Improved removable double action rope grip

Abstract

 A rope grip comprising a shell for defining a first gripping surface and having a pair of planar members depending therefrom. An arm is pivotally mounted to said planar members and having a movably mounted member defining a second gripping surface. The two gripping surfaces are in a facing spaced relationship and define a passage for receiving a rope and/or cable. The second gripping surface travels in an angular field of motion with respect to the first gripping surface and causes a rope and/or cable of appropriate size to become jammed or frictionally engaged between the two surfaces. A portion of the first gripping surface is removable allowing the rope grip to be placed and/or removed from a position anywhere along the rope.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a rope grip for lowering the likelihood that a workman will fall to the ground in the event of an accident.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, much effort has been devoted to the development of fall prevention devices known as rope grips. The desirable qualities of such a device fall into several categories including safety, reliability, durability, versatility and convenience of use.

[0003] Dodge Machine Company, Inc. currently offers a rope grip with a number of desirable qualities, for example the rope grip is manufactured from large, simple pieces of material which pass the momentum of a fall to a safety rope through relatively massive pieces of metal providing strength, reliability and safety. It can be attached to a person by means of a lanyard so that it can be moved up and down the rope without the person having to place his hand on the grip, which makes the rope grip convenient to use. This rope grip can be placed over a rope anywhere along the length of the rope, providing for further convenience. This rope grip is versatile, it can be used with ropes having a variation in diameter of as much as a quarter of an inch or seven millimeters.

[0004] Another commercially available rope grip is described in U.K. Patent No. 1,077,068. This rope grip operates by means of three small steel balls through which the rope is passed. When the rope grip begins to fall rapidly down a rope, the friction of the rope against the balls draws them into a conical shaped housing which jams the rope between the three balls. While this device does function, it too has practical drawbacks. This device can only be used with a very narrow tolerance in rope diameter. The rope must be threaded through the rope grip, as it cannot be opened for placing the grip on the rope, nor can it be opened for cleaning. It is not possible to move this grip past a splice or a knot in the rope. Thus, this rope grip is in many ways inconvenient to use. A device such as this one, which is inconvenient to use, does not provide maximum effectiveness since it is likely that a person engaged in an activity where a rope grip should be used will not use such a device because it interferes with the activity.

[0005] An improved structure is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,542,864. This rope grip operates by means of a removable plate positioned between two side walls and an engagement arm. When the rope grip begins to fall rapidly down a rope, the friction of the rope against the engagement arm pivots the arm towards the removable plate until the rope is jammed between the arm and the plate.

[0006] The available rope grips, such as those noted above, provide varying degrees of fail-safe operation. In accordance with the present invention, these and other disadvantages of the prior art are minimized. The present invention provides a high degree of fail-safe operation while remaining versatile and convenient to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention, as claimed, is intended to provide an improved rope grip construction. It solves the problem of how to provide a reliable, convenient and consistent way of utilizing the rope grip. The present invention allows a user to conveniently place the rope grip at any position along a rope and/or a cable.

[0008] The inventive rope grip comprises a hinge having an axial pin, a pair of planar members extending therefrom and a pair of gripping surfaces defining a passage for receiving a rope. One of the gripping surfaces is further defined by a movable engagement surface and the other is defined by the axial portion of the hinge. The passage is further defined and enclosed by the planar members of the rope grip.

[0009] The configuration of the inventive rope grip allows the planar members to pivot to a closed operational position wherein said planar members are in a substantially parallel spacial relationship with respect to each other. Once put in this closed position, the inventive rope grip, through the incorporation of a quick release locking mechanism, can lock the planar members into this position. This position is the operational position of this rope grip.

[0010] The planar members may also be positioned away from each other to allow for access to the receiving area. This inventive aspect allows a user to easily remove the rope grip from a cable and/or a rope. This feature also allows for easy cleaning of the passage of debris, such as for the removal of a fouled cable.

[0011] Alternatively, this feature allows for convenient placement of the rope grip on a cable and/or a rope. The ease of placement reduces the need to string the rope grip from one end of the cable or the other. Accordingly, the inventive rope grip allows a user to place the rope grip on a cable that is already strung. The rope grip can be easily placed at any position along the cable, thereby allowing the user to avoid snags, knots or splices that would impair the movement of the rope grip along the cable and/or a rope.

[0012] Moreover, the quick release locking mechanism is extremely durable and is easily accessible. The locking mechanism allows for effortless operation. No tools are required to unlock and remove and/or place the rope grip on a cable.

[0013] In addition, in adverse weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures, the convenience of the rope grip is fully utilized. The user may operate the rope grip while wearing bulky gloves. Also, the rope grip may be quickly removed to clean ice and/or oils that become less viscous in colder temperatures.

[0014] The moveable engagement surface is pivotally mounted to one of the planar members, allowing said engagement surface to be positioned at a variable distance from the axial surface of said hinge. An operating arm is utilized to influence the position of the movable engagement surface. The operating arm is then secured to the user via a cable and/or a rope.

[0015] The placement of the operating arm and the securement of the same to a user causes the rope grip to disengage and slide upwardly as the user moves upward. Alternatively, if the user moves downward or falls the placement of the operating arm and the securement of the same to a user, causes the rope grip to frictionally engage and secure itself to the rope, thereby preventing any further movement downward.

[0016] The movable engagement surface of the inventive rope grip and the axial portion of said hinge are in a spaced faced relationship with respect to one another. The movable engagement surface is movable with respect to the axial portion of the hinge in such a manner that the movable engagement surface is closer to the axial portion at one extremity of its motion. As the moveable engagement surface reaches this extremity, the rope grip will frictionally engage a cable between its gripping surfaces.

[0017] This feature also provides a passage for a rope of variable cross section. Depending on the size of the rope and the position of the gripping surfaces a rope will be jammed between the gripping surfaces, attesting the movement of the rope grip along the rope.

[0018] The device is constructed so that the force of the rope on the movable engagement surface acts in conjunction with a force exerted on the operating arm by a user.

[0019] As an alternative, the inventive rope grip can be configured to have a shell defining a first gripping surface. An arm is pivotally mounted to said shell and having a movably mounted member defining a second gripping surface. The two gripping surfaces are in a facing spaced relationship and define a passage for receiving a rope and/or cable. The second gripping surface travels in an angular field of motion with respect to the first gripping surface and causes a rope and/or cable of appropriate size to become jammed or frictionally engaged between the two surfaces.

