Systems and methods for providing a quick-release carabiner

Systems and methods for providing a carabiner are discussed herein. While the carabiner can have any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a frame that extends between a first end and a second end, with the frame being defining an internal space, and with the frame defining a gap between the first and second end. Additionally, the carabiner includes a gate that is movably connected to the frame such that the gate is movable between a closed position (in which the gate closes the gap) and an opened position (in which it the gap is open). In some cases, a portion of the gate is configured to divide the internal space into a first and a second enclosure when the gate is in the closed position. Additionally, in some cases, the gate defines an aperture that receives the second end when the gate is closed. Other implementations are described.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to carabiners. More particularly, some implementations of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing a carabiner having two enclosures that are both selectively openable and closable with a single gate.

Background and Related Art

For over a hundred years, carabiners have been a valuable tool in many rope-intensive activities. Indeed, carabiners have become mainstays in several activities, such as climbing, rappelling, spelunking, sailing, rope rescue, construction, arboriculture, window washing, whitewater rescue, industrial rope work, and a wide variety of activities that involve using one or more carabiners to retain a rope in one more desired locations with respect to a user.

In addition to their utility with rope-intensive activities, carabiners have been, and are, regularly used to rapidly connect two or more items together and to rapidly disconnect such items from each other. For instance, carabiners are regularly used to selectively connect items (such as keys, keychains, water bottles, phones, tools, flashlights, multi-tools, accessories, and/or other items) to one or more other objects (such as a belt, belt loop, bag, backpack, zipper, harness, rope, MOLLE looping, cord, strap, attachment surface, jacket, and/or one or more other objects).

While the specific characteristics and components of carabiners can vary greatly, carabiners often comprise a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate that is configured to move to open and close the loop. Accordingly, carabiners are regularly operated by opening the gate to allow objects (such as a rope, strap, key ring, binding, hook, washer, etc.) to pass into and/or be removed from the loop.

Although carabiners may provide a variety of benefits, conventional carabiners are not necessarily without their shortcomings. In some examples of shortcomings that can be associated with conventional carabiners, some carabiners are relatively difficult to use and some are prone to allow ropes (or other objects) to undesirably slide between a first end (sometimes called a basket) and a second end (sometimes called a crotch) of such carabiners.

Thus, while a variety of carabiners currently exist, challenges still exist, including those listed above. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace current techniques with other techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to carabiners. More particularly, some implementations of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing a carabiner having two enclosures that are both selectively and (in some cases) simultaneously openable and closable with a single gate. While the described carabiners can have any suitable component, in some cases, they includes a carabiner frame that extends between a first end and a second end of the frame, with the frame defining an internal space, and with the frame further defining a gap between its first and second ends. In some cases, the carabiner also includes a gate that is movably connected to the frame such that the gate is biased towards a closed position (in which the gate closes the gap) and such that the gate is movable to an opened position (in which it the gap is at least partially open). In some cases, a portion of the gate is also configured to divide the internal space within the frame into a first and a second enclosure when the gate is in the closed position.

With respect to the carabiner frame, the frame can be any suitable shape, including, without limitation, being substantially circular, elliptical, D-shaped, C-shaped, pear-shaped, asymmetrical, triangular, and/or any other suitable shape. Additionally, in some cases, the frame comprises a piece of material (e.g., metal, plastic, ceramic, etc.) that extends from the frame's first end to the frame's second end and that is bent (or otherwise formed) to form the internal space within the frame and to define the gap between the first and second ends of the frame.

With respect to the gate, the gate can include any suitable component that allows it to selectively open and close the gap between the frame's first and second ends, while being biased towards closing the gap. In this regard, some examples of suitable gates include any suitable solid gate, wire gate, straight gate, bent gate, screw gate, manual locking gate, automatic locking gate (dual stage, single stage, etc.), twist-lock gate, key-lock gate, spring gate, and/or any other suitable type of carabiner gate.

While the gate can be disposed in any suitable location on the frame that allows the gate to selectively open and close the gap in the frame, in some implementations (unlike some conventional carabiners in which the gate is pivotally attached to a second end of the carabiner) the described gate is attached to another portion of the frame. Indeed, in some implementations, the gate is movably attached to: a spine portion of the frame, a gate support member extending from the frame, a thickened portion of the frame, and/or any other suitable portion of the frame. More specifically, in some implementations, the gate is movably (e.g., pivotally, rotatably, bendably, resiliently, etc.) attached to a gate support member that extends from the frame's spine into the internal space defined by the frame.

In some implementations, the gate and/or the gate support member are configured to bisect the internal space defined within the frame such that when the gate is in the closed position, the internal space is separated into two discrete enclosures and such that when the gate is in the opened position, an object can be passed through the gap into either the first or the second enclosure. Accordingly, in some such implementations, the two enclosures are both selectively and simultaneously openable and closable as the gate moves between the opened position and the closed position.

