Abstract:
A rope tightening and securing device having a base member. A first lobe and a second lobe protrude from a first side of the base member. Each lobe has a first groove for receiving a segment of a rope. The first and second lobes define a slot therebetween. The device may be used to secure rope without tying knots in certain applications, to extend a length of rope, and to bypass a damaged section or rope.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/865,308 entitled “ROPE TIGHTENER AND SELF LOCKING ROPE TIE DOWN DEVICE,” filed Nov. 10, 2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention is a rope tightening device that attaches to a rope anywhere along a length of the rope to quickly tighten and secure the rope without using knots. More particularly, the device defines a groove having a ribbed surface to grip the rope for attaching to the rope and for securing the rope once desired rope tension is achieved. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Frequently, it is necessary to secure a load in place by way of a rope, wire, cable or other member (referred to herein collectively as “rope”). To secure a load, one end of the rope is typically secured to a fixed anchoring member. Specific examples of use of this type of securing arrangement include utilizing rope to secure a tarp that is positioned over material on a truck or other transport vehicle. A further example is using rope to support branches laden with heavy fruits, or any of a wide variety of other applications wherein a rope or cable is used to secure and hold material or cargo securely in a desired position. Material may be heavy and difficult to manage and secure. Therefore, various devices have been employed to apply tension on a rope or cable for securing loads or cargo. 
         [0004]    One commonly used arrangement for tensioning a rope in applications where the rope is relatively flexible involves tying a knot in a portion of the rope and leaving a loop extending therefrom, running the rope around an anchoring member, back through the loop, then pulling tension to achieve the desired tightness, and then back to the anchoring member where the rope can be securely tied off. This arrangement functions generally in the same manner as a pulley or block-and-tackle arrangement, giving the user a mechanical advantage when tensioning the rope prior to securing its running or free end to the anchoring member. This method has disadvantages associated with tying the knot, which is inconvenient and frequently difficult to untie when the load is to be released. Further, the knot may cause damage to the rope. 
         [0005]    Other devices have been used to assist a user in tensioning a rope for securing a load of material. However, many of these devices are inconvenient or difficult to use, or may result in weakening of a portion of the rope. Thus, a need has arisen for a simple, easily used device for tensioning a rope, wherein the device may be quickly and easily installed. The device should be durable and preferably also give the user a mechanical advantage to assist him or her in tensioning the rope. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention is a tensioning device that is inexpensive to manufacture and is useful for various rope tensioning applications. Further, in the preferred embodiment, the device has no moving parts. The device of the invention is a versatile rope tightening device that can be used anywhere along a length of rope that is being used to hold, tie down, or secure a load or item. In certain applications, the device of the invention eliminates a need for tying a knot even at the securing point. 
         [0007]    Advantages of the invention include the ability to save time by securing loads using small diameter line without using knots. Anticipated applications include use on a truck or trailer and use inside a box truck or trailer. Further, the device is ideal for camping purposes, such as for securing tents, tarpaulins, canvas awnings, netting and clothes lines. The device facilitates stretching a line taught between two points to securely hold an object tied in place by maintaining tension on the rope used to secure the object. 
         [0008]    The device allows tension in a rope to be quickly and easily adjusted without untying and tying knots. Rope tension held by the securing, clamping grip of the device may be easily adjusted. 
         [0009]    Other contemplated uses for the device include adjusting a boat anchor length or attaching a line to a tree while a boat is beached. The device is effective for setting up sports netting, such as volleyball and badminton nets since the tightness of the ropes may be quickly adjusted. Further, the device can be used to hang items such as bicycles, canoes, ladders, etc. from a ceiling and may be used to hoist items and to secure items in place. 
         [0010]    When felling a tree, the device may be used to attach a taught line to the tree to direct the fall of the tree. The device can be used to bypass a damaged part of rope while still holding the rope tight and secure. The device can be used to tie up branches in a tree, such as fruit trees, and quickly make adjustments without untying and tying knots. 
         [0011]    The device can be used with multiple types of material used in rope, string, cord, or twine, e.g., from manila or hemp type rope, nylon braided or twisted types of rope, and line used by individuals to secure loads or to anchor various items. For purposes of this application, the term rope will be used to refer to any type of rope, string, cord, twine or other flexible elongate members. The device may be used in any application where a rope needs to be tightened between two points. 
         [0012]    In the preferred embodiment, the device has two protuberances or lobes that have grooves or channels for receiving the rope. The channels are preferably tapered to facilitate use with many sizes of rope that can be secured within the device of the invention, i.e., rope having a very small diameter, such as twine (typically 1/16″ to ⅜″ diameter) up to larger diameters of rope. The ability to grip different sizes of rope allows the device to be suitable for diverse applications. As an example, the most common sizes and types of rope used in the securing of material or loads in a truck or trailer is between 3/16″ and ⅜″ braided nylon. 