[0020] Moreover, the angular field of motion is configured to provide an optimum gripping configuration between said gripping surfaces. In yet another alternative embodiment, the configuration of the pivoting gripping surface is also configured to provide an optimum gripping configuration.

[0021] A portion of the first gripping surface is removable allowing the rope grip to be placed and/or removed from a position anywhere along the rope.

[0022] As illustrated below the inventive rope grip offers many advantages over available rope grips. It can be made from a plurality of parts and can be easily assembled. More particularly, the inventive feature of a quick release locking mechanism and the pivotal aspect of the planar members allows the rope grip to be easily opened and closed around a rope. This aspect causes the present invention to be superior to previous rope grips.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] One way of carrying out the invention is described in detail below with reference to drawings which illustrate a specific embodiment of the invention:

Figure 1

is a plane view of the inventive rope grip opened to express its functional parts;

Figure 2

is a side plane view along lines 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3

is a view similar to Figure 2 of the hinge portion of the inventive rope grip in its closed operational position;

Figure 4

illustrates a pivot pin used in the inventive rope grip;

Figure 5

is a plane view of a pivot arm used in the inventive rope grip;

Figure 6

is a view along lines 6-6 of Figure 5 of the pivot arm of the inventive rope grip;

Figure 7

is a view of an engagement wheel used in the inventive rope grip;

Figure 8

is a plane view of the inventive rope grip in its closed operational position;

Figure 9

is a plane view of the retaining plug of the inventive rope grip;

Figure 10

is a plane view of the retaining plug in its depressed position;

Figure 11

is a plane view of the inventive rope grip in the gripping position with part of the housing cut away to expose the positioning of the operating components;

Figure 12

is a plane view of the inventive rope grip in use with part of the housing cut away to expose the positioning of the operating components;

Figure 13

is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14

is top plane view of the figure 13 embodiment;

Figure 15

is a perspective view illustrating the operational aspects of the present invention;

Figure 16

is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 17

is a partial cross section along the lines 17-17 of the figure 16 embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 18

is view similar to figure 17 in a non-engaging position;

Figure 19

is a perspective view illustrating view of the figure 16 embodiment with part of the housing cut away to expose the positioning of the operating components and the operational aspects of the figure 16 embodiment;

Figure 20

is a side view illustrating the engagement device and surface of the figure 16 embodiment;

Figure 21

is a side view illustrating the engagement device and surface of the figure 16 embodiment;

Figure 22

is a top plane view illustrating the engagement device and surface of the figure 16 embodiment;

Figure 23

is plane view of one of the arms of the figure 16 embodiment; and

Figure 24

is a plane view of one of the side wall of the figure 16 embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Referring to Figure 1, the inventive rope grip 10 is illustrated. Rope grip 10 comprises a hinge 12. Hinge 12 is preferably manufactured from stainless steel. The steel is filed and polished to remove any burrs or imperfections.

[0025] Hinge 12 includes a pair planar members 14 and 16. Planar members 14 and 16 are configured in a semi-circular shape having a rectangular portion extending therefrom. Planar members 14 and 16 are identical in size and shape and depend away from a pivot axis 18 of hinge 12. An upper cylindrical portion 15 is affixed to planar member 14 and a lower cylindrical portion 17 is affixed to planar member 16. Cylindrical portion 15 defines an inner opening 19 and cylindrical portion 17 defines an inner opening 20. Inner openings 19 and 20 have substantially the same diameter.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment, openings 19 and 20 are aligned with each other and centered about pivot axis 18. A hinge pin 21 is configured to pass through openings 19 and 20 and extend outwardly at either end. A head portion 22 is disposed of on one end of pin 21. Head portion 22 is slightly larger in diameter than openings 19 and 20 thereby preventing pin 21 from passing completely through openings 19 and 20.

[0027] Opposite head portion 22 and after passing through openings 19 and 20, a retaining ring 23 is secured to pin 21. Retaining ring 23 is also slightly larger in diameter than openings 19 and 20 thereby preventing pin 21 from passing back through openings 19 and 20. Retaining ring 23 may be secured to pin 21 by a conventional method such as a spot weld, solder and/or a mechanical means such as a screw or a nut and bolt arrangement.

[0028] Head portion 22 and retaining ring 23 maintain cylindrical portions 15 and 17 over pin 21. Pin 21 is slightly smaller in diameter than openings 19 and 21. In this configuration, planar members 14 and 16 can now pivot towards each other and away from each other.

[0029] An elongated opening 24 and an opening 25 are positioned on planar member 14. Elongated opening 24 is angularly configured with respect to pivot axis 18 so that elongated opening 24 is closer to pivot axis 18 at it's upper extremity and further away from pivot axis 18 at it's lower extremity.

[0030] Similarly, an elongated opening 26 and an opening 28 are positioned on planar member 16. Elongated opening 26 is also angularly configured with respect to pivot axis 18 so that elongated opening 26 is closer to pivot axis 18 at it's upper extremity and further away from pivot axis 18 at it's lower extremity. The positioning of openings 24, 25, 26 and 28 allows for elongated openings 24 and 26 and openings 25 and 28 to align with each other as planar members 14 and 16 pivot towards each other.

[0031] Alternatively, elongated opening 24 may be configured to define an elongated arc opening 24a, as illustrated by the dashed lines in Figure 1. Elongated arc opening 24a is also closer to pivot axis 18 at it's upper extremity and further away from pivot axis 18 at it's lower extremity.

[0032] Similarly, elongated opening 26 may be configured to define an elongated arc opening 26a, as illustrated by the dashed lines in Figure 1. Elongated arc opening 26a is also closer to pivot axis 18 at it's upper extremity and further away from pivot axis 18 at it's lower extremity.

[0033] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, as planar members 14 and 16 pivot towards each other, the positioning, size and configuration of cylindrical portions 15 and 17 define the spacial relationship between planar members 14 and 16 as they pivot towards a parallel position with respect to each other (figure 3). At this parallel position, elongated openings 24 and 26 and openings 25 and 28 completely align with each other.

[0034] Referring back now to Figure 1, a pivot arm 30 is pivotally mounted to planar member 14 through the use of a pivot pin 32.

[0035] Referring now to Figure 4, pivot pin 32 is illustrated. Pivot pin 32 has a head 34 at one end and an elongated cylinder 36 extending therefrom. Elongated cylinder 36 terminates in an end portion 38. Elongated cylinder 36 has an exterior surface 40 and interior surface 42. An opening 44 is positioned at end portion 38. An annular groove 46 is positioned on the exterior surface 40 of elongated cylinder 36 opposite head 34. An annular groove 48 is positioned on the interior surface 42 of elongated cylinder 36. Annular groove 48 is positioned closer to head 34.

