Patent ID: 12186631

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND OPERATION OF THE INVENTION

Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. Use of the term “exemplary” means illustrative or by way of example only, and any reference herein to “the disclosure” is not intended to restrict or limit the disclosure to exact features or step of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “exemplary embodiment”, “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “various embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the disclosure so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment”, “in an exemplary embodiment”, or “in an alternative embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

It is also noted that terms like “preferably”, “commonly”, and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the disclosure or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the disclosure. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Like numbers used herein refer to like elements throughout. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be operative, enabling, and complete. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limited as to the scope of the disclosure, and any and all equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the instant disclosure.

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the terms “one and only one”, “single”, or similar language is used. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

For exemplary methods or processes of the disclosure, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal arrangement, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or arrangement, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Additionally, any references to advantages, benefits, unexpected results, or operability of the present disclosure are not intended as an affirmation that the disclosure has previously been reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed. Likewise, unless stated otherwise, use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or preterit) is not intended to indicate or imply that the disclosure has previously been reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.

The rope edge protection system of the disclosure is a device ideally suited for protecting a climbing rope that, in part, is configured to surround a climbing rope. In a preferred embodiment, the rope edge protection system has two flexible portions or mats that are used in combination to provide superior protection to ropes and other equipment used by climbers, window washers, firefighters, rescue crews, etc.

With reference toFIG.1, the preferred embodiment of the rope edge protection system10includes a rope protection mat12and an edge protection mat14. While the rope protection system of the disclosure is quite versatile, in the most common contemplated use the rope protection mat12would be wrapped around the climbing rope16and then placed on top of the edge protection mat14, which would be placed adjacent to the building or other structure (not shown). Once the user is in position, the rope protection mat12could be moved along the rope16as the user descends or ascends the rope, if desired.

As can be seen inFIG.2, an embodiment of the rope protection mat12in its open position, illustrating the inner surface of the mat, preferably defines a generally rectangular configuration having opposed lateral edges18,20and opposed longitudinal edges22,24. Longitudinal edges22and24comprise a fastener including a first fastener component26and a second fastener component28(shown in phantom) enabling at least a portion of the length of the longitudinal edges22and24to be removably attached to each other. The fastener components26,28are preferably individual halves of a fastening tape that when used together allow closure for ease of use, although other closing mechanisms can be utilized as are known in the art for attaching and detaching at least a portion of the opposing longitudinal edges22and24of the flexible mat12. Non-limiting examples of closure devices are buttons, snaps, zippers, hook and eye fasteners or magnetic fasteners. Rope protection mat or sleeve12should define a sufficient modulus of flexion to provide an opening large enough for a load-bearing rope to pass through the opening created when the fastener halves26,28are engaged and the edges22,24are attached to each other.

With continued reference toFIG.2, a hanging loop30, each approximately 1-2 inches (2.54-5.08 cm) in length, is affixed to each of the lateral edges18,20of the rope protection mat12. These hanging loops30,30can be used to secure the rope protection mat12to the climbing rope16(FIG.1) or to an anchor device. It is also seen inFIG.2that the inner surface32of rope protection mat12includes one or more, and preferably a pair of spaced-apart loops34,34. These loops34,34allow the user to insert for example, a 1 inch (2.54 cm) anchor sling35(FIG.3) under the loops, thus allowing the user to anchor the loop at the top side end and use the bottom end as a handle to assist the user getting into position before they descend down the building. The system can also be used as an anchor point and the climber hooking up the top loops on the sling. Edge protection mat14likewise includes one or more, and preferably a pair of spaced-apart loops56,56, for the insertion of anchor sling35as described herein.

A pair of spaced-apart closure straps36,36are located proximate to and oriented parallel to the lateral edges18,20of rope protection mat12. When the rope protection mat12is in the closed position, as seen inFIG.1, the closure straps36,36wrap around the mat and maintain the mat12in a closed position as desirable. The closure straps36,36may be used in addition to or in lieu of first and second fastener components26,28.