         [0013]    In summary, the device of the invention is very simple to use for securing a length of rope to secure a load, adjusting the tightness of a sports net, securing a tent or awning, or for hanging an item from a ceiling. One benefit of this device is its simplicity and quickness in placing the device into service. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a schematic of a length of rope. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the rope tightening and securing device of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  is a side elevation view of the device of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0017]      FIG. 2C  is a plan view of the device of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0018]      FIG. 2D  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0019]      FIG. 2E  is an end elevation view of the device of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective schematic view of the device of  FIG. 2A  being used to secure a load in a preferred configuration. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing the device in use to bypass a damaged part of a length of rope. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 2A  being used to join separate pieces of rope or to bypass a damaged rope segment and a second device to assist in tensioning the rope. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    In describing how the invention works or is used in the application of securing or tightening a length of rope  10 , it is necessary to describe the terms commonly associated in using and securing rope  10 . Referring first to  FIG. 1 , the working end  12  of rope  10  is shown. Working end  12  is the end of rope  10  that is used to secure rope  10  to an anchor point. The running end  14  of rope  10  is the end of rope  10  that is not rigged, i.e., the free end. The standing part  16  of the rope  10  is the portion of rope  10  that is not fastened at the rigging point. Bight  18  is a “U” shaped bend in rope  10  that orients a portion of rope  10  back parallel with itself. When rope  10  is “taught”, this refers to tensioning rope  10  to remove the slack from rope  10 . 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A-2D , a rope tightening and securing device is designated generally  20 . Device  20  has a base member  22 . Device  20  has a top  24 , a bottom  26 , a first end  28 , a second end  30  and a first side  32 . Device  20  may be made of nylon, similar plastic polymer material, or other suitable materials. 
         [0025]    A first lobe  34  is affixed to said first side  32  of base member  22  proximate first end  28 . First lobe  34  has a first groove  36  accessible from top  24  for receiving a segment of standing portion  16  of rope  10 . First groove  36  is defined by a pair of first locking jaws  38 . On an inner surface of first locking jaws  38  is a plurality of first ridges or first gripping members  40 . First gripping members  40  are preferably oriented at an angle that is approximately 50 degrees with respect to a lower edge of base plate  22 . 
         [0026]    A second lobe  42  is affixed to first side  32  of base member  22  proximate second end  30 . Second lobe  42  has a second groove  43  accessible from top  24  for receiving a segment of standing part  16  of rope  10 . Second groove  43  is defined by a pair of second locking jaws  44 . On an inner surface of second locking jaws  44  is a plurality of second ridges or second gripping members  46 . Second gripping members  46  are preferably oriented at an angle that is approximately 50 degrees with respect to a lower edge of base plate  22 . Second lobe  42  further defines a guide channel  48  ( FIG. 2D ) on bottom  26 . A pulley surface  50  is formed on interior end of guide channel  48 . 
         [0027]    First lobe  34  and second lobe  42  define a slot  52  therebetween. A tang member  54  extends from first end  28  and defines a second slot between said tang member  54  and said first lobe  34 . 
         [0028]    i. Description for Using the Device to Tighten a Length of Rope, to Secure a Load, or Item 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the following describes use of device  20  for purposes of securing a load on a trailer, in a truck, or in a cargo box, all of which may be secured by using the same technique. 
         [0030]    First, a user secures working end  12  of rope  10  (schematically represented in  FIG. 3 ) to a first anchor point  60  or tie off point, such as the side rail of a trailer or other tie down. Next, rope  10  is passed over material, e.g. lumber or other materials, to be secured. Then rope  10  is passed around a secured second anchor point  64  opposite first anchor point  60  to form a bight  18  in rope  10 . Rope  10  is then pulled taught. 
         [0031]    A portion of standing part  16  of rope  10  is then slipped into tang member  54 . The placement of device  20  may be anywhere along standing part  16  of rope  10  so long as there exists enough room to tension to rope  10 . 
         [0032]    Once device  20  is located onto standing part  16  of the rope  10 , device  20  may freely slide in either direction along rope  10 . When device  20  is in optimum position for tensioning, standing part  16  of rope  10  is engaged with first locking jaws  38 . Rope  10  is then directed over top  24  of first lobe  34 , through slot  52 , and into guide channel  48  on bottom  26  of second lobe  42 . 
         [0033]    Rope  10  exits guide channel  48  at second end  30  and passes around second anchor point  64 , thereby forming bight  18 . Rope  10  then travels back toward device  20 , and back into guide channel  48 . Rope  10  is directed around pulley surface  50  and up into second locking jaws  44  on top  24  of second lobe  42 . Running end  14  of rope  10  is then pulled until desired tightness of rope  10  is achieved. The tension in rope  10  forces rope  10  tightly into second locking jaws  44  in second lobe  42 , which functions as a self locking device. 
         [0034]    The amount of tension that can be applied to the rope  10  will depend on the type and size of rope  10  being used. To loosen tension, running end  14  of rope  10  is grasped and pulled to lift rope  10  from second locking jaws  44  of second lobe  42 . Lifting rope  10  allows a user to loosen rope  10  enough to place additional or larger material to be secured. Rope  10  may then be re-tightened using the previously described method. 
