Patent Description:
Coupling devices such as shackles are typically made from steel or other suitable metal. They are commonly used for lifting in the marine, construction and other similar industries for lifting, towing, slinging, securing loads, pulling and vehicle recovery operations and other purposes.

A few examples of such coupling devices are for instance disclosed in <CIT>, which describes multiple rope assemblies formed from a single rope. In a first assembly, the single rope forms a looped eye at one end and a pair of eyes at the other end, wherein the rope is not spliced together. Whereas in the second assembly, the rope is spliced together and forms a pair of looped eyes at both ends of the rope.

Another such coupling device is disclosed in <CIT>, which describes a connection system for Yachts comprising a rope loop and a body part for connecting sheets, sails, and blocks. A tensile connection device comprises a rope with an enlarged terminated end that is held captive in a second body part, such that the elongated loop can be slipped over a shoulder on the second body part to quickly (dis)connect the device.

Yet another coupling device is disclosed in <CIT>, which describes an attachment device that includes two portions of rope extending for a junction point forming a loop. A locking element brings the two portions of rope together and the locking element is able to be passed through the loop, such that the device closes on itself and locks.

Another coupling device is disclosed in <CIT>, which describes an endless rope constructed with a core portion having a ring formed by winding a strand made of a plurality of fibers and a protective encapsulation material which holds the core together.

And another coupling device is disclosed in <CIT>, which describes a fitting made of rope loop which replaces metal clevises, wherein the fitting is made by wet-winding one or more continuous ropes forming a clevis-like shape and curing the resin, resulting in a flexible clevis.

However, such coupling devices can be very heavy and bulky especially if they are designed to be used in heavy load situations where they need to be strong. Consequently, such coupling devices are generally difficult or impossible to be manually lifted and deployed by a single person. Some coupling devices (e.g. steel shackles) for example may weigh over <NUM>. Multiple persons and additional equipment for lifting and deployment of heavy couplings safely may be required. This may not be possible or commercially desirable or for personal safety reasons. Further, the heavy weight and bulkiness of steel shackles means that they are not easy to store.

Compromising on the strength of a coupling device to reduce weight and provide for less bulky coupling is not a desirable solution because if the coupling device fails, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Metal shackles have a high capacity for stored energy including in a form of elastic yielding of the material of the shackle when under high loading when approaching its break strength. When such a shackle breaks under load, that stored energy is often dissipated in a catastrophic manner. Parts of a metal shackle breaking under load can become projectiles that can cause significant damage and even personal injury. The parts that a breaking shackle is coupled to can also be a danger to property and persons nearby.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a coupling device that overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

The present invention relates to a coupling device as defined in claim <NUM>. Additional advantageous features are described in the dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

The present invention is about a coupling device comprising:.

Preferably the at least two windings are of at least one length of rope and parallel each other and completing a loop of itself having a first bight at where the loop is secure to and about the pin and a second bight at where the loop is able to selectively secure to the pin to selectively form the smaller loop with the pin.

Preferably the second bight is able to selectively and releasable secure to the pin to selectively form the smaller loop with the pin.

Preferably there are at least two different sized windings.

Preferably the flexible elongate member comprising of at least two windings of at least one length of rope parallel each other and completing a loop with said pin and secured to the pin, and able to selectively form at least one smaller loop form with the pin acting as a toggle, the at least one smaller loop form with the pin being a coupling form of the coupling device.

Preferably a cover is provided to at least in part protectively covering at least part of the windings.

According to the invention the at least two windings of rope are formed from one length of rope.

According to the invention the one length of rope is end spliced onto itself.

According to the invention the at least one length of rope is formed as at least four windings to define a core of the flexible elongate member comprising four rope sections.

Preferably the at least one length of rope is formed as at least six windings to define a core of the flexible elongate member comprising six rope sections.

Preferably the at least one length of rope is formed as at least eight windings to define a core of the flexible elongate member comprising eight rope sections.

According to the invention at least two of said windings are provided inwardly of at least two windings outwardly thereof.

Preferably two windings of rope are in pairs covered at least in part by a cover.

Preferably a cover is provided about a pair of windings of rope at at least one and preferably a plurality of locations.

