REMOTELY ADJUSTING A STRAPPING SYSTEM USED TO SUPPORT A LOAD

FIELD

This relates to a device, assembly and method for remotely adjusting a strapping system suitable for use in supporting a load. More particularly, but not exclusively, this relates to a device, assembly and method for remotely adjusting a strapping system suitable for use in supporting the weight of a user, for example as an exercise device, mobility aid or the like.

BACKGROUND

Strapping systems are used in a wide range of applications as a fastening or securing means, for clamping or suspending equipment or as a lifting aid. In the transportation industry, for example, strapping systems are used for fastening, securing, clamping or suspending cargo. In the medical industry, strapping systems are used as a mobility aid. In the fitness and leisure industry, strapping systems are used as an exercise device.

In use, it is often required to adjust the length, position or tension of the strap and so strap adjustment mechanisms, such as one-way locking systems, cams, buckles, ratchet straps, slide lock strap buckles, belt buckles and quick release cargo buckles have been developed that can be used to reduce (retract) and lengthen (pay out) a given strap to permit the precise length, position and/or level of tension to be adjusted as required. Such devices commonly comprise a lock to secure the strap in a particular direction, only permitting feed of the strap in a single direction, typically in the direction of retraction. The strap can be retracted by applying a force to the strap.

However, there are a number of drawbacks with existing systems. For example, in order to pay out the strap, mechanical actuation or the application of an additional force is required to release the locking means to permit feed of the strap in the paying out direction. In use, activation of these actuation means is performed by a user by applying a force directly on the mechanism in order to release the locking means and pay out the strap. Depending upon the location of the device, it may be impractical, infeasible or impossible for the user to operate the device to pay out the strap if, for example, the device is out of reach of the user; risking injury.

Pulley systems or complicated rigging setups may be used in order to secure the load whilst allowing the adjuster mechanism to be positioned in an ergonomic location for the user. However, this can be cumbersome or impractical, can add to the cost and effort of setting up the system, and may not be possible in certain situations.

In all such cases, it is impossible to release the locking mechanism to pay out strap without direct physical contact with the device. Furthermore, adjustment mechanisms may form part of the strap and are consequently permanently joined or connected to the strap and thus only applicable for the chosen function of the device.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided a device for remotely adjusting a strapping system used to support a load, comprising:

a housing for receiving strapping of the strapping system used to support a load; an attachment arrangement for attaching the housing to an anchor or supporting structure;

an engaging member, supported relative to the housing and biased towards a first configuration suitable for engaging the strapping, wherein in the first configuration the engaging member is configured to apply a force acting towards the housing, which prevents movement of the strapping relative to the device in a first direction but permits movement of the strapping in a second, opposing, direction;

an actuator connected to the engaging member, the actuator configured to move the engaging member from the first configuration to a second configuration,

wherein in the second configuration, the force applied towards the housing by the engaging member is reduced or removed, suitable for permitting movement of the strapping through the device in either the first direction or the second, opposing, direction.

In use, the device may receive the strapping, which may comprise or take the form of one or more of a strap, webbing, cord, rope, cable, chain, wire rope, rigging or the like, the strapping arranged so that a first end of the strapping is suitable for receiving the application of a load or force, e.g. by attaching a weight, and so that the second end of the strapping may be suitable for adjustment of the device and/or may be suitable for lifting and/or supporting a weight and/or load attached/applied to the first end of the strapping. In the first configuration, the engaging member may be configured to apply a force acting towards the housing which grips the strapping and prevents movement of the strapping relative to the device in a first direction but permits movement of the strapping in a second, opposing, direction. When it is desired to adjust the strapping, the actuator may be actuated by the user to move the engaging member from the first configuration to a second configuration in which the force applied towards the housing by the engaging member is reduced or removed, suitable for permitting movement of the strapping through the device in either the first direction or the second, opposing, direction.

Beneficially, the device addresses the disadvantages and/or limitations associated with conventional devices. The actuator is operable to move the engaging member from the first configuration to the second configuration, and thereby permit the user to pay out the strapping remotely without having to contact the device. By remote, it can be understood that the user can use the non-load bearing excess section of strapping acts as a controller to actuate the actuator. This means that the device can be largely out of reach from the user, while still being easily adjustable by the user.

