CN101065317A - Cleats with automatic inline locking cams - Google Patents

Abstract

A failsafe cleat with automatic in-line cord locking includes a frame having a proximal-most side and a distal-most side on substantially opposite sides thereof and formed with a channel extending between the proximal-most side and the distal-most side for receiving a cord and generally defining a cleat center line along which the cord is movable from the proximal-most side to the distal-most side in a first cord release direction and from the distal-most side to the proximal-most side in a cord pull direction; a fixing member for fixing the frame to the support surface. A cam is on one side of the channel on the frame and has a cable engaging portion spaced a predetermined distance from the support surface, the cam being movable between a cable release position and a cable locking position. A pusher on the frame is located on an opposite side of the channel relative to the cam for selectively applying a force to the line in the direction of the cam. The cam biasing member tends to urge the cam out of engagement with the line, while the pusher biasing member generally tends to move the line across the gap into contact with the cam, while allowing the line to return to the channel out of contact with the cam when the user applies a sufficient pulling force off the cleat centerline to create a force component to counteract the pushing force generated by the pusher biasing member. This facilitates unlocking the cable and allows the cable to move in the first cable-release direction, the cam engaging the cable to the locked position creating a couple that is a function of the predetermined distance and tends to separate the frame from the support surface. The stabilizing element compensates and counteracts the couple without being limited by the size or shape of the frame.

Description

Cleats with automatic inline locking cams

technical field

This invention relates to cleats of the type commonly used on navigating boats to hold lines such as sailing sheeting, and more particularly to cleats having automatic inline locking cams that are independent of the cleat's housing or frame. Due to the size or structural limitations of the plywood, the splint installed on the support surface is stabilized.

Background technique

In traditional cleats, a cord or cord is placed between two eccentric shaft cams along the centerline of the cleat, and relatively little resistance is exerted on the cord when the cleat is moved in one direction along the centerline, whereas when the cleat is moved in one direction along the centerline When tension is applied to the rope in the opposite direction, the rope catches between the cams. The greater the pull in the opposite direction on the rope, the more force the cam cleats will exert on the rope. The cam cleats are generally serrated to prevent the rope from slipping over the cleats in the opposite direction. In order to release such a rope, the operator must pull the rope through the cleat again in the original direction, opposite the pull in the opposite direction, to reduce a portion of the force exerted by the eccentric cam on the rope, and then pull the rope in a direction perpendicular to the pull of the rope Elevate away from the midline between the splints. Under certain sailing conditions, when there is a huge line pull on the line, it can be difficult for the crew to pull the line over the stress of the line, as well as pull it up and out quickly from between the cam cleats, especially if The crew is not in a position directly behind the cam where the crew can use their weight to pull and quickly pull the line out of the center line.

With certain types of cleats disclosed in previous applications in the chain from which this application claims priority, when the cord is locked by the internal cams, a significant force couple is created which tends to separate or "separate" the cleat from the surface on which the cleat is mounted. raise". In certain previously disclosed embodiments, this problem was addressed by enlarging the size of the housing or frame. However, this approach results in enlarging the housing or frame for this reason alone, rendering the design impractical for some applications where space for mounting the cleats becomes a factor.

Contents of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a splint that does not have the disadvantages inherent in prior devices.

Another object of the invention is to provide a splint of the type in question which is structurally simple and economical to manufacture.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and convenient splint as mentioned above.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleat of the type suggested by the preceding objects, which ensures safe operation and substantially immediate braking when the cord is released without any action or immobility restraint by the user movement of items.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cleat of the aforementioned object with which sails of different sizes and shapes can be raised/lowered or adjusted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleat for beneficial use with various types and sizes or sailboats.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device of the type in question which facilitates the release of the cord or cord and reduces the risk of the cam locking in its cord holding position when releasing the article. Especially in racing sailing, it is desirable to be able to release the sailboard from the cam cleats from any position, and to be able to do this quickly and with a minimum amount of jerk.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a self-releasing cam cleat which does not require heavy pulling of the rope against its stress in order to release it.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cam cleat that can be released from almost any position.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cam cleat that does not require additional release means such as levers or very complicated shapes, but instead consists of a pair of cams that are usually fixed to a base plate.