Preferably a cover is provided about windings of rope in pairs at at least one bight in the smaller loop form.

Preferably a cover is provided about windings of rope in pairs at each bight in the smaller loop form.

Preferably windings of rope covered at least in part by a cover.

Preferably a cover is provided about windings of rope at at least one and preferably a plurality of locations.

Preferably a cover is provided about windings of rope at at least one bight in the smaller loop form.

Preferably a cover is provided about windings of rope at each bight in the smaller loop form.

Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following description are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention.

It is acknowledged that the term "comprise" may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning, allowing for inclusion of not only the listed components or elements, but also other non-specified components or elements. The terms 'comprises' or 'comprised' or 'comprising' have a similar meaning when used in relation to the system or to one or more steps in a method or process.

As used hereinbefore and hereinafter, the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used hereinbefore and hereinafter, "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

When used in the claims and unless stated otherwise, the word 'for' is to be interpreted to mean only 'suitable for', and not for example, specifically 'adapted' or 'configured' for the purpose that is stated.

Unless otherwise specifically stated, the word "rope" as used may include both single strand and multiple strands rope where the or each strand is made up of multiple fibres/filaments of non-metallic material(s). The word "ropes" refer to more than one rope.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:.

The coupling device of the present invention may be suitable for coupling directly or indirectly to at least one apparatus or equipment. The apparatus or equipment may be heavy machinery items, mobile equipment such as a bulldozer, truck or trailer. The apparatus or equipment may used on land, in the ocean or in the air. The coupling device may be used for lifting, lowering, towing, dragging, slinging and securing loads such as but not limited to applications such as vehicle recovery operations and other purposes.

Reference will first be made to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG> that show one preferred example of a coupling device <NUM> according to the present invention.

The coupling device <NUM> comprises a pin <NUM> and a flexible elongate member <NUM>. The flexible elongate member <NUM> is of a form that can create a closed loop configuration with the pin <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The flexible elongate member <NUM> is preferably able to be at least partially released from the pin to assume an open loop configuration.

The flexible elongate member <NUM> preferably comprises of a bendable material such a rope. The flexible elongate member <NUM> may be configured as an endless loop on its own or together with a pin <NUM>. If the latter of these two configurations, the flexible elongate member <NUM> may have two ends 160A and 160B. The flexible elongate member is sufficiently bendable, otherwise formed and/or joined to define an eye 106A and 106B at each end 160A and 160B to secure with the pin <NUM>. This can be seen in <FIG>. Splicing of the rope may be required to create such an endless loop formation of the flexible elongate member <NUM> with the pin. Such eyes 106A and 106B together with the pin <NUM> allow a closed coupling condition of the coupling device <NUM> to be created by hooking the bight <NUM> of the flexible elongate member over the pin as seen in <FIG>.

The pin <NUM> may be of a metallic material(s) such as aluminium, stainless steel, steel, iron etc. However, the pin may equally be made up of suitable non-metallic material such as a carbon composite material.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the flexible elongate member <NUM> preferably comprises of at least two sections of rope <NUM> A,B etc configured in a parallel manner to each other. This multi-rope assembly <NUM> of said rope <NUM> may originate from and remain as one or more lengths of rope that may be configured back onto itself as required.

The rope <NUM> preferably comprises of multiple braids each comprises multiple fibres. The braids may be interwoven and/or spliced with itself and/or other braids. The ends of the rope <NUM> are preferably spliced onto itself or onto another length of rope of the multi-rope assembly.

The flexible elongate member <NUM> may comprise of a protective sheath <NUM> at least partially located about discrete parts or the entire length of the multi-rope assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The sections of rope <NUM> A,B etc between the eyes are preferably not all of the same length.

In the preferred form the rope is a multi-braided rope. It is preferably of an Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMwPE). It is preferably Dyneema® or Spectra®.

In one embodiment the rope is of an aramid, more preferably a para-aramid high performance fibre, even more preferably Technora®.