The outer face38(seeFIG.1) of the rope protection mat12is preferably made of a woven polymeric material, more preferably a woven nylon material, and most preferably a woven nylon material in a herringbone weave pattern, with the inner face32preferably formed from 1000 denier (D) ballistic nylon. The material used to make the outer face38is preferably a dark color, such as black, and the material used to make the inner face is preferably a high-visibility color such as yellow, orange or lime green. The term “high-visibility color” (or “hi-vis” for short) in this context is taken to include all high-visibility apparel embodiments as defined by ANSI/ISEA 107-2015, including Type O, Type R, and Type P embodiment types of Class 1, 2, 3, E, and Optional High-Visibility Accessory performance classes. The high color contrast between the layers38,32is preferred as a visual safety indicator alerting the user that the outer layer has worn through, exposing the high-visibility layer.

A preferred embodiment of outer face38is provided with reflective material40along the peripheral edges (18,20,22,24) as an additional visual safety indicator. As a further additional visual safety feature, the materials used for the inner face and outer face are preferably sewn together using reflective thread42(FIG.2). An example of an acceptable reflective thread is the reflective thread offered commercially by Ki-Shin Corp., which is a 2000 denier, three filament thread with a tenacity of ˜3800 cN. Tapes, appliques, and powered illumination sources may also be incorporated as desirable.

With reference now being made toFIGS.1,3, and4, the edge protection mat14preferably defines a generally rectangular configuration having opposed lateral edges44,46and opposed longitudinal edges48,50. Each corner of the edge protection mat14may include a 1-2 inch (2.54-5.08 cm) long loop52, preferably made of nylon, to anchor the edge protection mat in position. Unlike the rope protection mat12, the edge protection mat14is intended to remain stationary during use in most applications.

The edge protection mat or sheet14is used to soften the bend radius of the rope as it goes over the edge of a building or used underneath metal climbing gear to prevent them from being damaged by the building or rocks, etc. With particular reference toFIG.4, edge protection mat14has a multi-layer construction including an outward or bottom surface54and inward or upper surface55. In preferred embodiments, the outermost layer58is preferably formed from the aforementioned nylon weave in a herringbone pattern, intermediate layer60is made of 1000D ballistic nylon, intermediate layer62is made from a high loft, three-dimensional textile such as the HiFlow™ Spacer Fabrics from Highland Industries, intermediate layer64is made from 1000D ballistic nylon and inner most layer66is made from the aforementioned nylon weave, also in a herringbone pattern. In alternate embodiments where even more robust protection is desired, the outermost layer58is made from 0.25 inch thick nylon webbing and intermediate layer60is made from 1680D ballistic nylon.

As visual safety indicators, as seen inFIG.3, reflective trim68may be used around the perimeter edges (44,46,48,50) of the edge protection mat14and the layers may be sewn together using a silver reflective thread70. In addition, it is preferred that intermediate layers60and64be of contrasting color compared to outer layers58and66as further visual safety indicators. The reason is that as the external layers58,66begin to wear, the high contrast color will begin to telegraph through and alert the user that the protection afforded by the mat has been compromised, for instance in circumstances where edge protection mat14experiences a high degree of friction or abrasion during a single use, or over many uses. Additionally, or in the alternative, edge protection mat14may qualify as fire/flame resistant under ANSI/ISEA 107-2015.

FIGS.5-10show another preferred embodiment of the rope edge protection system100comprising an edge protection mat114and a rope protection mat also referred to as replaceable abrasion pad112.FIGS.5and6illustrate the edge protection mat114defining a top side180and a bottom side190. The edge protection mat114preferably defines a generally rectangular configuration having opposed lateral edges144,146and opposed longitudinal edges148,150. The top side180may include a fastener182having a first fastener component183and a second fastener component184. The preferred fastener components183,184are located near the longitudinal edges148,150. The rope edge protection system100preferably includes a replaceable abrasion pad112(as best seen inFIGS.8-9) that is configured to be removably attached to the edge protection mat114at the first and second fastener components183,184. The replaceable abrasion pad112may be defined as a mat that will be subject to abrasion from a rope being pulled across and in tension over the replaceable abrasion pad112.