In addition to the aforementioned characteristics, the described carabiner can have any other suitable characteristic that allows it to function as intended. Indeed, in some implementations, a front side of the gate (or, in some cases, a side of the gate that faces away from the frame's spine) defines a hole, recess, and/or other aperture that is sized and shaped to receive, abut with, and/or otherwise move into proximity with the second end of the frame when the gate is closed. In some other implementations, the frame is further configured to define two or more internal spaces and the carabiner has a separate gate for each internal space. In some such implementations, at least one of the gates is configured to bisect the internal space to which it corresponds into a first and second enclosure when the gate is closed.

While the methods and processes of the present invention may be particularly useful for carabiners that are configured for relatively light uses, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the described systems and methods can be used in a variety of different applications and in a variety of different areas of manufacture. For instance, in some implementations, the described systems and methods are configured to be used to provide carabiners that are manufactured and tested for load-bearing in safety-critical conditions, such as for use in mountain and rock climbing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to carabiners. More particularly, some embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing a carabiner having two enclosures that are both selectively openable and closable with a single gate. While the carabiner can have any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a carabiner frame that extends between a first end and a second end of the frame, with the frame defining an internal space, and with the frame defining a gap between its first and second ends. Additionally, in some embodiments, the carabiner includes a gate that is movably connected to the frame such that the gate is movable between a closed position (in which the gate closes the gap) and an opened position (in which it the gap is at least partially open or unclosed). In some cases, a portion of the gate is configured to divide the internal space into a first and a second enclosure when the gate is in the closed position.

In the disclosure and in the claims, the term carabiner (and variations thereof) may be used to refer to a loop (of any suitable shape) that defines a gap in the loop and that has a gate that is configured to close the gap in the loop. While the gate, in some embodiments, is freely moveable between an open and closed position (and vice versa), in other embodiments, the gate is biased towards the closed position.

In general (and as mentioned above), some embodiments of the described systems and methods relate to a carabiner having at least two enclosures that are both selectively openable and closable with a single gate. While the described carabiner can comprise any suitable component or characteristic,FIG. 1shows that, in at least some embodiments, the carabiner10comprises a frame15having a first end20and a second end25, wherein the frame defines an internal space30as well as a gap35between the frame's first and second ends.

Additionally,FIG. 1shows that, in some embodiments, the carabiner10further comprises a gate40that is attached to the frame15such that the gate is movable between an opened position (in which a portion of the gate is moved such that the gap35is not completely blocked by the gate; see e.g.,FIG. 1) and a closed position (in which a portion of the gate moves between the frame's first20and second25ends to close (or occlude) the gap35; see e.g.,FIG. 2). Additionally, whileFIG. 2shows that, in some embodiments, when the gate40is closed, the gate divides the internal space30into a first45and a second50enclosure,FIG. 1shows that when the gate40is open an object (not shown) can be passed between a first (e.g., front) side55of the gate and either of the frame's first20or second25ends to be disposed, respectively, in either the first45or the second50enclosure.

With respect to the frame15, the frame can have any suitable shape that defines an internal space30and that has a gap35that can be opened and closed with the gate40. Indeed, in some embodiments, the frame comprises (or otherwise resembles) a shape selected from an oval, a circle, a square, an ellipse, a triangle, a D-shape, a C-shape, a G-shape, a symmetrical shape, an asymmetrical shape, an offset-D shape, a pear shape, an HMS carabiner shape, an oblong shape, an irregular shape, a novelty shape (e.g., a heart-shape, aFIG. 8, an S-shape, a bone shape, a horse shape, a fish shape, a dog shape, a cat shape, a butterfly shape, an animal shape, a tree shape, a star shape, a house shape, a car shape, a key shape, a guitar shape, a mushroom shape, a flower shape, a leaf shape, a fruit shape, a crown shape, a bottle shape, a shoe shape, a letter shape, a cross shape, and/or any other suitable novelty shape), and/or any other suitable shape. Nevertheless,FIGS. 1-2shows that, in some embodiments, the frame15has somewhat of a G-shaped appearance.

The frame15can include any suitable component that allows it to function as intended, Some examples of suitable components include a spine, the first end20, the second25, and a gate support member125(or gate connection or gate attachment member).

With respect to the spine, the spine can have any suitable characteristic that allows the carabiner10to function as intended. Indeed, while the spine can be curved, straight, decorative, ergonomically shaped, and/or have any other suitable shape,FIGS. 3-6respectively illustrate some embodiments in which the spine60comprises a portion that is substantially bent, curved, rounded, and straight. Additionally,FIGS. 3-6show that, in some embodiments, a first portion65and a second portion70of the frame15extend from the spine60to form a first end portion75(sometimes called a basket) and a second end portion80(sometimes called a crotch) of the carabiner10.