Use of UHMWPE rope is advantageous because UHMWPE can make the coupling device stronger than steel by weight and also much stronger than Polyester rope of equal weight. Hence, the coupling device <NUM> can be made strong enough to be suitable for lifting, towing or connecting heavy machineries or equipment yet be light enough to be more easily handled than steel coupling devices or similar strength.

Due to such construction material, the coupling device <NUM> can be much smaller in volume and weight making the coupling device <NUM> suitable for easy storage and rapid deployment such as in emergency cases even by an individual person. The total weight of the coupling device may be less than <NUM>. In one embodiment, the total weight of the coupling device may be less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>, or less than <NUM>. Preferably, the total weight of the coupling device <NUM> is <NUM> or approximately <NUM>, more preferably <NUM>. In one embodiment, the total weight of the coupling device <NUM> is more than <NUM>.

The weight of the coupling device <NUM> is much lighter as compared to total weight of a steel shackle (which typically weigh higher than <NUM>) normally used in heavy industry for similar purposes. The coupling device may be <NUM> times lighter.

In one embodiment when loaded to a safe load limit, the maximum stretch of the coupling device at failure can be less than <NUM>-<NUM> percent (preferably less than <NUM> percent). In one embodiment, the coupling device is designed to be loaded to a load limit of at least <NUM>,<NUM>. In one embodiment, the maximum stretch of the coupling device is around <NUM> % when coupled to a load of more than <NUM>,<NUM>. In on embodiment, the maximum stretch of the coupling device was tested at <NUM> when a load of <NUM>,<NUM> is applied.

The coupling device <NUM> may be configured to be used for machinery recovery coupling or coupling components thereof, preferably in mining industry.

The cover <NUM> is preferably made up of an aramid, more preferably a para-aramid high performance fibre, even more preferably Technora ®. This can provide a high heat resistant/chafe tolerance which can be very useful in high heat environment such as a mining environment.

In one embodiment, the cover <NUM> may be made up a reflective material so that the coupling device <NUM> is visible in darkness. This can make the coupling device <NUM> very useful in mines where the visibility is very minimal.

As shown in <FIG>, the pin <NUM> may be captive to the flexible elongate member <NUM> but can toggle engage to create a closed loop configuration.

<FIG> show another example of a pin 102A. As shown, the pin <NUM> comprises a securement means in a form of a bracket <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> may be configured to secure the flexible elongate member at that part that is in contact with the pin during use. The bracket <NUM> may be attached to or is integrally formed with the pin.

The pin and flexible elongate member can be designed in the preferred form to ensure that at failure of the coupling device, it is the flexible elongate member that fails. Not the pin. It is preferably a tensile failure of the flexible elongate member that causes failure of the coupling device.

<FIG> shows as example of a coupling device <NUM> being used to couple a coupling feature <NUM> of or attached to one apparatus <NUM> with a coupling feature <NUM> or attached to another apparatus not shown. The example shown in <FIG> is self-explanatory and need not be described in any further detail. The coupling device can couple the two features <NUM> and <NUM> together. This may occur by for example a feeding through of part of the flexible elongate member through one of both of the features.

<FIG> shows a coupling device <NUM> according to another preferred example/embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of the coupling <NUM>, in its functionality, largely corresponds the embodiment of the coupling device <NUM> of <FIG> as described above. In particular, in <FIG>, like or identical parts of the coupling device <NUM> have been given the same reference numeral raised by <NUM>. Thus, it is here mainly referred to the explanations given above and, primarily, only the differences will be discussed in detail.

The coupling device comprises a pin <NUM>. The pin may present two spaced apart annular members of or from a pin member <NUM>, namely a first annular member 220A and a second annular member 220B. Each of the annular members 220A, 220B comprises a grooved rim 223A, 223B. The first annular member 220A may comprise a first pin receiving aperture and a second annular member 220B may comprise a second pin receiving aperture. These apertures allow the annular member(s) to be assembled and taken off the pin member <NUM> to open the coupling device up.

The coupling device <NUM> further comprises a flexible elongate member <NUM>. The flexible elongate member may comprise at least two parallel rope sections preferably protectively and collectively ensheathed at least partially using a cover <NUM>. The parallel rope sections are preferably defined from a length of rope. Preferably the rope sections are not all of the same length.