To achieve the above objects and other objects which will become apparent hereafter, there is a fail-safe cleat with automatic inline cord locking according to the present invention comprising: a frame having a proximal-most and an extreme-most distal and is formed with a channel extending between the proximal-most side and the distal-most side for receiving a cord and generally defining a splint midline along which the cord can be released from the splint in a first cord release direction The most proximal side moves to the most distal side, and moves from the most distal side to the most proximal side along the rope pulling direction. Fixing means are provided for fixing the frame on the support surface. A cam mechanism is provided on one side of the channel on the frame and has a cord engaging portion. The cam arrangement is movable between a cord release position and a cord lock position. The cord engaging portion comprises a first engaging portion generally spaced a distance Δ from the cord to form a gap at the cord release position and a second engaging portion spanning the gap by a distance at least equal to Δ , to brake the rope and prevent the rope from moving in the direction of rope release. The pusher is arranged on the frame on the opposite side of the channel with respect to the cam arrangement, so that only when the pulling force on the rope at the most proximal place is relatively smaller than the pulling force on the rope at the most distal place, to selectively apply a force to the cord in the direction of the cam device to urge the cord across the distance Δ of the gap into contact with the first engaging portion. Continued contact between the cord and the cord engaging portion causes the second engaging portion of the cam device to span the distance Δ, and the cam device moves from the released position to the locked position until the user A pulling force applied to the most proximal side of the cord is at least equal to said most distal pulling force. The cam bias tends to urge the cam to disengage from the cord, while the pusher bias generally tends to move the cord across the gap into contact with the cam, while enough force is applied by the user to deviate from the centerline of the splint. pulling force, generating a force component to counteract the push force generated by the pusher biasing means thereby facilitating unlocking the cord and allowing the cord to move in the first cord release direction, allowing the cord to return to the channel without contacting the cam means .

Description of drawings

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a splint according to the invention, showing in phantom outline the cords, ropes or cords that can be controlled by the splint;

Figure 2 is an enlarged top view of the upper wall or frame of the housing with the splint shown in Figure 1 removed;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing the relative movement of the members of the splint as they move from the unlocked position to the locked position;

Figure 4 is similar to Figures 2 and 3, but showing the internal components of the cleat in a position where the cord is locked or stopped;

Figure 5 is a force schematic diagram illustrating that a suitable force may be applied to the cord or cord to create a component against the internal elements of the cleat to unlock or release the cam acting on the cord or cord;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of two magnets with their poles positioned in such a way as to generate magnetic attraction between the magnets;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of two magnets with their poles positioned in such a way as to generate magnetic repulsion between the magnets;

Figure 8 is similar to Figure 2 but showing an alternative embodiment of a soft iron disc embedded in a cam attracted to a magnet;

Figure 9 is similar to Figures 2 and 8, but showing another embodiment where the magnets are mounted on the cam and the cam is placed to attract to adjacent magnets mounted on the frame;

Figure 10 is a diagram of a sailing vessel and examples of locations where splints according to the invention can be used;

Figure 11 is an illustration of a ladder leaning on a building structure and the manner in which a cleat according to the present invention can be supported by the ladder to raise or lower items such as tools, paint, etc.;

Figures 12A and 12B are similar to Figures 2, 8 and 9, but illustrate a cam deactivation mechanism that may be selectively positioned between a cord or cord and a cam to prevent braking or locking of the cord or cord;

Figure 13 is similar to Figure 1 but shows an embodiment of a failsafe device in the form of a cleat for use with ropes such as those used on ships, the failsafe device being provided with a slit in one wall of the device to allow access from the Quick release and removal of the equipment from the rope;

Figure 14 is a top view of a modified version of the apparatus shown in Figure 13, wherein the slots are not straight but have at least an offset portion;

15 is a schematic side view of a cleat such as that shown in FIG. 4, illustrating the force couple typically generated after locking and stopping the rope, which tends to separate or "lift" the cleat from the mounting surface;

Figure 16 is a front view of a modified splint design with the upper and outer walls removed that compensates for the force couples noted with respect to the previous figures, substantially independent of the size and shape of the splint bracket or frame; and

Fig. 17 is a schematic side view similar to that shown in Fig. 15, but showing the manner in which force couples are compensated to stabilize the splint on the mounting surface.

Detailed ways

Referring now specifically to the drawings, wherein like or similar parts are indicated by like reference numerals throughout, and initially with reference to FIG. 1 , a splint according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 170 .