         [0035]    A user should not attempt to secure a load heavier than the rated breaking strength of the rope being used. It is important to use an appropriately sized rope  10  in relation to item being secured. The user should be aware of the breaking strength of rope  10  being used in relation the load or item being secured. 
         [0036]    ii. Description for Using the Device for Hoisting an Object From a Vertical Anchor Point 
         [0037]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the following describes a method of using device  20  to secure rope  10  to a first anchor point  60  such as a hook or eye that is secured in the ceiling for the purpose of lifting and securing a canoe or bicycle, i.e., second anchor point  64 . 
         [0038]    First, a user attaches tang member  54  to standing part  16  of rope  10  below first anchor point  60 . The location of attachment of device  20  to rope  10  should be higher than an elevation desired to store the item being lifted. Examples of a typical item are a bicycle or canoe, although other items are also suitable for lifting in the manner described herein. Typically, the desired elevation will correspond to a height immediately below secured or working end  12  of rope  10 . Standing part  16  of rope  10  is passed over top  24  of first lobe  34  and passes through slot  52 . 
         [0039]    The user then makes a bight  18  around a safe lifting point, i.e., second anchor point  64 , on the item to lift and pulls rope  10  taught. Rope  10  is then passed along guide channel  48  and around pulley surface  50 . Rope  10  will then make contact with channel guide  48  parallel to existing rope  10 . After rope  10  passes over pulley surface  50 , rope  10  comes into contact with second locking jaws  44  defined by second lobe  42 . 
         [0040]    Running end  14  of rope  10  is then pulled to tighten rope  10  and to lift the item that is being secured. When a desired height of the item is achieved, rope  10  is locked into second locking jaws  44 . The weight of the device being lifted will pull rope  10  tightly into second locking jaws  44 , thereby securing the load. 
         [0041]    iii. Description for Using the Device to Bypass a Damaged Part of Rope 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the following will describe a method of using device  20 A to bypass a damaged section  70  of rope  10 . If rope  10  is in use and damaged section  70  is noticed, rope  10  may be configured such that damaged part  70  of rope  10  remains untensioned while rope  10  may still be used to secure a load. 
         [0043]    First, a user attaches tang  54  to rope  10  at a location above damaged portion  70  on the working end  12  of the rope  10 , e.g., several inches above damaged portion  70 , so that a loop may be formed in rope  10 , whereby the loop contains damaged part  70  of rope  10 , thus removing tension from damaged portion  70  when rope  10  is subsequently tightened. 
         [0044]    With the damaged part  70  of rope  10  hanging, i.e., not in tension, the user may pass rope  10  back into slot  52  and around top  24  of second lobe  42 , where rope  10  engages second locking jaws  44 . A second device  20 B may be used to achieve desired tension in rope  10 . 
         [0045]    When desired tension is achieved, rope  10  is then locked into second locking jaws  44 , leaving the damaged part of rope  10  hanging loose, i.e., not part of tightened rope  10  and thus not subject to failure. 
         [0000]    iv. Description to Attach Two Different Sizes of Rope or to Extend a Length of Rope 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , shown is a method for attaching two different sizes of rope  10 , e.g., rope  10 A and rope  10 B, or to extend a length of rope  10  with device  20 . A user first slips rope  10 A into tang  54  of device  20 A over top  24  of first lobe  34  and down through slot  52 . Rope  10 A is then snugged into first locking jaws  38 . The user then places rope  10 B adjacent second guide channel  48  around pulley surface  50 , through slot  52 , and into second locking jaws  44  on top  24  of second lobe  42 . This method extends a length of rope  10 A by the length of rope  10 B used. The method can be executed as many times as needed with multiple devices  20  to extend rope  10  as necessary. Each of rope sections  10 A,  10 B may have the same or different diameters. 
         [0047]    A second device  20 B can be used to tighten rope  10  to desired tension as depicted in  FIG. 5 . Alternatively, if rope  10 B is secured at second anchor point  64 , only one device  20  is necessary to effectively tighten rope  10  when extending a length of rope  10 . 
         [0048]    Device  20  is not limited for use with the specified sizes of rope  10  discussed herein. Device  20  may accept different sizes of rope  10 . It is further anticipated that devices  20  may be scaled up or down as necessary for production of a device  20  that accepts only relatively smaller sizes of rope  10 , such as rope that is typically referred to as string, twine or cord. The use of relatively larger and smaller devices  20  will be the same as described in this application. 
         [0049]    Device  20  may be used in series with the same rope  10  when securing multiple items as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . When using device  20  in this manner, it is desirable to maintain rope  10  in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis of device  20  and to use the same anchor point prior to securing a different load. If rope  10  is pulled perpendicular to device  20 , rope  10  will tend to pull from the jaws in locking point  28 . 
         [0050]    Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the claims.