[0036] Referring back to Figure 1, an opening 50 is positioned on pivot arm 30. Elongated cylinder 36 is slightly smaller in diameter than opening 25 of planar member 14 and opening 50 of pivot arm 30. Head 34, on the other hand is slightly larger than openings 24 and 50.

[0037] This configuration allows elongated cylinder 36 to pass through openings 24 and 50 until head 34 makes contact with planar member 14. Elongated cylinder 36 is also configured and dimensioned to allow annular groove 46 to pass through openings 24 and 50 and be positioned above opening 50 when head 34 makes contact with planar member 14. Accordingly, this positioning allows pivot arm 30 to be pivotally mounted to planar member 14 through the use of a retaining ring 52.

[0038] Retaining ring 52 has an outside diameter 54 and an inside diameter 56. Outside diameter 54 is slightly larger than opening 50 and inside diameter 56 is slightly smaller than annular groove 46. An opening 55 in retaining ring 52 allows retaining ring 52 to be manipulated so as to allow its positioning over elongated cylinder 36, until inside diameter 56 frictionally engages annular groove 46.

[0039] This allows pivot arm 30 to be pivotally mounted to planar member 14. The size of opening 50 allows pivot arm 30 to pivot about elongated cylinder 36 while retaining ring 52 and head 34 maintain the positioning of pivot arm 30 with respect to planar member 14.

[0040] Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, pivot arm 30 is illustrated. In addition to opening 50, pivot arm 30 has an engaging end 58 and a guide end 60. An elongated opening 62 is positioned near engaging end 58. A guide opening 64 is positioned near guide end 60. Pivot arm 30 is also shaped along its mid-section to define a curve 66. Curve 66 allows for an impropoational displacement of engaging end 58 when guide end 60 is moved and pivot arm 30 pivots about pivot pin 32.

[0041] Referring now to Figure 6, Pivot arm 30 comprises a pair of arms 68 and 70. Arm 68 has an engaging end 72 and a guide end 74. An elongated opening 76 is positioned near engaging end 72. Arm 68 also has a pivot opening 78 and a guide opening 80. Pivot opening 78 is positioned behind elongated opening 76 while guide opening 80 is positioned towards the guide end 74. A retaining pin 82 is affixed to arm 68.

[0042] Arm 68 is shaped along its mid-section to define a curve 84 (not shown) which is identical to curve 66 of pivot arm 30, as shown in Figure 3. Arm 68 is also shaped along its mid-section to define a second curve 86. Second curve 86 runs along an axis perpendicular to curve 66 (figure 4).

[0043] Similarly arm 70 has a engaging end 88 and a guide end 90. An elongated opening 92 is positioned near engaging end 88. Arm 70 also has a pivot opening 94 and a guide opening 96. Pivot opening 94 is positioned behind elongated opening 92 while guide opening 96 is positioned towards guide end 90. Arm 70 is also shaped along its mid-section to define a curve 96 (not shown). Curve 96 is identical to curve 66 of pivot arm 30, as shown in Figure 3. Arm 70 is also bent at its mid-section to define a second curve 100. Second curve 100 runs along an axis perpendicular to curve 66 (figure 6).

[0044] As can be seen from Figure 6, arms 68 and 70 are spaced from each other through the use of a guide pin 102 and an engagement wheel 104. In addition, elongated cylinder 36 of pivot pin 32 may be configured to also maintain this spacial relationship.

[0045] Guide pin 102 is configured to pass through guide openings 80 and 96. Guide pin 102 affixed to arms 68 and 70 through conventional means such as a welding arrangement, solder, and/or a mechanical means such as screws, bolts, nuts and the like.

[0046] Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, engagement wheel 104 has a pair of axial hubs 106 and 108 extending out from either side of engagement wheel 104. Hubs 106 and 108 are smaller in diameter than engagement wheel 104 and are centered with the center 110 of engagement wheel 104.

[0047] The assembly of pivot arm 30 allows hubs 106 and 108 to pass through elongated openings 62 and 76 of arms 68 and 70 and are of a sufficient length to extend into elongated openings 24 and 26 of planar members 14 and 16 when pivot arm 30 is pivotally mounted to planar member 14. Hubs 106 and 108 are also sized to move freely in openings 62, 76, 24 and 26, thereby allowing for the rotation of engagement wheel 104. Engagement end 58 is shaped to conform to the curved surface of engagement wheel 104. The engagement surface 112 of engagement wheel 104 is also curved at its periphery to enhance the rotatablity of engagement wheel 104.

[0048] Alternatively and as illustrated by the dashed lines in Figure 7, engagement wheel 104 may be configured to have a larger engagement surface 112a. In this configuration, engagement surface 112a is configured to have a convex surface allowing for a larger surface area to frictionally engage a rope and/or cable.

[0049] In this configuration, arms 68 and 70 are maintained in a spacial relationship from each other through the positioning of guide pin 102 and hubs 106 and 108 of engagement wheel 104 and/or the configuration of pivot pin 32. In addition, curves 86 and 100 increase the spacial relationship of arms 68 and 70. This increased spacial relationship helps facilitate easy securement of the rope grip to a worker through the use of conventional attachment means, such as a safety hook. Guide pin 102 is sized to conform this relationship.

[0050] Referring now to Figures 6 and 1, the positioning of hubs 106 and 108 in elongated openings 76 and 92 allow engagement wheel 104 to rotate in the directions of arrow 109. Moreover, the configuration of elongated openings 62 and 76 allow the position of engagement wheel to move in the directions of arrow 111 as engagement wheel 104 rotates and pivot arm 30 pivots. The importance of this feature will be discuss in detail below.

[0051] Referring back now to Figures 5 and 6, as pivot arm 30 is assembled arms 68 and 70 overlie each other so that elongated opening 62, pivot opening 50, guide opening 64, engagement end 58, curve 66 and guide end 60 of pivot arm 30 are defined by elongated openings 76 and 92, pivot openings 78 and 94, guide openings 80 and 96, engagement ends 72 and 88, curves 84 and 98 and guide ends 74 and 90 of arms 68 and 70.

[0052] In addition, curves 86 and 100 depend away from each other to define a larger spacial relationship between arms 68 and 70 at guide end of pivot arm 30 than the spacial relationship between engagement end of pivot arm 30.

