 24, close to the connection point of the gate 26.

[0054]Advantageously, the side seat 70 can be counter- shaped relative to a portion of said carabiner 28. [0055]In other words, the side seat 70 may be substantially shaped as an arc of a circle, adapted to accommodate a surface portion of the carabiner 24.

[0056]As can be seen, for example in figure 12, the side seat 70 can allow the carabiner to be inserted in directions substantially transverse to the direction of the shank 14.

[0057]In this regard, the coupling element 68 at a distal end relative to the shank 14, may comprise an abutment portion 72, protruding in a direction transverse to the axis of the shank 14, adapted to oppose a movement of the carabiner 24 in directions substantially parallel to the axial direction of the shank.

[0058]In this regard, given the elasticity of the coupling element 68, the carabiner can also be extracted from the coupling element by applying a force on the carabiner substantially parallel to the axial direction of the shank 14.

[0059]Similarly, the carabiner 24 can be inserted into the side seat 70 by means of a simple movement of pressure and rotation.

[0060]However, due to the transverse opening of the side seat 70, the release of the carabiner 24 from the coupling element 68 can also take place by turning the carabiner, e.g. as shown by the arrow in figure 13. [0061]In figures 12 and 13, a carabiner 24 is shown with a gate 26 to which lever 30 is connected.

[0062]Advantageously, the side seat 70 can be adapted to oppose the rotation of the carabiner 24 on the engagement means 28, and to fix its position, to facilitate the actuation of the opening system of the gate 26, as will be described below.

[0063]According to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the side seat 70, which in use is intended to come into contact with the portion of the carabiner 24, may be coated with a layer of non-slip material, such as rubber or silicone. Thereby, it is possible to further limit the accidental rotation of the carabiner relative to the engagement means. [0064]According to a possible embodiment, the coupling element 68 can be made, e.g. by spray-coating an end element 74 connected to shank 14. For example, as shown in figure 11, the coupling element 68 can be made by spray-coating on an end element 74, in the case of a slotted lug, permanently connected to a steel cable.

[0065]As mentioned above, the lever 30 protrudes towards the interior of carabiner 24 and it is adapted to actuate the opening of gate 26 itself.

[0066]In particular, the gate 26, connected to the carabiner structure through a hinge 60, can be rotated through the action on the lever 30, because the lever is rigidly fixed to the gate 26.

[0067]Advantageously, the direction of action on the lever 30 to actuate the gate 26 opening can be as shown in figures 1 and 4 with reference numeral 62.

[0068]According to a possible embodiment, the lever 30 can be a substantially hollow element, rigidly fixed to the gate 26 and adapted to extend towards the interior of the carabiner even beyond the carabiner itself, as can be seen in the examples in figures 4 and 5. In particular, the lever 30 can be provided with a cavity 64, such that the lever is adapted to surround an outer portion of said carabiner 24.

[0069]Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous because it allows the tape 22 to be kept in position, i.e. between the carabiner 24, the lever 30 and a portion of the gate close to the hinge 60. Thereby, since no movement of the tape towards the gate opening area is possible, the accidental pulling out is prevented. [0070]According to a possible alternative embodiment, the lever may not be hollow, and may extend beyond the carabiner on one side only.

[0071]An alternative embodiment of the lever 30 is shown in figure 6. The lever 30 substantially comprises an inextensible and flexible wire connecting the gate 26 and the shoulder 29 of the carabiner. More specifically, the connections of the lever 30 to the gate 26 and the shoulder 29 of the carabiner can be fixed. In this case, by actuating the lever 30 as in figure 9, the wire is deformed, retracting the gate 26 towards the shoulder of the carabiner and then opening it.

[0072]According to other alternative embodiments, the lever 30 may be smaller in size, e.g. it may be contained within the structure of the carabiner 24. [0073]According to a possible embodiment, when the carabiner 24 is arranged inside the engagement means 28, the lever 30 may be adapted to rotate on a plane substantially parallel to the laying of the flexible wings 46, 48, towards the connecting portion 58 between the two flexible wings 46, 48.

[0074]Advantageously, when the carabiner 24 is provided within the engagement means 28 it may have a laying substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the side arms 38, 40 of the cam puller 32. [0075]Therefore, how the rapid protection camming device according to the present invention works is now apparent. [0076]Briefly and with reference to figure 9, by grasping the rapid protection camming device with the thumb above the lever 30, the index finger to engage the arm 40 and the middle finger to engage the arm 38, it is possible at the same time, and without changing hand, to open the gate 26 of the carabiner 24 and actuate the cam puller system.

[0077]It is then possible to open the gate 26 to release the carabiner 24 from the user's harness during a climb. [0078]Furthermore, it is possible to use only one hand, it is also possible to open the carabiner and the cam puller rapidly and possibly at the same time. Thereby, it is possible, using only one hand and without changing the grasp, to actuate the opening of the carabiner and the cam retraction system at the same time.

[0079]Therefore, it is possible with the rapid protection camming device of the present invention to avoid changes of hand or using the mouth, which could lead to an accidental dropping of the device.

[0080]Figures 7 and 8 show two steps of the positioning of the friend in a slot during the progression on the rock face.

[0081]Once the rapid protection camming device has been released from the harness, by actuating the gate through the lever, it is possible to insert the cams into a slot because the same movement also actuated the cam puller. Then, pulling the carabiner 24 towards the user, e.g. along the direction indicated with the reference numeral 66 in figure 7, releases the carabiner from the engagement means 28.

[0082]Thereby, the carabiner is freed while also releasing the tape.

[0083]As mentioned above, the rapid protection camming device of the prior art provides for the need, for correct positioning, to change the grip of the tool from the step of grasping (when the friend is connected to the equipment holder of the harness), in which the carabiner is grasped, to the step of positioning, in which the cam actuating system must be grasped.

[0084]On the contrary, with the rapid protection camming device according to the present invention, it is possible to grasp the friend and hang it on the harness again, and to position it during the progression on the rock face, using only one hand and making the operation of being secured to the rock face quicker and easier.

[0085]Again, the coupling/uncoupling movement to/from the equipment holder is the same as that required to position the equipment during the progression. Therefore, all maneuvers can be carried out with one hand without changing the grip.

[0086]In order to meet contingent needs, those skilled in the art will be able to make changes to the embodiments described above and/or to replace the elements described with others which are equivalent without departing from the scope of the appended claims.