The flexible elongate member preferably is adapted to be received (preferably snugly received) within the grooved rims 223A, 223B of the first and second annular members thereby connecting the first and the second annular members 220A, 220B.

The coupling device <NUM> may comprise the pin <NUM> having a pin member <NUM> extending along a longitudinal axis L-L and having two ends located opposite to each other. The pin member <NUM> may be configured to be integral with or attached to the annular members so that the first and second pin receiving apertures thereof are both adapted to receive onto the pin member <NUM> therethrough, thereby functioning as a cross member. The pin <NUM> may be made out of a metallic material such as but not limited to aluminium, stainless steel, steel, iron etc. Many suitable non-metallic materials may also be used. The diameter and length of the pin can be designs according to standard engineering principles and using well known engineering techniques.

In one configuration, one of the two ends of the pin may comprise of a head portion <NUM>. The head portion may be rotatable relative to the pin member to engage to the pin member and to disengage the pin member.

In one configuration, head portion <NUM> may be shaped as a nut (preferably a hexagonal nut) as shown in <FIG>.

In one configuration, the annular members 220A, 220B may be part of the pin member, e.g. integrally formed with the pin member.

From <FIG>, it can be appreciated that in one embodiment, the coupling device <NUM> of the present invention may be in the form of a shackle comprising the flexible elongate member and a pin <NUM> acting as a shackle pin. The shackle may be considered a soft shackle.

The coupling device <NUM> may be used in a similar way as how conventional all-metal shackles are used. <FIG> shows as example of a coupling device <NUM> being used to couple with an apparatus <NUM>.

The construction details of the flexible elongate member <NUM> may be same as that of the flexible elongate member <NUM> describe above or of the flexible elongate member described below. The weight and performance of the coupling device <NUM> may also be same or similar as described above for coupling device <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> there is shown examples of an alternative form of a coupling device <NUM>. The coupling device <NUM> comprises of a pin <NUM> and a flexible elongate member <NUM>. The flexible elongate member <NUM> comprises of parallel rope sections that are wound from one length of rope. In an alternative form, not falling under the scope of the claims, there may be a plurality of lengths of rope that may for example be end-joined (eg spliced) to create a single length. If end-joined the lengths of rope may be of the same kind and size. If end joined the lengths of rope may not be all of the same kind and/or diameter. The lengths of rope to operate at the high stress regions of the coupling may for example be of a larger diameter. This can provide for weight saving to the coupling by allowing lighter rope to be used at regions of lower stress.

The distal ends of the length of rope may be spliced together to create an endless length of rope in a wound configuration that will herein after be described. The endless length of rope may be configured into multiple windings. The parallel rope sections so defined may comprise of two sections <NUM> and <NUM> that extend between the bight <NUM> of the coupling device and the pin <NUM> as seen in <FIG>. At the bight <NUM> the sections of rope of the flexible elongate member are positioned at at least two different radii.

The loop <NUM> formed of the endless length of wound rope as seen in <FIG> is able to form a closed smaller loop <NUM>, together with the pin <NUM> to define a coupling form of the device itself as seen in <FIG>. In this closed loop condition the coupling device can function to couple and transfer forces between two objects.

The pin <NUM> may comprise of a pin member <NUM> and a first annular member 620A and 620B secured to the pin member <NUM> optionally in a releasable manner. Threaded fasteners 673A and 673B may be used for securing the first and second annular members to the pin member. The pin may have threaded ends <NUM> to receive the threaded fasteners at each end. In some forms only one of the annular members may be removable from the pin member <NUM>. By being so removable, the smaller loop <NUM> is able to be opened as seen in <FIG> yet is able to be closed for use as seen in <FIG>.

The loop <NUM> is able to form two eyes or bights 676A and 676B that are able to locate about the first annular member 620A and second annular member 620B respectively. The first bight 676B may be permanently or releasable secured or securable with the pin. The second bight 676A may be releasable secured or securable with the pin so that the smaller loop form <NUM> is able to assume an open condition if and when desired. Alternatively the smaller loop form may be permanently closed for use.

A method of making the coupling device <NUM> will now be described with reference to <FIG>.