[0053] Referring back now to Figure 1, pivot arm 30 is pivotally mounted to planar member 14. An adjustably defined receiving area 114 is defined by upper cylindrical portion 15, lower cylindrical portion 17, engagement surface 112, planar member 14 and planar member 16 as planar member 16 is pivoted towards planar member 14 (figure 3).

[0054] Referring now to Figure 8, as planar member 16 pivots towards a position parallel to planar member 14, end portion 38 of elongated cylinder 36 extends through opening 28 of planar member 16. In the preferred embodiment, end portion 38 is sized to be flush with planar member 16 when planar member 16 is in a position parallel to planar member 14.

[0055] Referring now to Figure 9, a retaining plug 120 is illustrated. Retaining plug 120 is utilized for securing planar member 16 in the position illustrated by Figure 8.

[0056] Retaining plug 120, has a head 122 and an elongated cylinder 124 extending out from head 122. Elongated cylinder 124 terminates in an end portion 126. Retaining plug 120 has an inner bore 128 centered along its axis 130. Inner bore 128 extends from head 122 through end portion 126.

[0057] A second and larger bore 132 is also centered along axis 130. Larger bore 132 extends through head 122 and half way through elongated cylinder 124 terminating in a shoulder 134. Shoulder 134 extends from larger bore 132 to inner bore 128.

[0058] Slightly removed from end portion 126, a pair of openings 136 and 138 are located on elongated cylinder 124. Openings 136 and 138 extend through to inner bore 128.

[0059] A pair of gripping protrusions 140 and 142 are configured and dimensioned to be slidably positioned within openings 136 and 138. Gripping protrusion 140 has a gripping end 144 and biasing end 146. Similarly gripping protrusion 142 has a gripping end 148 and a biasing end 150.

[0060] As gripping protrusions 142 and 144 are positioned within openings 136 and 138, gripping ends 144 and 148 extend through openings 136 and 138 of elongated cylinder 124. To maintain this position a biasing spring 152 is affixed to the biasing ends 146 and 150 of gripping protrusions 140 and 142.

[0061] A cylindrical depression plunger 154 having an outer circumference slightly smaller than inner bore 128 is positioned within inner bore 128. Cylindrical depression plunger has an upper end 156 and a lower end 158. Lower end 158 makes contact with biasing spring 152 and upper end 156 extends out beyond head 122.

[0062] In addition, an annular shoulder 160 is positioned mid-way on cylindrical depression plunger 154. Annular shoulder 160 is slightly smaller in circumference than larger bore 132 and larger than inner bore 128. The positioning and dimensions of annular shoulder 160 allow cylindrical depression plunger 154 to slidably pass through bores 128 and 132. Annular shoulder 160 also provides stability when cylindrical depression plunger 154 is depressed.

[0063] An engagement spring 162 having an outer circumference slightly smaller than larger bore 132 and larger than inner bore 128 is positioned between annular shoulder 160 and shoulder 134. Engagement spring 162 has an upper end 164 and a lower end 166. The positioning of engagement spring maintains cylindrical depression plunger 154 in a fixed position by an urging force exerted by engagement spring 162 against annular shoulder 160 and shoulder 134.

[0064] A retaining lip 166 is positioned above annular shoulder 160 in larger bore 132. Retaining lip 166 reduces the diameter of larger bore 132 to a size smaller than the diameter of annular shoulder 160. This size reduction keeps cylindrical depression plunger 154 from completely sliding out of bores 128 and 132. Retaining lip 166 may be affixed to larger bore 132 by a soldered joint or any or common affixing means.

[0065] Referring now to Figure 10, the operation of retaining plug 120 is illustrated. As a user grips head 122 of retaining plug 120, the thumb of the user's hand may depress the upper end 162 of cylindrical depression plunger 154. Once depressed lower end 164 of cylindrical depression plunger 154 makes contact with biasing spring 152 and causes biasing spring 152 to also be depressed.

[0066] The depression of biasing spring 152 causes gripping protrusions 140 and 142 to retract into openings 136 and 138 of elongated cylinder 124. This retracted position is most clearly illustrated in Figure 10. Alternatively, when the user applied force is released, engagement spring 162 applies an urging force against annular shoulder 160 causing cylindrical depression plunger to retreat to the position illustrated in Figure 9. This position causes gripping protrusions 140 and 142 to emerge out from openings 136 and 138.

[0067] Since elongated cylinder 124 has an outer circumference slightly smaller than the inner circumference of opening 44. Elongated cylinder 124 may slide into opening 44 when retaining plug is in its depressed position (figure 10). In addition, end portion 126 is tapered to ease the insertion of retaining plug 120 into opening 44.

[0068] Accordingly, retaining plug 120 is then utilized to maintain planar member 16 in the position illustrated in Figure 8. This is accomplished by inserting elongated cylinder 124 into opening 44 until gripping protrusions 140 and 142 align with annular groove 48. Cylindrical depression cylinder 154 is then released and the urging force of engagement spring 162 and biasing spring 152 cause protrusions 140 and 142 to return to the position illustrated in Figure 9. Once in this position, protrusions 140 and 142 frictionally engage annular groove 48.

[0069] The configuration of retaining plug 120 also causes head 122 to be positioned directly on top of planar member 16. Thus, when protrusions 140 and 142 are in their gripping configuration, head 122 makes contact with planar member 16 and maintains planar member 16 in a position parallel to planar member 14 (figure 3).

[0070] To remove retaining plug 120 from this position, the user simply depresses cylindrical depression plunger 154 to the position illustrated in Figure 8 thereby retracting gripping protrusions 140 and 142 causing retaining plug 120 to be slidably removed from opening 44. Once retaining plug 120 is removed, a user may then pivot planar member 16 away from its parallel position with respect to planar member 14 (figure 1). This inventive concept allows the user to easily access adjustably defined receiving area 114.

[0071] Moreover, once planar member 16 is locked in the position illustrated in Figure 8, retaining ring 52 is further secured by the placement of planar member 16.

[0072] As Figure 1 indicates, when planar member 16 is not in its parallel position, receiving area 114 is no longer enclosed at all for sides. Therefore, it is not necessary to thread a rope through the inventive rope grip, the rope grip may be placed over a rope any where along the length of the rope before planar member 16 is secured in its parallel position with respect to planar member 14. In a like manner, the inventive rope grip can be conveniently removed from a rope. This is one advantage of the inventive rope grip.