In FIG. 1, the splint is formed by a frame or housing 172 having an upper wall 172a, a lower wall 172b spaced from the upper wall, and side walls 172c, 172d. 2, the frame or housing 172 has a proximal-most side 173a and a distal-most side 173b on substantially opposite sides of the frame, and is formed with a passage extending between the proximal-most and distal-most sides for receiving a cord or cord 16. and generally define a splint centerline CL along which the cord is movable from proximal-most to distal-most in a first cord-releasing direction and from distal-most to proximal-most in a cord pulling direction.

Any suitable means may be used to secure the frame 172 to a support surface of a boat, ladder or the like. In the disclosed embodiment, the frame of the splint may be secured by suitable fasteners such as screws or bolts indicated by reference numerals 174, 176 extending through the upper and lower walls of the housing or frame. Suitable openings or holes, and extending through pivot members 33, 34, are mounted to pivot about elements 174, 176 acting as pivot pins. The pusher 33 in the cam 34 is rotatably mounted on a hollow pin forming an opening, in which case the upper and lower walls of the housing or frame are provided with holes in line with said opening. As suggested, any suitable fastener may be used to extend through at least one set of associated openings and frame holes to secure the frame to the support surface.

As will be noted, a cam 34 is mounted on the frame on one side of the channel, said cam being movable between a cord release position and a cord lock position. The cam 34 and its general operation have been described above. Also previously described is the normal operation of the pusher 33 mounted on the frame on the opposite side of the passage relative to the cam 34 so that only the pull on the cord at the most proximal side 173a is relatively less than at the farthest side 173b. When pulling on the rope, a force is selectively applied to the rope in the direction of the cam to urge the rope across the gap into contact with the cam. As previously described, continued contact between the cord and the cam rotates the cam clockwise across the gap, while the cam moves from the released position to the locked position until the user exerts a pulling force on the proximal-most cord at least equal to the The farthest pull.

The cleats feature the provision of cam biasing means which generally tend to urge the cams to disengage from the cord. Similarly, it is preferable to provide a pusher biasing device which generally tends to move the cord across the gap into contact with the cam, and when the user applies sufficient pull away from the centerline of the cleat to create a force component to counteract the push produced by the pusher biasing device When force is applied, the rope is allowed to return to the channel without contacting the cam. As will become apparent, these biasing means facilitate unlocking the cord and allowing movement of the cord in the cord release direction. As suggested, the biasing means acting on the pusher 33 and/or cam 34 may be in the form of a spring acting between the frame and the associated pivot member. However, presently preferred embodiments provide magnets for both attractive and repulsive forces preferred for their effectiveness, reliability and simplicity.

Referring to Figure 2, the pusher 33 is provided with a cutout, recess or cavity 33d to accommodate a magnetic element 184 which generates a repulsive force on the pusher. Similarly, a magnetic element 182 is provided proximate to the cam 13 to generate a magnetic attraction force on the cam. When the cam 34 is constructed from a magnet to a magnetizable metal such as mild steel, the magnetic element 182 may be a magnet with a certain pole placed proximate to the cam. As suggested in Figure 8, when the cam 34 is not made of magnetic material, but may be made of plastic or the like, a suitable element 216 of magnetic material may be embedded in the cam 34, close to the permanent magnet 204 fixed on the frame. Such elements 216 may be made of soft iron. Referring to FIG. 9 , it will be noted that a permanent magnet 202 may be mounted on the cam 34 . In this case, referring to FIG. 6 , the magnets 202 , 204 must be placed with the polarity shown so that the resulting magnetic field creates an attractive force that tries to reduce or minimize the distance between the magnets and tends to pivot the cam 34 counterclockwise.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9 , two magnets 210 , 212 may also be used to provide the required biasing force to the pusher 33 . Here, the permanent magnet 210 is fixed to the housing or frame, while the magnet 212 is mounted on the pusher to move with it. However, in order to bias the pusher towards the channel and the rope or rope, the two magnets must be placed close to each other with their respective poles facing each other of the same polarity so that the magnetic field lines 214 create a repulsive force tending to pivot the pusher counterclockwise .

It will be apparent that the magnetic force acting on the pusher 33 can be adjusted to provide a lower or higher biasing force. Typically, however, the biasing force is such that the pusher exerts a lateral force generally normal or perpendicular to the channel or splint centerline or axis that is significantly less than the pulling force applied to the cord or string along its longitudinal direction. Since this lateral force always tries to force the cord or cord against the cams in the cleats, once the most proximal or distal most pulling force is reduced or reduced to 0, then said lateral force will automatically and almost immediately brake or lock the cord or rope. In order to open or release the cord or rope, it will be clear with reference to FIG. 5 that the lateral force exerted by the pusher must be overcome and compensated before the pusher can return to its retracted position such as shown in FIG. 9 . In order to obtain a compensating force _FR equal to the thrust _PF , the rope or rope 16 needs to have a pulling force _FP applied to it from the center line at an angle α, which can be as low as 1 degree, but is usually between 4-6 within the range of degrees.