In <FIG> there is shown a rope <NUM> of length 'L'. The rope is preferably a braided rope as seen in <FIG> when viewed in direction A. The rope is preferably a double braided rope of a UHMW such as Dyneema® or Spectra.

The single length of rope is preferably a continuous single length of rope or may alternatively comprise of a plurality of shorter lengths of rope that are spliced together to define the length 'L'.

The length of rope <NUM> is able to be wound. This may be in a manner to define the core of several sections of rope of the flexible elongate member. The rope is able to be wound to define an endless length of wound rope as seen in <FIG> using two spaced apart winding posts 678A and 678B. These present cylindrical surfaces with axes parallel each other for the rope to bend around. The winding posts may be placed above a table <NUM>. The winding posts can move relative each other. Preferably the first winding post 678A is secured to the table and the second winding post 678B is able to move to and away from the first winding post 678A so as to create a tension force in the rope that will hereinafter be described.

To create the endless length of wound rope, the mid-point 'MP' is desirably found and this is placed midway between a first winding post 678A and second winding post 678B. Placing the mid-point MP of the rope midway between the winding posts 678A and 678B the length of rope is then able to be wound around the winding posts as seen in <FIG> to create a first section 680A of rope of a first winding of the rope. The second section of the first winding 680B continues around each winding post and the rope is so mound into multiple windings.

When the desired and predetermined number of windings of the rope are created the distal ends 682A and 682B of the length of rope <NUM> are able to be end spliced. The splicing is seen in <FIG> where the spliced section <NUM> is of the rope inwardly of the end 682A and 682B respectively. Such splicing creates the endless length of rope with multiple windings defining a plurality of parallel sections of rope. In the example shown there <NUM> windings of the rope. Once the windings are established around the winding posts, preferably in a loose manner, the windings are able to be configured so that at each winding posts multiple layers of windings are established. In the example shown, two layers of windings are established, namely a first layer 685A and a second layer 685B. This results in different lengths of sections of rope between the winding posts. At this stage the windings may be configured, still in a relatively loose fashion, in a layered manner.

In a preferred form during the creation of the windings of the length of rope, covers or sheaths are used for covering parts of the sections of rope. Sheaths 689A and 689B may be located over the sections of rope at or about the midpoint between the winding posts 678A and 678B. In the end form of the coupler these sheathes preferably locate at the bight <NUM>. In addition, sheaths 690A and 690B may be used about sections of the rope turning about the winding posts 678A and 678B. In the end form of the coupler, these sheaths are located at the eyes of the flexible elongate member.

In a preferred form as can be seen in <FIG> the rope sections at each winding post are sheathed in pairs. A first of a sheath 690B preferably locates two sections of the rope <NUM> and additional such sheaths 690B allocate about other pairs of ropes as seen in <FIG>. Likewise, at the intermediate location a plurality of sheaths 689A and 689B locate about two sections of rope thereat. The sheathing is provided about rope sections in a relative snug manner. The sheathing may be of the same material as the rope braided as a tube form.

Such sheathing helps maintain the windings of rope in a layered fashion before and during use. The sheathing helps prevent the sections of rope, once tension is applied, from trying to reconfigure into a single layer about the winding posts. The layered arrangement of the rope is preferably maintained at each of the annual members and also at the bight of the loop in the final form of the coupling device. The shape and configuration of the annular members can help facilitate this. The annular members preferably have lateral flanges that so help keep the layered configuration of ropes thereat.

Flanges 691A and 691B of the winding posts also help with retention of the layered configuration of the windings of rope around the winding posts during the connector construction process. The flanges help prevent these sections of rope moving towards a single layer configuration once tension is applied to the windings. Once the layers are established a force in direction 'F' is able to be applied by moving of second winding posts 678B way from the first winding post 678A thereby establishing tension in each of the sections of the rope. The application of such tension causes the rope strands and the braids to become more parallel to each other. The strands move towards a higher lay angle and this helps increase the Youngs Modulus of the rope for subsequent use. The application of force to create tension in the sections of rope also helps consolidate the assembly. It may be desirable to also apply dedicated tension, as step prior to tensioning all the sections of rope, to the spliced section so that this section is firstly consolidated.