Moreover, the device uses fewer parts than conventional systems, and thus provides a compact, portable and/or retrofittable device which is simple to use and has a faster and more reliable means of adjustment and a greater range of freedom for the user as the straps are no longer limited by multiple fittings.

The device may be configured to support the weight of a load, and more particular but not exclusively a user.

In some embodiments, the device may, for example, take the form of an exercise device configured to support the weight of the user as part of an exercise or gymnastic programme.

In other embodiments, the device may take the form of a mobility aid, for example, suitable for assisting a user with restricted mobility to ingress and/or egress from a bed, a chair or the like.

As described above, the device comprises an attachment arrangement for attaching the housing to an anchor or supporting structure.

The attachment arrangement may comprise one or more of: a carabiner; eye- bolt; rope; webbing; rock-climbing equipment; climbing daisy chain; sling; pulley or the like.

Beneficially, the attachment arrangement is configured to provide a quick attachment/release mechanism for the device. The ability to quickly attach and/or release the device enhances the usability of the device, permitting the user to set up and/or use the device quickly and easily at any suitable location, obviating the requirement for complex and built in infrastructure. The device may be a retrofit device.

The anchor or supporting structure may comprise or take the form of gym equipment, overhead beam or frame, tree branch, eye-bolt, carabiner, rock-climbing equipment, or the like.

The attachment arrangement may be integral to the housing.

Alternatively, or additionally, the attachment arrangement may be configured for attachment to the housing.

As described above, the device comprises a housing.

The housing may comprise one or more side members. The side members may comprise or take the form of plates and/or panels. The housing may comprise a back member. The back member may comprise a plate or panel.

The housing may comprise at least one slot, hole or channel.

At least a portion of the housing may be textured and/or roughened, suitable for increasing the friction of the surface suitable for contact with the strapping.

The textured and/or roughened surface of the housing may have a surface roughness of less than 0.05 micrometres, or less than 0.1 micrometres, or less than 0.2 micrometres, or less than 0.5 micrometres, or less than 1 micrometres, or less than 10 micrometres, or less than 50 micrometres, or less than 100 micrometres.

The back plate of the device may comprise, may be provided with, a high friction surface for example a rough, or textured surface.

Some or all of the components of the housing may be connected and/or joined using a suitable fixing arrangement, for example one or more of bolting, screwing, fusing, welding, bonding, adhesive or the like.

Alternatively, the housing may comprise a unitary construction.

As described above, the device comprises an engaging member.

The device may comprise a single engaging member.

However, in particular embodiments the device may comprise a plurality of engaging members. For example, the device may comprise 2, 3, 4, 5 or more engaging members.

The engaging member may comprise or take the form of a cam.

Alternatively, or additionally, the engaging member may comprise or take the form of a shaped element, e.g. a wedge shaped element.

The engaging member may transfer translational and/or rotational movement in a first direction and/or plane, into translational and/or rotational movement in a second direction and/or plane.

The first and second directions may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular.

Alternatively, the first and second directions may be at an oblique angle relative to one another.

The engaging member may be supported in a biased configuration, by, for example, a biasing arrangement.

The biasing arrangement may comprise a spring, which may be torsional spring or linear spring or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the biasing arrangement may comprise a compressive and/or resilient member.

The engaging member may be supported by a supporting arrangement, such as a pin, bolt or the like. The engaging member may move relative to the supporting arrangement in a translational and/or rotational manner.

The supporting arrangement may comprise at least one retaining pin.

The engaging member may be biased by the biasing arrangement relative to the retaining pin.

The engaging member may be suitable for applying a force and/or friction on and/or against and/or towards a portion of the strapping. The engaging member may pinch, trap, hold or secure the strapping against a portion of the housing, in particular but not exclusively the back member of the housing.

The engaging member may comprise at least one high friction surface, for example, a textured, rough, spiked surface, which may be suitable for improving the grip and/or contact with the strapping.

As described above, the device comprises an actuator.

The actuator may comprise at least one actuator arm and/or plate.

The actuator may be connected or attached to the actuator arm or plate, or may be integral with the arm or plate.

The actuator may be configured to move the engaging members from the first configuration to the second configuration.