The edge protection mat114may be stationary during use in most applications. In the preferred embodiment of the edge protection mat114, the bottom side190(shown inFIG.6) of the edge protection mat114includes two lateral frictional sections192and two longitudinal frictional sections194. The lateral frictional sections192and longitudinal frictional sections194are formed from a material that defines a large dry kinetic coefficient of friction rating and a large wet kinetic coefficient rating, preferably a dry kinetic coefficient friction rating greater than 2.0 N and a wet kinetic coefficient friction rating greater than 2.0 N. The large dry and wet kinetic coefficient of friction ratings instill resistance to horizontal force vectors in the edge protection mat114. The lateral frictional sections192and longitudinal frictional sections194are preferably formed from “Gripping Material”, Product Number GM640, commercially available from 3M™ which is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer and a polymeric knit backing. This material defines thousands of micro-replicating gripping fingers (not shown in detail) that securely engage smooth and/or wet surfaces. This comparatively soft material defines a hardness rating of 40 Shore A, is 33 millimeters (0.8 inches) thick and weighs 12.4 ounces per yard squared (420 g/m2). This high durability material defines a dry kinetic coefficient of friction rating of 3.5 N and a wet kinetic coefficient of friction rating of 3.4 N in view of ASTM D-1894.

As seen inFIGS.5and9the top side180of the edge protection mat114preferably includes one or more series of spaced-apart loops, referred to herein as a “daisy-chain,”181. One daisy-chain181is located between the longitudinal edge148and first fastener component183and the other daisy-chain181is located between the longitudinal edge150and second fastener component184. The daisy-chains181are included to provide attachment points for various accessories when system100is in use. Daisy-chains181may also assist to prevent total failure of the rope edge protection system100in the event that one or more of the spaced-apart loops fail within the respective daisy chain181.

Referring toFIG.8, an embodiment of the replaceable abrasion pad112is shown, illustrating a generally rectangular configuration defined by opposing lateral edges118,120and opposing longitudinal edges122,124. The replaceable abrasion pad112further comprises an abrasion pad fastener126having first fastener section128and a second fastener section129. Said first and second fastener sections128,129are positioned along respective different longitudinal edges122,124. First and second fastener sections128,129may be mated with one another, enabling at least a portion of the length of the longitudinal edges122and124to be removably attached to each other. In the preferred embodiment, the first fastener section128and second fastener section129of the replaceable abrasion pad112are configured to be removably attachable to edge mat fastener components183,184. When first fastener section128and second fastener section129are fastened to respectively second fastener component184and first fastener component183, the replaceable abrasion pad112is configured so that the inner surface113of the abrasion pad112is flush with the top side180of the edge protection mat114. Fastener sections128,129and fastener components183,184are preferably formed from hook and loop material, however, other non-limiting examples of fasteners which may be used are buttons, snaps, zippers, hook and eye fasteners or magnetic fasteners. In the preferred embodiment, the replaceable abrasion pad112is formed from nylon, most preferably three layers of nylon. In one or more embodiments, the replaceable abrasion pad112should define a sufficient modulus of flexion to provide an opening large enough for a load-bearing rope to pass through the opening created when the fastener sections128,129are engaged and the edges122,124are attached to each other so that the replaceable abrasion pad112may also function as a sleeve like the rope protection mat12as seen inFIG.1. In the preferred embodiment, the abrasion pad112includes one or more hanging loops130provided for attachment points that extend from either lateral edge118,120. In one or more embodiments, a trim138is included that follows the perimeter edges (118,120,122,124) of the abrasion pad112. The abrasion pad112includes one or more threads140that are configured to affix all of the layers of the abrasion pad112to one another.

FIG.9illustrates an instance where the replaceable abrasion pad112is removably attached to the edge protection mat114. The engaged edge protection mat114and replaceable abrasion pad112are configured to be placed over an edge of a building, for example. In this configuration, although not shown as would be understood, the bottom side190of edge protection mat114would be flush with the edge of a building or other structure and a rope would be pulled in tension resting overtop the replaceable abrasion pad112. After repeated usage in this configuration, the replaceable abrasion pad112will be worn down more quickly than the edge projection mat114and after sufficient wear and tear, the worn replaceable abrasion pad112may be replaced with another replaceable abrasion pad112for continued use with the edge protection mat114. By replacing the replaceable abrasion pad112after sufficient wear and tear, the edge protection mat114will be subject to less wear and tear over time and thus have an extended useful life.