With regards to the first20and second25ends of the frame15, in some embodiments, the first end comprises a nose, or a first terminal end of the carabiner that is configured to contact the gate40to close the gap35(and/or the first enclosure45) in the frame. Additionally, in some embodiments, the frames second end comprises another portion of the carabiner (e.g., a second terminal end of the frame) that is configured to abut with, receive, and/or otherwise interact with the gate in such a manner that when the gate is in the closed position, the gate and the second end form and/or close the second enclosure50and such that when the gate is in the opened position, the second enclosure is also open such than an object can pass between the gate's first side55and the frame's second end25.

The frame's first20and second25ends can have any suitable characteristic that allows the carabiner10to function in any manner described herein. In one example, one or both of the frame's ends can comprise one or more notches, grooves, threaded engagements, magnets, catches, mating components, apertures, and/or other characteristics that allow a portion of the gate40to contact, receive, couple, and/or mate with such ends. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIG. 1shows an embodiment in which the first end20comprises a notch85that is configured to engage a recess, groove, and/or other aperture86in the gate40(as discussed below).

In another example of a suitable characteristic, the first20and second25ends of the frame15can extend in any suitable direction, including, without limitation, in a direction that: is substantially parallel with a portion of the spine, is at an angle to a portion of the spine, extends towards a portion of the spine, extends away from the spine, and/or in any other suitable manner that allows the gate40to close and form two enclosures (e.g., the first45and second50enclosures). By way of non-limiting illustration,FIG. 7(andFIG. 1) show at least one embodiment in which the first end20extends substantially parallel to a portion of the spine60, while a portion of the second end25extends towards the spine60.

With regards to the gate40, the gate can comprise any suitable characteristic that allows it to open such that an object can be passed between a first (e.g., front) side55of the gate and the first20and/or second25ends of the frame15to be moved into and/or out of the first45and/or second50enclosures. Some examples of suitable gates include, but are not limited to, any suitable: straight gate, bent gate, wire gate, double gate, grimlock carabiner gate, leaf spring gate, spring gate, solid gate, screw gate, screw-lock gate, manual locking gate, automatic locking gate (e.g., dual stage, single stage, etc.), twist-lock gate, key-lock gate, magnetic gate, gate with a locking sleeve, and/or any other suitable type of carabiner gate. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIG. 7shows an embodiment in which the gate40comprises a torsion spring90, that attaches to the carabiner10in two locations in such a manner that the gate is biased towards the frame's first20and second25ends. Additionally,FIGS. 8-9show some embodiments in which the gate40respectively comprises a leaf spring95and a spring96coupled with a piece98that is configured to block the gap35in the frame15.

Although, in some embodiments, the gate40is not biased towards the closed position, in other embodiments, it is. In such latter embodiments the gate can comprise any suitable biasing mechanism, including, without limitation, one or more torsion springs, coil springs, leaf springs, helical springs, tension springs, compression springs, resilient members, and/or other suitable mechanisms that are configured to bias the gate. Indeed, as mentioned above,FIG. 7shows an embodiment in which the gate40comprises a torsion spring90, whileFIGS. 8-9embodiments in which the gate comprise a leaf spring95and/or another suitable spring96.

In addition to the aforementioned components, the gate40can comprise any other suitable component and/or characteristic that allows it to function as intended. For instance, while some embodiments of the gate are configured to abut the frame's first20and/or second25ends when the gate is in the closed position, in some other embodiments, the gate comprises one or more recesses, grooves, holes, and/or other apertures that are configured to receive a portion of the frame's first and/or second ends. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS. 7 and 10illustrate some embodiments in which the gate40comprises a first100and a second105aperture that are configured to respectively receive the frame's first20and second25ends.

In another example of a suitable characteristic of the gate40, some embodiments of the gate are configured to capture the frame's first20and/or second25ends when the gate is closed and the carabiner10is stretched (e.g., the carabiner is deformed due to the application of excessive force). In such embodiments, the gate and frame15can comprise any suitable characteristics that allow them to catch each other when the carabiner10is in the closed position and its structural integrity is compromised. Some examples of such characteristics include one or more notches and corresponding catches, locking mechanisms or gates with locking mechanisms (as mentioned above), and/or other suitable components. By way of illustration,FIG. 11shows an embodiment in which the frame's second end25comprises a neck110with an enlarged end member115. Moreover,FIG. 11shows that in some embodiments the gate40comprises a second opening105that is configured to receive the enlarged end member and that the second opening further defines a notch120that is configured to receive the neck110such that when the carabiner10is deformed (e.g., longitudinally) so that the neck enters the notch, the enlarged end member is prevented from passing through the notch when the gate40in the closed position. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the gate is keyed or otherwise configured to capture the second end and prevent the second enclosure50from bending open.