The actuator may comprise a rotatable portion, which may be suitable for reducing friction between the strapping and the device.

The actuator may comprise a roller.

The actuator may comprise a linkage.

Additionally or alternatively, the actuator may comprise a smooth and/or low friction surface.

The actuator may be connected to the engaging member(s), e.g. cams, and/or may be connected to, and/or engage with the engaging member(s) via the actuator arm.

Alternatively, the actuator may engage directly with the engaging member(s).

The actuator arm may comprise a notch, which may be suitable for engagement with the engagement member(s).

Alternatively, or additionally, the actuator arm may engage with the engagement member via direct connection. The actuator arm may be connected to the engaging member(s), e.g. cams by fixing means, e.g. screwing, nailing, fusing, bonding or abutment, or the like.

In use, the strapping may be disposed on at least a portion of the actuator and/or roller.

In embodiments comprising a roller, in use, the roller may be free to rotate, or may be locked and/or lockable in a selected position.

Alternatively, a smooth and/or polished surface may be used. In embodiments comprising a smooth and/or polished surface, in use, the strapping may pass over at least a portion of the smooth and/or polished surface.

The portion of the actuator may comprise a portion of the circumference of the actuator and/or roller and/or smooth and/or polished surface.

The actuator may be actuated by at least one end of the strapping.

Alternatively, or additionally, the actuator may be actuated with the use of an additional remote means, for example, a pull cord, which may be separate from the strapping.

The actuator may engage with the at least one slot or channel in the housing. By such provision, the range and/or direction of movement of the actuator may be limited, guided or restricted.

The actuator may be configured to move the engaging means between the first configuration and the second configuration

In the first configuration, the engaging member may apply a force and/or friction applied towards, against or on the housing and may be suitable for preventing movement of the strapping through the device in the first direction, but permitting movement of the strapping in the second, opposing direction.

In the second configuration, the force applied towards or on the housing by the engaging member may be reduced or removed, and may suitable for permitting movement of the rigging through the device in either a first direction, or the second, opposing, direction.

In some embodiments, the device may comprise a reel or spool, which may be configured to receive and/or retract the strapping.

The reel may be spring loaded, and/or may be configured to automatically retract the strapping. The reel may comprise a coil spring, power spring, clock spring or the like. Alternatively, the reel may be manually operated to retract the strapping, with the use of, for example, external motor, additional manual means, e.g. a pull cord etc.

The reel may be configured to receive and/or retract a second end of the strapping.

The reel may deploy and/or retract the strapping and may be configured to maintain a constant tension on at least one portion and/or end of the strapping.

The device may comprise an extension arrangement, suitable for remotely operating the actuator, and may comprise, for example, a pull cord.

The extension arrangement may be connected to the actuator.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an assembly comprising:

the device of the first aspect; and

a strapping system.

The strapping system may comprise one or more of a strap, webbing, cord, rope, cable, chain, wire rope, rigging or the like. In particular embodiments, the rigging may comprise a strap.

The strapping may be formed, constructed or may comprise, steel, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, composite materials, natural fibres or the like.

The strap may be corded and/or may be woven.

The strapping may comprise a first end.

The first end of the strapping may be suitable for receiving the application of a load or force, e.g. attaching a weight.

The strapping may comprise a second end.

The second end of the strapping may be suitable for adjustment of the device, and/or may be suitable for lifting and/or supporting a weight and/or load and/or force attached/applied to the first end of the strapping. Another aspect relates to use of the device according to the first aspect to remotely adjust a strapping system used to support a load.

Another aspect relates to use of the device according to the first aspect as an exercise device.

Another aspect relates to use of the device according to the first aspect as a user mobility aid.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of using the device according to the first aspect, comprising one or more steps of:

connecting the device to an anchor or supporting structure via the attachment arrangement; inserting the strapping into the housing of the device, the strapping having a first and second end; and

disposing the strapping on a portion of the actuator with the first end of the strapping inserted between the engaging member and the back member,

wherein, when the at least one engaging member is in a first configuration, movement of the strapping through the device is prevented in a first direction; but permitted in a second, opposing direction; and

wherein applying a force to the actuator releases the engaging member, permitting movement of the strapping through the device in either the first direction or the opposing second direction.