[0073] Access to receiving area 114 may be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as fouling of the cable, cleaning of the receiving area, removing the rope grip to avoid a knot or splice in the cable, removing ice accumulated on the mechanical portions of the inventive rope grip and for various other reasons that may be encountered in the construction field.

[0074] Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, the functional features of rope grip 10 are illustrated. For convenience, Figures 11 and 12 show the operational features of rope grip 10 without planar member 16 in its closed position (parallel to planar member 14). In operation, however, rope grip 10 operates in the closed position illustrated in Figure 8.

[0075] Referring now to Figure 11, the functional features of rope grip 10 are illustrated. During use, a cable 116 is secured to guide pin 102 through the use of a spring actuated hook 118. Similarly, the opposite end of cable 116 is secured to a belt or harness on the workman. This can be accomplished by means of another spring actuated hook such as a carbine or any other suitable method.

[0076] In the event of a fall rope 117 will attempt to move rapidly through the rope grip 10 in the direction of arrow 180. The friction of the cable 117 intermittently hitting engagement wheel 104 rotates wheel 104 which causes it to walk upwards due to the rotation of axial hubs 106 and 108 against elongated opening 62. This moves engagement wheel 104 upward further restricting the size of receiving area 114 and jamming the rope 117.

[0077] In addition, the frictional engagement of wheel 104 with cable 117 causes engagement end 58 of pivot arm 30 to also move in the direction of arrow 182. The configuration and angular positioning of elongated openings 24 and 26 with respect to pivot axis 18 working in cooperation with hubs 106 and 108 causes engagement wheel 104 to maintain an increasing engagement force on cable 117.

[0078] Engagement wheel 104 also rotates in the direction of arrow 184. The configuration and positioning of elongated opening 62 working in cooperation with hubs 106 and 108 allows engagement wheel 104 to rotate in the direction of arrow 184 as it is also moving in the direction of arrow 182. This feature allows engagement wheel 104 to reach a maximum gripping force of cable 117 between upper and lower cylindrical portions 15 and 17 and engagement wheel 104.

[0079] The gripping force is increased until a force equivalent to stop the movement of cable 117 in the direction of arrow 180 is reached. Accordingly, the movement of a user in the direction of arrow 178 is halted.

[0080] Of course, another method of activating the rope grip is to apply a force on the pivot arm 30 arm in the direction indicated by arrow 178.

[0081] As the user moves downwardly or perhaps is in a free fall situation, cable 116 is pulled in the direction of arrow 178, the movement of cable 116 causes the guide end 60 of pivot arm 30 to also move in the direction of arrow 180. This movement of pivot arm 30 causes engagement wheel 104 to make contact with cable 116.

[0082] The surface of upper and lower cylindrical portions 15 and 17, and the surface of engagement wheel 104 are substantially parallel. This allows the inventive rope grip to be used with a substantial range of rope sizes, since the gripping of the rope takes place between two parallel surfaces which will equally distribute the gripping force over the ropes surface. Indeed, the inventive rope grip has been found to operate well with a range of rope sizes, having a variation in diameter of as much as a quarter of an inch.

[0083] In order to move the rope grip along a rope, pivot arm 30 must be urged in an upward direction so that engagement wheel 104 is biased away from the rope. In this way unwanted jamming is prevented.

[0084] It is noted that force on the pivot arm will work in conjunction with the force on the engagement wheel 104 during a fall impact because pivot arm 30 would be ordinarily attached to a falling person and pulled downwards. Moreover, the force of the rope on the guide end 60 urges engagement wheel 104 towards an upper position.

[0085] Referring now to Figure 12, rope grip 10 may be released from the gripping configuration illustrated in Figure 11. To release cable 117 a force must be exerted in the direction of arrow 186 upon guide end 60.

[0086] As the user moves upwardly, cable 116 is pulled in the direction of arrow 186, the movement of cable 116 causes the guide end 60 to also move in the direction of arrow 186 thereby causing engaging end 58 and engagement wheel 104 to move in the direction of arrow 188. This movement causes engagement end 58 and engagement wheel 104 to increase their spacial relationship with respect to pivot axis 18. The increased spacial relationship allows rope grip 10 to slide upwardly on cable 117.

[0087] Moreover, the configuration and positioning of elongated opening 62, working in cooperation with hubs 106 and 108 allows engagement wheel 104 to rotate in the direction of arrow 189 as it is also moving in the direction of arrow 188. This feature allows engagement wheel 104 to easily disengage from its maximum gripping force on cable 117.

[0088] In addition, the rotation of engagement wheel 104 in the directions indicated by arrows 184 and 189 is further enhanced by the positioning and configuration of elongated openings 24, 26 and 62 which receive axial hubs 106 and 108 thereby allowing engagement wheel 104 to move in the direction of arrow 111. This movement also allows engagement wheel 104 to easily disengage from its maximum gripping force on cable 117.

[0089] Finally, planar member 14 has spring retention pin 190 affixed to receive a spring 192. Spring 192 has a pair of engagement hooks 194 and 196 at either end. Engagement hook 194 wraps around pin 192 while engagement hook 196 wraps around retaining pin 82 on arm 68. Spring 192 maintains an urging force upon pivot arm 30 causing pivot arm 30 to move in the direction of arrow 198 when the user stops moving in the direction of arrow 186.

[0090] The urging force causes engagement end 58 of pivot arm 30 to return the configuration as illustrated in Figure 1 where engagement wheel 104 is only just making superficial contact with cable 117. This feature positions engagement wheel 104 so that it is frictionally engaging cable 117. This decreases any time delay before rope grip 10 locks onto a cable 117. This also prevents less shock to engagement wheel 104 when rope grip 10 is placed in its full gripping configuration due to the user falling or moving rapidly in the direction of arrow 178 (Figure 11).

[0091] Spring 192 may also be configured so that when the user is in a stationary position, the weight of the inventive rope grip urges pivot arm 30 in direction of arrow 186 so as to hold engagement wheel 104 to only make superficial contact with rope 117, which in turn, allows the grip to slide up and down by the rope.

[0092] If the user falls, pivot arm 30 is urged by the spring in the direction of arrow 182, locking rope grip 10 in position on rope 117.

[0093] The inventive rope grip as described above offers many advantages. It need not be activated by a force on the operating arm since spring 192 is urging it into a clamping position. Accordingly, a high degree of fail safe operation is obtained.

[0094] Referring now to figures 13 and 14, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated In this embodiment, components and/or parts performing analogous or similar functions are numbered in multiples of 100. Here a similar rope grip 210 constructed in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Patent applications 4,502,668 and 4,542,884 is shown. Rope grip 210 comprises generally a shell 212, with a pair of slots 213, a removable plate 215, an operating arm 230 and an engagement wheel 304.