The edge protection mat114is used to soften the bend radius of the rope as it goes over the edge of a building or used underneath metal climbing gear to prevent them from being damaged by the building or rocks, etc. With particular reference toFIG.10, edge protection mat114has a multi-layer construction including an outward or bottom surface154and inward or upper surface155. In preferred embodiments, the outermost layer158of bottom side190is preferably formed from the aforementioned nylon weave in a herringbone pattern, outer intermediate layer160is made of 1000D ballistic nylon, central intermediate layer162is made from a high loft, three-dimensional textile such as the HiFlow™ Spacer Fabrics from Highland Industries, inner intermediate layer164is made from 1000D ballistic nylon and innermost layer166of top side180is made from the aforementioned nylon weave, also in a herringbone pattern. In alternate embodiments where even more robust protection is desired, the outermost layer158is made from 0.25 inch thick nylon webbing and intermediate layer160is made from 1680D ballistic nylon.

As seen inFIGS.5and6, a trim168may be used around the perimeter edges (144,146,148,150) of the edge protection mat114and the layers may be sewn together using a thread170. In one or more embodiments, as visual safety indicators, the trim168is formed from a reflective material and the thread170is formed from a silver reflective thread. In a preferred embodiment, to prevent reflection, the trim168is formed from a matte material and the thread170is formed from a matte material. Matte is defined as meaning dull and flat, without shine. In another preferred embodiment, the trim168and thread170are formed from materials that are visible under infrared light. Embodiments where the trim168and/or thread170are formed from materials visible under infrared light is particularly advantageous when being used in rescue operations being performed under the cover of night or similarly low-light circumstances. In addition, it is preferred that intermediate layers160and164be of contrasting color compared to outer layers158and166as further visual safety indicators. The reason is that as the external layers158,166begin to wear, the high contrast color will begin to telegraph through and alert the user that the protection afforded by the edge protection mat114has been compromised, for instance in circumstances where edge protection mat114experiences a high degree of friction or abrasion during a single use, or over many uses. Additionally, or in the alternative, edge protection mat114may qualify as fire/flame resistant under ANSI/ISEA 107-2015.

Now referring toFIG.7, in one or more embodiments, the rope edge protection system100includes a rope protection sleeve210. The rope protection sleeve210defines a generally rectangular configuration having two opposing longitudinal edges221,222and two opposing lateral edges223,224. The rope sleeve210comprises one or more, and preferably two frictional sections292formed from an abrasive material that defines a large dry kinetic coefficient of friction rating and a large wet kinetic coefficient rating, preferably a dry kinetic coefficient friction rating greater than 2.0 N and a wet kinetic coefficient friction rating greater than 2.0 N. The frictional sections292are preferably positioned at different lateral edges223,224. The frictional sections292are preferably formed from the same “Gripping Material”, Product Number GM640, commercially available from 3M™ as described above. The rope protection sleeve210further comprises a fastener226. Fastener226includes a first fastener element228and a second fastener element229. The first and second fastener elements228,229are positioned along respectively different longitudinal edges221,222enabling at least a portion of the length of the longitudinal edges221and222to be removably attached to each other when sleeve210is folded over such that the first and second fastener components228,229are mated with one another. Fastener elements228,229are preferably formed from hook and loop material however other non-limiting examples of fasteners are buttons, snaps, zippers, hook and eye fasteners, or magnetic fasteners. In the preferred embodiment, the rope protection sleeve210includes two hanging loops230, one hanging loop230extending from lateral edge223and one hanging loop extending from lateral edge224for attachment means. A trim238may be used around the perimeter edges (221,222,223,234) of the sleeve210. Rope protection sleeve210should define a sufficient modulus of flexion to provide an opening large enough such that a user (not shown) would be able to fold the sleeve over a load-bearing rope such that longitudinal edges221,222can be pressed together melding fastener elements228,229together. The respective frictions sections292will grasp and prevent the rope (not shown) from slipping within rope protection sleeve210to provide rope protection on a variety of surfaces that may be encountered during use such as when anchoring materials or on fixed ropes.

The illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims, and while specific terms have been employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only. Modifications and alternatives that may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing disclosure are intended to be considered within the scope of the disclosure.