Referring to Figures 10 and 11, it will be apparent that the splint of the present invention may have many applications. A sailboat or yacht 220 having a hull 222 and mast 224 and sails 226, 228 may use new cleats at various locations for adjusting ropes or ropes secured to such members. The cleats 170 may also be secured to a ladder 240 for use with the housing structure 242 to raise and lower various items 244 such as tools, paint, and the like. For such purposes, the cord or rope 16 may be manufactured in the shape of a coil as shown in FIG. 11 .

Obviously, the frame 172 can be made of metallic material or made of non-metallic material. However, if magnets are used to provide the biasing force, the housing or frame is preferably made of a non-metallic material such as plastic or a non-magnetizable metal such as aluminum or certain stainless steel alloys.

In order to improve the handling of the splint, the pusher 33 is preferably provided with upper and lower sliding surfaces 33a, 33b, a serrated or toothed central region 33c, on the side facing the channel and the cord or rope 16, as in FIG. 4 Best shown, the central region engages the portion of the cord that is pushed by the cam in the locked position. However, as shown in Figure 2, when the cam 34 is not in its locked position, the cord or cord does not engage the serrations on the pusher but instead slides against the smooth surfaces 33a, 33b.

Referring to Figures 12A, 12B, when it is desired to disable the cam 34 so that the cam cannot brake or lock the cord or rope, any suitable disabling mechanism may be used. By way of example, such a mechanism is indicated by numeral 250 and includes a lever arm 252 mounted to pivot independently about pin 176 to pivot concentrically about the same axis as cam 34 . The end of the lever arm 252 is connected to a manual operator handle 254 by an intermediate link 256 as shown. The link 256 has one end pivotally mounted on the handle 254, while the other end 260 forms a free end or extension. The handle 254 is slidably mounted through a slot in a ball joint 258, which is pivotable about a ball 258a. In addition, the handle can be linearly slid through the ball 258a by the pin 258b and secured at the desired position. In FIG. 12A, the extension 260 is positioned to avoid any contact with the cord 16 or the cam 34, so that the extension 260 is in the enabled position of the enable cam 34, and the extension 260 can operate as described to lock. Tight rope or rope. However, referring to FIG. 12B, by sliding the handle inwardly into the housing or frame and turning the handle counterclockwise about ball 258a, the linkage moves the extension 260 to the position shown in which the linkage is inserted into the between the cord or cord and the cam 34 so that the cam and its teeth or serrations cannot engage the cord or cord or brake or lock the cord or cord as previously described. In this way, with a simple movement of the handle 254, the splint can be disabled and the cord or cord can easily be moved in either direction along the channel.

There are some situations where it is necessary to release a locked cord very quickly. One example is when the wind that hits the sail suddenly changes direction, when the ropes secured to the sail of the sailboat need to be released almost immediately. Referring to Figure 13, an alternative embodiment 170' is shown which is almost identical to the embodiment 170 shown in Figure 1, except that one of the two walls 172a, 172b is provided with a slot 270, which may have the same operating elements and in the same manner, the groove 270 is substantially in line with the axis CL of the cord 16 to form the wall portions 172a', 172a", and the groove 270 has a width substantially corresponding to the width or diameter of the cord 16 so that the cord can The device is moved in and out through the slot. Therefore, the edges 272 and 274 of the slot 270 are sufficiently spaced apart to allow the cord 16 to pass through the slot without interference or hindrance. It should be appreciated that when the cord needs to be released very quickly, Elevating the cord to leave the plane of the elements 33, 34 through the slot 270 removes any hindrance on the cord and the cord can be released at any speed. When the cord needs to be locked again it can be inserted through the slot 270 to position Between the elements 33, 34, and the rope can be controlled and braked as previously described.