[0095] In accordance with the present invention, device 210 has a first engagement means in the form of shell 212 and slots 213 for the securing of removable plate 215 and a second engagement means in the form of engagement wheel 304 moving through elongated arcs 224 and a pair of elongated openings 276 in operating arm 230.

[0096] Shell 212 surrounds an entrance area 217 and an exit area 219 with the volume between these areas defining an adjustable receiving area 314 for receiving a rope 317.

[0097] Removable plate 215 is positioned in slots 213. Plate 215 has a pair of holes 221 to help secure plate 215. The width of plate 215 is such that holes 221 are disposed on opposite sides of shell 212 as shown in Figure 14. Plate 215 is held in position by a split tube bushing 223 and a cable 316 which has a clamp 227 on one end and an adjustable clamp 229 on its opposite end. Split tube busing 223 is slightly larger than the thickness of plate 215 and slot 213 and thus, tube 223 restricts the motion of the plate 215 in one direction, while adjustable clamp 229 restricts motion in the opposite direction. Moreover, split tube bushing 223 prevents cable 316 from being pinched between slot 213 and plate 215. This feature ensures that cable 316 is not damaged by device 210 during routine use.

[0098] Cable 316 is secured to plate 215 by clamp 227 and is prevented from passing through hole 221 by clamp 227. At the opposite end adjustable clamp 229 clamps cable 225 to plate 215. Cable also passes through a split tube bushing 231 which passes through shell 212.

[0099] Thus, when device 210 is assembled about a rope 317, motion of rope 317 with respect to device 210 is limited by plate 215, engagement wheel 304 and the sides of shell 212.

[0100] It should be noted that clamp 229, apart from being configured so as to form a nearly closed loop, has a curved end 231. Because of the loop, pressure must be applied to clamp 229 to remove it from hole 221. In addition, due to its reversed curvature, end 231 makes it necessary to change the orientation of clamp 229 several times as it is being withdrawn from hole 221. Accordingly, it is very unlikely that clamp 229 will inadvertently be removed from hole 221. Clamp 229 is larger than split tube bushing 231, and therefore it is very unlikely that plate 215 will be misplaced when removed from shell 212.

[0101] Operating arm 230 has a pair of arms 268. Arms 268 each have an elongated opening 276, a pivot opening 278 and a guide opening 280. Pivot opening 278 is positioned behind elongated opening 276 while guide opening 280 is positioned at the opposite end of arm 268 with respect to elongated opening 276. Arms 268 are shaped along their mid-sections to define a curve.

[0102] Engagement wheel 304 is rotably mounted about a pin 305. Pin 305 passes through elongated arcs 224 in shell 212 and elongated openings 276 in operating arm 230. Pin 305 has two heads 306 disposed about either side of operating arm 230 limiting its travel through elongated openings 276. One of heads 306 is welded onto pin 305 during assembly of device 210 to allow device 210 to be manufactured in accordance with assembly line manufacturing processes. However, pin 305 being smaller than arcs 224 and openings 276 allows it to move freely within these openings. A pair of washers 307, as shown in Figure 14 may be added if desired.

[0103] Similarly operating arm 230 is secured to shell 212 via a pin 232 passing through holes 228 in shell 212 and openings 278 in operating arm 230.

[0104] Similarly a pair of heads 234 are disposed about either side of operating arm 230 limiting its travel through openings 278 and holes 228. One of heads 234 is welded onto pin 232 during assembly of device 210 to allow device 210 to be manufactured in accordance with assembly line manufacturing processes.

[0105] It will be noted that pin 232 is of such dimension so as to allow arm 230 to pivot with respect to shell 212.

[0106] A bushing 236 is positioned over pin 232 to maintain the position of a spring 292 secured to pin 232. Spring 292 makes contact with engagement wheel 304 at the one end and to shell 212 at the other.
Spring 292 is configured to urge operating arm 230 in the direction of arrow 288.

[0107] As Figure 14 indicates, when plate 215 is not disposed through slots 213 adjustably defined receiving area 314 is no longer physically defined as a channel of closed polygonal cross-section. Therefore, it is not necessary to thread a rope through the inventive rope grip, it may be placed over a rope any where over the length of a rope before plate 215 is secured in position about the rope. In a like manner the inventive rope grip can be conveniently removed from a rope. This is one advantage of the inventive rope grip.

[0108] As shown in Figure 13, the position of engagement wheel 304 is determined by the intersection of elongated arcs 224 and elongated slots 276 respectively. Elongated arcs 224 are angularly disposed with respect to plate 215. When engagement wheel 304 is at the lower end of arcs 224 engagement wheel 304 is a maximum distance from pate 215. Moreover, the angular positioning of arcs 224 is such that an angle of approximately 45 degrees is maintained with respect to plate 215. As engagement wheel 304 moves in the direction of arrow 288 the distance between wheel 304 and plate 215 is minimized. Moreover the angular positioning of arcs 224 is such that an angle of approximately 15 degrees is maintained with respect to plate 215. The angular positioning of arcs 224 greatly enhances the performance of device 210. In this embodiment the angular positioning of 15 degrees proves to be an optimum gripping configuration of engagement wheel 304 with respect to rope 317 and plate 215. Other such configurations do not provide an optimum gripping configuration with respect to rope 317 and plate 215.

[0109] However, as engagement wheel 304 moves further away from plate 215 (as illustrated in Figure 15), the need for such an angular configuration is no longer required. In fact, such an angular configuration will increase the coefficient of friction with respect to pin 305 and arcs 224. As engagement wheel 304 moves away from plate 215 there is a greater urging force in the direction of arrow 400, which in turn increases the coefficient of friction between pin 305 and arc 224 at point 402.

[0110] Thus, the preferred embodiment of the present invention has an elongated arc 224 which is configured to maintain a greater angular configuration with respect to plate 215 at points where engagement wheel 304 is further away from plate 215. This increase in angular positioning greatly reduces the friction between pin 305 and arc 224. Accordingly, the urging force of spring 392 always maintains engagement wheel 304 in an engaging position with respect to rope 317. Alternatively spring 392 may be attached shell 212 and a guide pin 302 to maintain an urging force in the direction of arrow 288.

[0111] This feature is of particular importance when a user is falling and he clutches at the rope grip, he will not prevent device 210 from engaging on rope 317. This is due to the fact that device 210 will always maintain engagement wheel 304 in a state of contact with rope 317.