While the gate40can be disposed in any suitable location on the frame15that allows the gate to selectively open and close the gap35in the frame, in some embodiments (unlike some conventional carabiners that have a gate that is pivotally attached to a second end (or a second nose) of the carabiner), some embodiments of the described gate are attached to another portion of the frame. Indeed, in some embodiments, the gate is movably attached to: a spine60of the frame, a first end portion75(e.g., a basket), a second end portion80(e.g., a crotch), the frame's first end20, the frame's second end25, a gate support member extending from the frame, and/or from any other suitable portion (or gate connection) of the frame15. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS. 1, 12, and 13respectively show some embodiments in which the gate40is movably (e.g., pivotally, rotatably, bendably, and/or otherwise) attached to a projection, a thickened portion, and/or any other suitable gate support member125that is disposed on and/or extends from the spine60, the second end portion80of the frame15, and a portion of the carabiner between the send end portion80and the second end25of the frame15.

Thus, in some embodiments (as mentioned), the gate40and/or the gate support member125are configured to bisect the internal space30defined within the frame15such that when the gate is in the closed position, the internal space is separated into two discrete enclosures and such that when the gate is in the opened position, an object (not shown) can be passed through the gap35in the frame into either the first or the second enclosure. Accordingly, in some such embodiments, the two enclosures (e.g., the first45and second50enclosures) are both selectively and simultaneously openable and closable as the gate moves between the opened position and the closed position.

In addition to the aforementioned features, the described carabiner10can be modified in any suitable manner that allows it to function as intended. In one example, the carabiner is configured to comprise a can opener and/or a bottle opener. By way of nonlimiting illustration,FIG. 14illustrates one embodiment in which the carabiner10comprises a bottle opener130.

In another example, the carabiner comprises two or more internal spaces30, with each internal space being configured to define two enclosures when a gate40corresponding to each internal space is in the closed position. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIG. 15shows an embodiment in which the carabiner10comprise a frame15that defines a first31and a second33internal space, and wherein a first41and a second43gate are configured to divide its corresponding internal space into a first46and a second51enclosure.

The described carabiner10can also be made in any suitable manner. In this regard, some non-limiting examples of methods for making the described carabiner include, one or more techniques comprising extruding, stamping, casting, machining, cutting, etching, additive manufacturing, bending, folding, drilling, welding, melting, shaping, molding, connecting various pieces with one or more fasteners (e.g., adhesives, mechanical fasteners, frictional fasteners, pins, rivets, hinges, crimps, clips, brads, screws, nails, pegs, springs, etc.), melting pieces together, EDM cutting, machining, finishing, grinding, buffing, polishing, coating, tumbling, anodizing, and/or any other suitable method that allows the described carabiner to be formed and to perform its intended functions.

In addition to the aforementioned features, the described carabiner10can have several additional features. In one example, as some embodiments of the carabiner define a first45and a second50enclosure that are separated when the gate40is in the closed position, in some such embodiments, the carabiner is configured to prevent objects from passing between the first and the second enclosures when the gate is closed.

In another example, some embodiments of the carabiner10allow an object to readily pass into and/or be removed from the first45and/or second50enclosures when the gate is open. In other words, in some embodiments, a user does not need to move an object, such as a key ring, past a second, or back surface, of the gate40to dispose the object at the second end portion80of the carabiner.

Thus, the present invention relates to carabiners. More particularly, some implementations of the present invention relate to systems and methods for providing a carabiner having two enclosures that are both selectively openable and closable with a single gate. While the carabiner can have any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a frame that extends between a first end and a second end, with the frame being defining an internal space, and with the frame defining a gap between the first and second end. Additionally, the carabiner includes a gate that is movably connected to the frame such that the gate is movable between a closed position (in which the gate closes the gap) and an opened position (in which it the gap is open). In some cases, a portion of the gate is configured to divide the internal space into a first and a second enclosure when the gate is in the closed position. Additionally, in some cases, the gate defines an aperture that receives the second end when the gate is closed.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments, examples, and illustrations are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. In addition, as the terms on, disposed on, attached to, connected to, coupled to, etc. are used herein, one object (e.g., a material, element, structure, member, etc.) can be on, disposed on, attached to, connected to, or coupled to another object—regardless of whether the one object is directly on, attached, connected, or coupled to the other object, or whether there are one or more intervening objects between the one object and the other object. Also, directions (e.g., front back, on top of, below, above, top, bottom, side, up, down, under, over, upper, lower, lateral, etc.), if provided, are relative and provided solely by way of example and for ease of illustration and discussion and not by way of limitation. Where reference is made to a list of elements (e.g., elements a, b, c), such reference is intended to include any one of the listed elements by itself, any combination of less than all of the listed elements, and/or a combination of all of the listed elements. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms a, an, and one may each be interchangeable with the terms at least one and one or more.