In Fig. 14, a variation of the embodiment shown in Fig. 13 includes a non-linear groove for preventing accidental disengagement of the cord 16 through the groove. In an embodiment, the modified slot includes an alignment slot portion substantially corresponding to slot 270 in FIG. 13 , which defines an axis A1 aligned with the axis or centerline CL of the cord 16 . The edge portions 280 a , 280 b then correspond to the edges 272 , 274 of the linear groove 270 . However, at the most distal portion 173b, the slots are deflected or offset to the left as shown in the figures to define axis A2 and edge portions 280c, 280d. Similarly, at proximal-most portion 173a, the slot is deflected or offset to the right as shown to define axis A3 and edge portions 28Oe, 28Of. Opposing edge portions as shown in Figure 13 are kept substantially the same distance apart to allow easy and quick movement of the cord without resistance. It should be noted that when the groove is modified in the manner shown, creating a hindering portion 282 at the distal end and a hindering portion 284 at the proximal end, the hindering portions 282, 284 superimpose on the cord so that the Tight or straight as shown prevents the rope from accidentally moving out of the slot. However, when the cord 16 is moved to the right at the proximal-most portion 173a to be substantially aligned with the axis A3, that portion of the cord is aligned with the edge portions 280e, 280f and the cord can be moved by lifting out of the slot at the proximal-most portion . The cord will then easily pass through the remainder of the slot by being guided by the edge portions 280a-280d until the cord is fully retracted and out of the blocking portions 282, 284, at which point the cord can be released without being affected by the device. To facilitate initial movement of the cord at the proximalmost end as described, the slot may be provided with curved portions 280g, 280h creating an enlarged tapered entry 280i which simplifies initial guide cord 16 entry into the slot. The embodiment shown in Figure 14 has the advantages of the embodiment shown in Figure 13 in addition to providing an additional measure of safety and reliability, whereby the rope can be released quickly only when desired and not inadvertently or accidentally .

Referring to Figure 15, a schematic diagram is shown illustrating some of the previously described embodiments, such as the splint shown in Figures 1-4, 8, 9 and 12A-14. Frame 172 is mounted on a support or mounting surface MS. In these embodiments, the same mounting members or fasteners in the form of bolts 174, 176 used to pivotally support the pusher 33 and cam 34 are also the same members used to secure the splint frame or housing to the support surface MS. The cam 34 and the cam portion that engages the rope when the rope is braked, locked or stopped are generally or effectively disposed at two opposite extremes generally along the axis of the cleat and along the direction of movement of the rope as it passes through the cleat. On point 294 between distal and proximal. Also, the point of engagement of the cord with the cam is spaced a predetermined distance 298 from the support surface MS. Clearly, as shown in Figure 15, the sudden and momentary locking action of the cam against the cord will generate an upward force FC1 exerted by the cord on the cam and thus also on the cleat housing or frame. Such an upward force FC1 generated by the rope is transmitted to the fasteners or bolts 174, 176 while an equal opposing downward force FC2 is generated by the mounting surface to prevent upward movement of the cleat. However, the resulting reaction force FC2 creates a couple that is a function of distance 298 . The greater the forces FC1, FC2 and the greater the distance 298, the greater the force couple, which is the product of these two parameters. The force couple is represented by numeral 300, which also indicates the tendency of the frame or housing 172 to rotate counterclockwise, which tends to separate or lift from the mounting surface MS at least at the proximalmost side of the frame or housing. This result tends to tear or remove the component from the mounting surface and is thus undesirable.

According to the design described above, the force couple is compensated by the reaction moment, the magnitude of which is a function of the height K1 of the frame or casing above the bolts or fasteners 174, 176, which produces a force acting on the upper edge of the casing or frame. The reaction force CF on E. Since the magnitude of the reaction force CF is inversely proportional to the distance K1, one option for reducing this force is to increase the height of the enclosure or frame, as suggested by the dashed outline, with an edge portion E' to provide a new The distance K2>K1. However, enlarging the bracket just to compensate for the force couple 300 is not necessarily practical for a number of reasons including the difficulty of using a larger splint housing on a small mounting surface.

Referring to Figure 16, a modified splint design is shown in front view with the top cover or walls removed. The cleat is shown in the cord locking position, wherein the cam 34 engages the cord 16 and the pusher 33 is pushed back to its retracted position against the biasing action of the repelling magnets 210 , 212 . As suggested above, the effective pressure point for the cam to act on the rope is marked at 294 . However, according to the new design, the pusher 33 and cam 34 are mounted on pins or rivets that are only mounted on the back or rear wall (as seen in FIG. 16 ), and the pusher 33 and cam 34 Not connected or fixed to the mounting surface MS. Instead, the frame or housing is secured to the mounting surface by separate fasteners 290,292. When the pin or pivot 174, 176 is near the farthest side of the frame or housing, at a point between the farthest side and the cord contact or engagement point 294, the fastener 290, 292 is positioned at the contact point by a distance 296 294 and the lower side or edge of the housing or frame. By lowering the fixing point closer to the proximalmost side of the frame or bracket, the effective distance of the reaction moment is increased to K3 (Fig. 17), which is larger than K1 or even larger than K2, without the need to increase the height of the frame or housing. Thus, the splint can now better handle the ensuing couple without the need to increase or even reduce the size of the splint housing.