[0112] Thus a rope, of suitable dimension, such as rope 317 is free to move through adjustable defined receiving area 314 as the engagement wheel 304 is in a lower position. However, if engagement wheel 304 were disposed close to the upper end arc 224, as illustrated, the cross sectional area of adjustable receiving area 314 would be much smaller and rope 317 is jammed between the surface of engagement wheel 304 and the surface of plate 215. Due to the urging force of spring 392, when there is no external force on operating arm 230, the position of engagement wheel 304 is urged to the upper position, were the cross sectional area of the receiving area 314 is minimized.

[0113] The inventive rope grip as described above offers many advantages. It need not be activated by a force on operating arm 230 since spring 392 is urging it into a clamping position. Accordingly and as previously discussed, a high degree of fail safe operation is obtained. In the event of a fall the rope will move rapidly through the rope grip toward the exit area 219. The friction of the rope 317 intermittently hitting engagement wheel 304 rotates wheel 304 causing it to walk upwards due to the rotation of pin 305 against the elongated arc 224. This moves the cylinder upward toward the exit area further restricting the channel and jamming the rope. Of course, a third method of activating the rope grip is to apply a force on the operating arm in the direction indicated by arrow 278.

[0114] The surface of plate 215, and the surface of engagement wheel 304 are substantially parallel. This allows the inventive rope grip to be used with a substantial range of rope sizes, since the gripping of the rope takes place between two parallel surfaces which will equally distribute the gripping force over the ropes surface. Indeed, the inventive rope grip has been found to operate well with a range of rope sizes, having a variation in diameter of as much as a quarter of an inch. In order to move the rope grip along a rope, operating arm 230 must be urged in the direction of arrow 286 so that engagement wheel 304 is biased away from the rope and towards entrance area 217. In this way unwanted jamming is prevented.

[0115] It is noted that force on the operating arm will work in conjunction with the force on the cylinder during a fall impact because the operating arm would be ordinarily attached to a falling person and pulled downwards. Moreover, the force of the rope on the cylinder urges the cylinder towards the upper position. The kinetic force of the impact will be absorbed by the relatively large, massive pieces of metal comprising plate 215, engagement wheel 304, shell 212, pins 232 and 305 and operating arm 230.

[0116] Shell 212 may also have a support pin 404 positioned within the planar members of shell 212 to ensure that the positioning of shell 212 is not deformed by high impact forces that may be encountered in the everyday use of device 210.

[0117] Referring now to Figures 16-24 another alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, components and/or parts performing analogous or similar functions are numbered higher than corresponding parts in the earlier embodiments by a multiple of 100. Here rope grip 410 comprises a pair of opposing side walls 412 each having a pair of slots 413, a removable plate 415, an operating arm 430 and an engagement wedge 504.

[0118] Referring now to Figures 17-19, engagement wedge 504 is configured to have an elongated rectangular shape. See Figures 20 through 22. Wedge 504 is constructed out of stainless steel and in the preferred embodiment has the following dimensions: 7.5 centimeters along the length of the rope, 2.3 cm in width and 1 cm in thickness. A groove 505 runs along the lengthwise surface of wedge 504, which faces plate 415. Groove 512 runs almost along the entire length of wedge 504, as illustrated in figures 17, 18, and 20-22. Groove 512 is configured to receive a cable, rope or other securing lanyard 517. Thus, substantially the entire surface 512 of wedge 504 secures rope 517 in between groove 512 of wedge 504 and plate 415 (as illustrated in figures 16 and 17).

[0119] This configuration allows for a greater surface area for engaging rope or cable 517. Such greater surface area is of particular importance in situations when rope grip 410 is used to support scaffolding and/or an individual during successive movements of rope grip 410 up and/or down rope or cable 517. Such movements are typically of short distance.

[0120] This compares with the effect of such repetitive movements on cable 517, in the case of a grip of one of the previous embodiments which incorporate an engagement wheel, can cause damage to the cable or rope due to repetitive securement and un-securement of a metal cable and the circular wheel. This is caused by a smaller point of contact between a securing wheel and the rope or cable.

[0121] The advantage of the present invention flows from the fact that, as illustrated in figure 16, when engagement wedge 504 secures rope grip 410 to a rope or cable 517 a uniform securing force is applied in the direction of arrows 500.

[0122] Referring now to Figures 20-24, the components of this embodiment are illustrated, in order to more easily understand the relationship between wedge 504, mounting pin 509, and plate 415. In Figures 20-22 engagement wedge 504 is illustrated. Groove 512 is configured to run from either end of the surface of engagement wedge 504 in which groove 512 is positioned. More particularly, as illustrated in figure 22, groove 512 forms an arc defining a little less than a quarter of a circle.

[0123] In addition, wedge 504 has a second spring receiving groove 507 cut within wedge 504. Spring receiving groove 507 is positioned on the opposite side of wedge 504 from groove 512. Rigidity for the structure is provided by a sleeve 593, which is maintained in position by a post 432 secured at opposite ends of its length to plate's 412 by heads 434. A spring 592 is mounted around sleeve 593. Groove 507 is positioned to receive spring 592. Spring 592 makes contact with groove 507 of wedge 504 at one end and a pin 509 at its other end (as illustrated in Figure 19).

[0124] Rigidity is maintained by a pin 555 having a head portion 557 disposed of on one end of pin 555. Head portion 557 is slightly larger in diameter than openings 559 (figure 24) in plates 412 thereby preventing pin 555 from passing completely through openings 559.

[0125] A sleeve spacer 563 is positioned onto pin 555 after it passes through one of the openings in one of the plates 412. Sleeve spacer is larger in diameter than openings 559 and accordingly positions plates 412 in facing spaced relationship while providing rigidity to grip 410 once pin 555 is secured to grip 410 as described below.

[0126] Opposite head portion 557 and after passing through a pair of openings 559 (figure 24), a retaining ring 565 is secured to pin 555. Retaining ring 565 is also slightly larger in diameter than openings 559 thereby preventing pin 555 from passing back through openings 559. Retaining ring 565 may be secured to pin 555 by a conventional method such as a spot weld, solder and/or a mechanical means such as a screw or a nut and bolt arrangement.

[0127] Alternatively, rope grip 410 may be made rigid by being configured to have a U-shaped shell 412, as illustrated by the dashed lines in figure 17 and 18, instead of a pair of side walls 412.