The application of a lubricant such as Vaseline™ may also be desirable to each or some of the links of rope. The application of a lubricant helps in the performance of the rope once it is under use load conditions. The application of a lubricant to the rope helps reduce the generation of heat in the rope under extreme loads as there is less friction created in the coupling device.

Once the layout of <FIG> is established and preferably a pre-tension has been applied, the sections 693A and 693B of the (eg eight) sections of rope may be then be bound together using an adhesive tape such as insulation tape, leaving the sections at the ends proximate to the winding posts un-taped. Such tape <NUM> brings the section 693A and 693B together yet leaving a first eye 676A and 676B at the end of the flexible elongate member as seen in <FIG>. The eyes are then able to be loaded onto the first and second annular members respectively as seen in <FIG>. The tape also helps keep water and dirt away from the rope sections below the tape, such as rain water of water from puddles when the coupling is in use.

A further sheath 695A and 695B may be located over the flexible elongate member. This may provide further protection. This sheath may be made from Technora and may be tightly wound or assembled or braided over the rope sections and helps keep the braids of the rope in or close to its pretensioned nature. The sheath 695A and 695B are preferably in situ braided over the flexible elongate member rather than slid over. Additional winding rope <NUM> may be provided proximate the eyes 676A and 676B to help ensure the eyes are tightly located about their annular members to help prevent the eyes from falling of the annular members.

The present invention allows for a flexible elongate member of multiple sections of rope to be provided that is about <NUM>-<NUM>% smaller in diameter to an equivalent break strength of a single section of rope of the same material. This means the connector can be of lighter for more ease of handling. The construction of the flexible elongate member as herein described is also of reduced creep under load when compared to the use of a single section of rope of the same material such as a <NUM>-strand rope. The invention can achieve a Working Safe Load of over <NUM>:<NUM>. A coupling for MBS510,<NUM> may exhibit only <NUM>% elongation at MBS.

Preferably the amount of total rope used within the flexible elongate member is <NUM> meters. In one embodiment, the total amount of rope used within the flexible elongate member is greater than <NUM> meters. In another embodiment, the total amount of rope used within the flexible elongate member may be between <NUM>-<NUM> meters. The closed loop measurement of the coupling device <NUM>, <NUM> may be less than <NUM> or less than <NUM> or more than <NUM>.

The present invention may also reside in a coupling device that is able to loop through or over an anchor point of machinery to couple to the machinery and apply a force to the machinery, the loop of the coupling device comprising a plurality of nonwoven, inter-woven or spliced lengths of rope, each of a different length through the loop. The coupling device may be in a form of a shackle (soft shackle or soft recovery shackle). <FIG> shows loop member <NUM>, <NUM> comprising plurality of ropes of different lengths L1, L2, L3 and different radius r1, r2 and r3. In one embodiment, the loop member may have a total diameter greater than <NUM>. In another embodiment, the loop member <NUM>, <NUM> may have a total diameter between <NUM> -<NUM>. In yet another embodiment, the loop member <NUM>, <NUM> may have a total diameter of less than <NUM>. In one embodiment, the each of the lengths of rope may have a total diameter between <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably between <NUM> to <NUM>.

Some versions of coupling as herein described is able to be used for connection to objects which edges are not smooth or flat and that may have sharp surfaces such as at tow points of the font and rear of most rear dump trucks. Some versions of the coupling do need to avoid being connected at sharp on non-smooth surface.

Claim 1:
A coupling device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a pin (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a flexible elongate member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) structured to complete a loop of itself or with the pin (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and secured to the pin (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and able to selectively form at least one smaller loop with the pin (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the at least one smaller loop with the pin being a coupling form of the coupling device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
characterized in that the flexible elongate member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises at least two windings parallel to each other,
the at least two windings of rope are formed from one length of rope, wherein the one length of rope is formed as at least four windings to define a core of the flexible elongate member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising four rope sections,
and at least two of said windings are provided inwardly of at least two windings outwardly thereof, and wherein the one length of rope is end spliced into itself.