Referring again to Fig. 16, the cord 16 is shown deflected by an angle a on both the proximal-most and distal-most sides of the splint. In both positions, the deflection is in the left direction, as seen in the figure, towards the pusher 33 and away from the cam 34 . Preferably, such a deflection is provided as suggested to avoid accidental contact of the cord with the cam 34 when the user applies pulling force to the proximalmost cord, as this could prematurely engage the cam. In fact, as seen in FIG. 16, since the magnets 210, 212 repel each other and tend to bias the pusher to the right to urge the rope against the cam, the angle α can be chosen so that when a pulling force is applied to the rope, a force at least equal to The leftward force component of the biasing force produced by the magnets 210 , 212 . This ensures that the rope remains in contact with the pusher and not the cam. Of course, when the cord is released and the pull is removed from the cord, the compensating component of the force towards the left is eliminated and the biasing force of the magnet is allowed to push or move the cord into contact with the cam.

The angular deflection a can be obtained in any conventional way. In the illustrated embodiment, however, such deflection is achieved through the use of eyebolts 302, 304 through which the cables pass, suitably spaced from the cleat frame. For reasons that will become apparent, the lower eyebolt 304 is more important as this is where the user controls and pulls the rope. The distal end of the rope, typically fixed to the sail, has less effect on the cam because the rope exits the cleat adjacent to a pin or rivet 174 which normally secures the pusher against sideways movement. However, this most distal deflection is provided for redundancy purposes, although in most applications this is optional. Eyebolts are recommended because they secure the rope in all directions. However, it will be apparent that any suitable deflection member may be used. For example, it should also be understood that the eyebolts 304, for example, should be spaced a suitable distance from the most proximal side of the splint frame or housing. If the eyebolt is too close, it may interfere with the movement of the rope towards the cam even when the rope is released and the tension is removed. For example, for a 3/8" diameter rope, the stiffness of such rope may require that the eyebolts be spaced from the cleats a distance of at least 6 inches, and preferably a distance of 1 foot. For smaller diameter ropes, the distance may be reduced , while larger diameter ropes may require slightly greater spacing, in each case ensuring that the deflection member does not prevent the pusher from pushing the rope onto the cam when the rope is released and the tension is removed.

The operation of the splint shown in Figures 16, 17 is the same as the previously described splint design. However, by mounting the pusher and cam to separate pivots or pins that are attached to only one wall of the housing or frame, the housing or frame can be shortened without compromising or compromising the cleats for safe and secure mounting The ability to attach to the supporting surface so that the cleats can be minimized in size while remaining stable even when high rope stopping or locking forces are applied.

Having described the present invention with reference to the illustrative embodiments, the novel apparatus is not limited to these embodiments but modifications thereof are intended to be included within the broad spirit and scope of this disclosure and the following claims and drawings.

Claims (34)