[0128] As shown most clearly in Figure 16, spring 592 is configured to urge operating arm 430 in the direction of arrow 488. Thus and as previously mentioned, if an individual falls engagement wedge 504 is positioned to lock or restrain cable 517 in between the surface of plate 413 and groove 507 of engagement wedge 504.

[0129] As shown most clearly in Figures 23 and 24, plate 412 and operating arm 430 are illustrated. Turning now in particular to Figure 23, plate 412 is configured to have an elongated opening 426. As discussed in the previous embodiments, opening 426 is at an angular orientation with respect to opening 413 and, accordingly, plate 415.

[0130] As an alternative, opening 426 may also be configured as an elongated arc (as illustrated by the dashed lines in Figure 24, Figure 16 and also as depicted in Figures 1, 13 and 15 of the other embodiments described and claimed in the instant application). As previously discussed, elongated arc 426a is configured to maintain a greater angular configuration with respect to plate 415 at points where engagement wedge 504 is further away from plate 415, thus allowing the use of relatively thick ropes. This configuration greatly reduces the force of friction between pin 509 and opening 426a at the curved portion of opening 426 a illustrated in dashed lines.

[0131] Turning now to figures 23 and 17, operating arm 430 has a pair of arms 468. Arms 468 each have an elongated opening 476, a pivot opening 478 and a guide opening 480. Pivot opening 478 is positioned behind elongated opening 476 while guide opening 480 is positioned at the opposite end of arm 468 with respect to elongated opening 476. Arms 468 are shaped along their mid-sections to define a curve.

[0132] Engagement wedge 304 is mounted about a pin 505. Pin 505 passes through elongated arcs 426 in shell 412 and elongated openings 476 in operating arm 430. Pin 505 has two heads 506 (figure 17) disposed about either side of operating arm 430 limiting its travel through elongated openings 476 and openings 426. One of heads 506 is welded onto pin 505 during assembly of device 410 to allow device 410 to be manufactured in accordance with assembly line manufacturing processes. However, pin 505 being smaller than arcs 426 and openings 476 allows it to move freely within these openings.

[0133] Similarly operating arm 430 is secured to shell 412 via a pin 432 passing through holes 428 in shell 412 and openings 478 in operating arm 430.

[0134] Similarly a pair of heads 434 are disposed about either side of operating arm 430 limiting its travel through openings 478 and holes 428. One of heads 434 is welded onto pin 432 during assembly of device 410 to allow device 410 to be manufactured in accordance with assembly line manufacturing processes.

[0135] A guide pin 502 having a sleeve spacer 503 and a pair of heads 501 for providing rigidity and a facing space relationship to arms 468 of operating arm 430 is position on the end of operating arm 430 opposite engagement wedge 504.

[0136] While an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been described, various modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. For example, in lieu of mounting engagement wheel 304 in a pair of elongated slots various other tracking method could be used. For example, a lipped groove fitted about a pin with a suitably sized head could accomplish essentially the same function. Such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the present invention which is limited and defined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rope grip, comprising:

(a) a pair of planar members having an inner surface and an outer surface;

(b) an arm having a front end and a rear end, said arm being pivotally mounted to one of said inner surfaces so as to define an upper position and a lower position of said front end;

(c) a first gripping surface being positioned and supported on said front end of said arm;

(d) characterized by further comprising a hinge for defining a second gripping surface and having said planar members depending therefrom, said planar members being pivotally attached to said hinge, whereby said inner surfaces and said first and second gripping surfaces define a passage for receiving and frictionally securing a rope therebetween and said upper position being in a closer spacial relationship to said second gripping surface than said lower position.

2. A rope grip as in claim 1, characterized by further comprising a locking mechanism for securing said planar surfaces in a fixed spacial relationship with respect to each other, said fixed spacial relationship positions said inner surfaces to further define said passage and to support said arm.

3. A rope grip as in claim 2, characterized by further comprising a receiving area, positioned and defined on said rear end of said arm, said receiving area providing a means for securing a safety cable to said rope grip, the opposite end of said safety cable is then secured to a user, whereby an upward urging force provided to said receiving area causes said front end and said second gripping surface to move downward towards said lower position or alternatively towards said upper position when a downward force is applied to said receiving area.

4. A rope grip as in claim 3, characterized by further comprising a spring having a first end and a second end, said first end being attached to said planar member and said second end being attached to said arm, said spring being positioned, configured and dimensioned to urge said second gripping surface towards said upper position.

5. A rope grip comprising:

(a) a shell defining a receiving area for receiving and engaging a rope and/or a cable;

(b) a planar member removably attached to said shell and defining a first gripping surface of said receiving area;

(c) an arm having a first end and a second end, said arm being pivotally mounted to said shell so as to define an upper extremity and a lower extremity, said upper extremity being in a closer spacial relationship to said first gripping surface than said lower extremity; and

(d) a second gripping surface mounted to said arm, whereby said first and second gripping surfaces define a passage for receiving and frictionally securing a rope therebetween characterized in that said second gripping surface is rectangular in shape and has a groove configured, dimensioned and positioned in said second gripping surface for receiving a cable.

6. A rope grip as in claim 5, charaterized in that said arm is urged towards said upper extremity by a torsional spring, said spring having a first end and a second end, said first end making contact with said shell and said second end being making contact with said engagement surface, said spring being positioned, configured and dimensioned to urge said engagement surface towards said upper position.

7. A rope grip as in claim 6, wherein a pin supports said second engagement surface to said arm characterized by further comprising a pair of slots having an elongated arc shape are disposed on said shell, said slots also receiving the ends of said pin supporting said second engagement surface whereby said slots guide said second engagement surface as it moves toward said upper extremity.

8. A rope grip as in claim 7, characterized in that said elongated arc shape has an angular configuration of approximately 15 degrees with respect to said removable planar member at said upper extremity and said elongated arc shape has an angular configuration of approximately 45 degrees with respect to said removable planar member at said lower extremity.

9. A rope grip as in claim 5, charaterized in that said shell comprises a pair of facing spaced planar members.

10. A rope grip as in claim 8, characterized in that said first gripping surface comprises a cylinder rotably mounted on said front end of said arm whereby said arm comprsies a pair of arms, and further comprsing; a second pair of elongated slots positioned on said front ends of said arms, said cylinder having a pair of axial hubs extending out from the center of said cylinder, whereby said axial hubs are mounted in said first and second pairs of elongated slots for supporting said cylinder so that the distance between said cylinder and said second gripping surface is minimized when said cylinder is closest to said upper position.

Drawing