1. A fail-safe splint with automatic inline cord locking comprising: a frame having a proximal-most side and a distal-most side on substantially opposite sides of said frame and forming a channel, the channel being at the proximal-most side extending between the most distal side and the most distal side for receiving a cord and substantially defining a splint midline along which the cord is movable in a first cord release direction from the proximal-most side to the distal-most side and in a cord pulling direction from the said farthest side moves toward said most proximal side; fixing means for fixing said frame to a support surface; The cam mechanism is movable between a cord releasing position and a cord locking position, the cord engaging portion includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, the first engaging portion is generally spaced apart from the cord by a distance Δ to form a gap at the cord releasing position , while the second engaging portion spans the gap by a distance at least equal to Δ, to brake the rope and prevent the rope from moving in the rope release direction; a pusher, which is on the frame relative to the passage of the cam device Opposite side for selectively applying force to the cord in the direction of the cam arrangement to urge The cord comes into contact with the first engagement portion across the gap by the distance Δ, continued contact of the cord and cord engagement portion causes the second engagement portion of the cam device to span the distance Δ, and the the cam arrangement moves from the release position to the locked position until the user applies a pulling force on the most proximal side of the cord at least equal to the farthest pulling force; cam biasing means tending to urge the cam arrangement to move from the cord disengagement; and a pusher biasing device, which generally tends to move the cord across the gap into contact with the cam, and when the user applies sufficient pulling force away from the centerline of the cleat, a force component is generated to counteract the pusher bias. The thrust generated by the setting means thus facilitates unlocking the cord and allowing the cord to move in said first cord release direction, allowing the cord to return to said channel without contacting said cam means. 2. The splint of claim 1 wherein said cam means and said pusher are pivotally mounted on a hollow pin defining an opening, wherein said frame has a hole in line with said opening , said fastening means comprising fastening means extending through at least one set of associated openings and frame holes for fastening said frame to a support surface. 3. The splint of claim 1 wherein said cam biasing means comprises a spring acting between said frame and said cam means. 4. The splint of claim 1, wherein said cam bias includes magnetic means that creates an attractive magnetic force on said cam means. 5. A splint as claimed in claim 4, wherein said magnetic means comprises a magnet mounted on said frame adjacent to said cam means, said cam means consisting of a magnetisable material attracted by said magnet. 6. The splint of claim 4, wherein said cam means is made of non-magnetized material, said magnetic means comprises a magnet mounted on said frame adjacent to said cam means, and a magnet mounted on said A magnetizable portion on the cam mechanism responds to the magnet. 7. The splint of claim 6, wherein the magnetisable portion is made of soft iron. 8. The splint of claim 1, wherein said pusher biasing means includes magnetic means for generating a repulsive magnetic force on said pusher. 9. The splint according to claim 8, wherein said magnetic means comprises a fixed magnet mounted on said frame with predetermined poles facing said pusher, and a fixed magnet mounted on said pusher. A magnet having the same magnetic pole as the predetermined magnetic pole facing the fixed magnet so as to repel the pusher in the direction of the cam means. 10. The splint of claim 1, wherein said deviation from a splint centerline comprises a predetermined angle of deviation of the cord from said splint centerline in the direction of said pusher at said proximalmost side. 11. The splint of claim 10, wherein the angular deflection is approximately in the range of a maximum of 5 to 6 degrees. 12. The cleat of claim 1, wherein the cleat is a cam cleat for marine applications. 13. The cleat of claim 1 , wherein the cord extending through the channel is a substantially closed loop to which an item can be secured for raising the item onto a ladder securing the cleat frame . 14. The splint of claim 1 wherein said frame includes a spacer main wall and at least two opposing side walls spanning said main wall and extending generally between said proximal and distalmost ends . 15. The splint of claim 1, wherein the frame is constructed of metal. 16. The splint of claim 1 wherein said frame is constructed of a non-metallic material. 17. The splint of claim 1, wherein the cord engaging portion is provided with serrations or teeth. 18. The splint according to claim 1, wherein said pusher is provided with teeth or serrations on a part thereof, and the cord is pressed against said serrations by said cam arrangement in said cord locking position; The pusher has a smooth surface on a part thereof which can contact the rope before the rope locking position of the cam means. 19. The cleat according to claim 1, further comprising a cam arrangement disabler selectively interposed between the cord and said cam arrangement, freely in the cord release direction when desired independent of pusher position Engagement between the cam means and the rope is prevented when the rope is moved without being braked by the cam means. 20. A splint as claimed in claim 19, wherein said cam means disabling means comprises an element which is manually movable relative to said cam means between enabled and disabled positions. 21. The splint of claim 1 , further comprising a quick release means for selectively releasing a cord by removing the cord from said channel so that the cord is not free from said cam means or said Move freely without being restricted by the pusher. 22. The splint of claim 21, wherein the quick release includes a slot in the frame sized to allow removal of the cord from the channel. 23. The splint of claim 22, wherein the groove is straight and generally in line with the channel. 24. The splint of claim 22, wherein the slot includes at least one offset portion to provide at least one blocking portion to prevent the cord from being removed from the channel while the cord remains in a linear configuration. 25. A splint as claimed in claim 24, wherein at least one of said offset portions is provided with a curved edge portion to enlarge said slot and facilitate the introduction and removal of a cord into and out of said channel. 26. A failsafe splint with automatic inline cord locking comprising a frame having a proximal-most side and a distal-most side on substantially opposite sides of said frame and forming a channel between the proximal-most and distal-most sides extending between the distal-most sides for receiving a cord and generally defining a splint midline along which the cord is movable in a first cord-releasing direction from the proximal-most side to the distal-most side and in a cord-pull direction from the the most distal side moves toward said proximal most side; fixing means for fixing said frame to a support surface; cam means on said frame on one side of said channel and having a cord engaging portion, said The device is movable between a cord releasing position and a cord locking position, the cord engaging portion being spaced a predetermined distance from the support surface and comprising a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, the first engaging portion being generally spaced from the cord by a distance Δ , to form a gap at the rope release position, and the second engaging portion straddles the gap by a distance at least equal to Δ, to brake the rope and prevent the rope from moving in the rope release direction; the pusher, which is on the frame relative to Opposite sides of the channel of the cam arrangement to selectively engage the cam only when the tension on the cord at the proximalmost side is relatively less than the tension on the cord at the farthest side A force is applied to the cord in the direction of the device to urge the cord across said gap by said distance Δ into contact with said first engagement portion, continued contact of the cord and cord engagement portion causing said second engagement portion of said cam device to the engagement portion spans said distance Δ, and said cam arrangement moves from said release position to said locked position until the user applies a pulling force on the most proximal side of the cord at least equal to said most distal pulling force; the cam is biased a device that tends to urge the cam arrangement to disengage from the cord; a pusher biasing device that generally tends to move the cord across the gap into contact with the cam while the user applies sufficient pulling force away from the centerline of the splint , generating a force component to counteract the thrust generated by said pusher biasing means thereby facilitating unlocking of the cord and allowing movement of the cord in said first cord release direction, allowing the cord to return to said channel without contacting said cam means, said cam means engaging the cord into said cord locking position produces a force couple that is a function of said predetermined distance and tends to separate said frame from a support surface; Compensate and cancel the couples due to the size and shape constraints of the frame. 27. The splint of claim 25, further comprising deflection means for deflecting the cord at least said proximal-most side in the direction of said pusher by a predetermined angle from said splint centerline. 28. The splint of claim 27, wherein said deflection means includes at least one deflection member downstream of and spaced from said proximalmost side for engaging and retaining a cord to said pusher The angle of deflection expected from the centerline in the direction of , to prevent accidental engagement of the rope with the cam when tension is applied to the rope. 29. The splint of claim 26, wherein said stabilizing means includes means for positioning said frame at a position between said cord engaging portion of said cam means and said proximalmost side of said frame. A device fastened to a supporting surface. 30. The splint of claim 26, wherein said stabilizing means includes at least one fastener for securing said frame to a support surface. 31. The splint of claim 30, wherein at least one of said fasteners comprises said securing means. 32. The splint of claim 26, wherein said cam means and pusher are movably secured to said frame between said most distal side of said frame and a cord engaging portion of said cam means superior. 33. The splint of claim 26, wherein said frame includes a spaced apart main wall and at least two spanning said main wall and extending generally between said proximal-most and distal-most ends. the opposite side wall. 34. A fail-safe splint with automatic inline cord locking comprising: a frame having a proximal-most side and a distal-most side on substantially opposite sides of said frame and forming a channel, the channel being at the proximal-most side extending between the distal-most side and the most distal side for receiving a cord and generally defining a splint midline along which the cord is movable in a first cord release direction from the proximal-most side to the distal-most side and in a cord-pull direction from the The farthest side moves toward the nearest side; a fixing device is used to fix the frame to a support surface; a cam device is on the side of the channel on the frame and has a predetermined distance from the support surface a cord engaging portion of the cam unit movable between a cord release position and a cord locking position; a pusher, on the opposite side of the frame with respect to the channel of the cam unit, for moving the cam unit selectively apply force to the cord in the direction of the cam biasing device, which tends to urge the cam device to disengage from the cord; and a pusher biasing device, which generally tends to move the cord across the gap to the The cam contacts, and when applied by the user sufficient pulling force away from the centerline of the cleat, generate a force component to counteract the thrust produced by the pusher biasing means thereby facilitating unlocking the cord and allowing the cord to move in the first cord release direction , allowing the cord to return to the channel without contacting the cam arrangement, which engages the cord into the cord locking position creating a force couple that is a function of the predetermined distance and tends to hold the frame separate from the support surface; and a stabilizing device that compensates and counteracts the couple independent of the size and shape of the frame.

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