The actuator may be actuated by at least one end of the strapping. Alternatively, or additionally, the actuator may be actuated by an external and/or remote actuation arrangement, e.g. a pull cord, which may be separate from the strapping.

The strapping may be disposed on at least a portion of the circumference of the actuator and/or roller and/or smooth and/or polished surface.

As described above, the device provides significant advantages over conventional equipment.

The device may be portable in that the casing will be a solid cast body which may be integrated with a carabiner, said carabiner may allow the device to be clipped onto any fixing point.

The device may have a mechanism by which to lock the strap in place, this mechanism may be a cam lock with a torsion spring in order that it may always return to the locked position unless a force is applied to the actuator.

The device may have a mechanism by which the greater the force on the“load” strap the greater the clamping force may be applied.

For additional strength and reliability, the device may have a plurality of clamping force generators.

Unless external force is generated on the actuator the clamping force generators may always return to the lock position by means of a torsional force generator.

The device may have a mechanism by which the cam can be rotated about its axis via a linkage, said linkage may be connected to a free rotating roller.

The device may be shaped in a way that may allow the strap to move about the axis of the roller.

The device may have a combination of mechanisms being a roller actuator and cam clamping force generator, when both ends of the straps are moved with force away from the mechanism the roller may be depressed which engages the actuator and unlocks the clamping force on the strap.

The device may act as a one-way strap adjuster when a force is applied“control” strap is pulled.

The device may not pay out webbing when a force is applied to the“load” strap

The device may allow the strap to be both retracted and paid out when a force is applied to both the“load” and the“control” simultaneously.

The device may be enclosed in a case which is combined with a fixing method comprising of a carabiner in order that the device may be portable and may be attached to any fixing point.

The device may remotely pay out strap when the“load” side is under load and the user is holding the“control” side.

The device may automatically brake if the user accidentally releases the control strap, the clamp force generator default position is always locked unless a downward force is applied to the roller actuator.

The features defined above or below may be utilised, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the adjustment device for remotely adjusting a strapping system used to support a load.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view showing the rear of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows the device of FIG. 1 , with strapping inserted and with the engaging members in an engaged position.

FIG. 5 shows the device of FIG. 1 , with strapping inserted and with the engaging members in a disengaged position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the components of the device of FIG. 1 , with the housing removed for clarity.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing components of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an alternative exploded view showing components of the device of

FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the internal components of the device of FIG. 1 , with the engaging members in an engaged position.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the device of FIG. 1 , with the engaging members in an engaged position.

FIG. 1 1 is a side elevation view of the device of FIG. 1 , with the engaging members in a disengaged position.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention in which the device comprises an integrated carabiner.

FIG. 13 is side and sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 in which strapping has been inserted.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 , in use as a device for supporting a load.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 , in use as an exercise device.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 , in use as a mobility aid.

FIG. 17 shows an alternative device for remotely adjusting a strapping system used to support a load, which comprises a reel suitable for the retraction and deployment of strapping.

FIG. 18 shows a side and sectional view of the device of FIG. 17 comprising a cord suitable for actuating the actuator.

FIG. 19 shows a side view of the device of FIG. 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGs. 1 , 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings show an adjustment device 1 for remotely adjusting a strapping system used to support a load. As shown, the device 1 comprises an attachment arrangement 2, an actuator 3, and a housing - generally shown at H - which in the illustrated device 1 includes a back plate 5 disposed between side plates 6 and secured together using a suitable attachment means such as bolts 7. The device comprises cams 9, which are biased in an engaged configuration with the use of a torsional spring 8. The torsional spring 8 biases the cams 9 relative to a retaining pin 1 1 (shown in FIG. 2).

FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings shows the device 1 of FIG. 1 in which strapping 20 has been inserted into the device 1 and the cams 9 are in a first, engaged, configuration. As shown in FIG. 4, the strapping 20 comprises a first end 20a suitable for applying a load, and a second end 20b suitable for adjusting the load applied to the first end 20a. The strapping 20 is inserted into the device 1 and is disposed around a portion of the circumference of the actuator 3, and disposed between the cams 9 and the back plate 5. The cams 9 are engaged to apply a force onto first end of the strapping 20a, thereby entrapping the first end of the strapping 20a between the cams and the back plate 5, preventing movement of the strapping 20 in a first direction from the second end 20b, to the first end 20a, whilst permitting movement of the strapping 20 in a second, opposite, direction, from the first end 20a to the second end 20b. The device 1 can be attached to a suitable anchor (not shown) via the attachment arrangement 2.

FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings shows the device 1 with the cams 9 in a disengaged configuration, thereby reducing or removing the force applied to the first end of the strapping 20a, and permitting movement of the strapping 20 in either a first direction or opposing, second, direction.

FIG. 6 of the accompanying drawings shows a perspective view of the internal components of the device 1 , with the housing omitted for clarity. As shown, the actuator 3 comprises a roller and is disposed on a pair of actuator arms 4, the actuator arms 4 comprising a notch 12. The notch 12 engages with one of the cams 9 via the cam pins 10 disposed on opposing ends of the cam 9. The actuator arm 4 further comprises an end which engages with the second cam 9. Movement of the actuator 3 causes movement of the actuator arm 4, and notch 12, thereby moving the cam pins 10, and causing rotational movement of the cams 9. The cams 9 are biased towards a first configuration by torsional springs 8 (see FIG 7) which bias the cams 9 relative to retaining pins 1 1. When in use, the strapping (not shown here for ease of reference) can be disposed around a portion of the circumference of the actuator 3 and between the cams 9 and back plate 5.

FIG. 7 of the accompanying drawings shows an exploded view of components of the device of FIG. 1 , including the torsional springs 8.

FIG. 8 is another exploded view showing components of the device 1 of FIG. 1 , with the housing omitted for clarity. As shown, the actuator 3 and actuator arms 4 form an integrated unit, comprising a smooth arcuate surface instead of the roller shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 of the accompanying drawings shows internal components of the device 1 with the housing omitted for clarity, showing the actuator 3 comprising a roller, and actuator arms 4 in a first, engaged, configuration in which the cam pins 10 are engaged or mated with the notch 12 and the end of the actuator arms 4, causing the cams 9 to be pressed against the back plate 5, by the torsional springs 8, relative to the retaining pins 1 1.

FIG. 10 of the accompanying drawings shows the device 1 with the housing omitted for clarity, showing the actuator 3 and actuator arms 4 in a first, engaged, configuration, in which the cams 9 are pressed against the back plate 5.

FIG. 1 1 shows the device 1 with the housing omitted for clarity, showing the actuator 3 and actuator arms 4 in a second, disengaged, configuration.

FIG. 12 is a perspective exploded view of an alternative device 1’, in which the housing FT comprises an integrated carabiner 2’ for connection to an anchor point (not shown). As shown in FIG. 12, the device 1’ is similar to the device T and includes actuator 3’ comprising a roller, actuator arms 4’, back plates 6’, torsional spring 8’, cam 9’ and retaining pins 1 1’.

FIG. 13 shows the device 1’ of FIG. 12 in which strapping 20’ is inserted into the device 1’.

Referring now to FIGs. 14 to 16 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown uses of the device 1 (although it will be understood that the device 1’ or other embodiment may alternatively be used where appropriate)

As shown in FIG. 14, the device 1 is used for supporting a load 23, connected to the first end of the strapping 20a by a suitable strapping connection point 22. Control of the second end of the strapping 20b controls the first end of the strapping 20a, and the load 23 connected thereto. The load 23 may be lifted by applying a force to the second end of the strapping 20b, and when the applied force is removed from the second end of the strapping 20b, the load 23 will maintain its position. The load 23 can only be lowered by disengaging the actuator 3 by, e.g. applying a force to both ends of the strapping 20a, 20b simultaneously.

As shown in FIG. 15, the device 1 is used as a gymnastics apparatus such as rings 24. The device 1 is secured to an anchor 30 via attachment points 31 , such as eye bolts. The device is connected to the attachment points 31 via the attachment arrangement (not shown) located on the device 1 . The use of the device 1 allows the rings 24 to be raised or lowered as required. A user may apply a force to the second end of the strapping 20b to lift the rigs 24 to the desired position. Applying a force to the first end 20a and second end 20b simultaneously disengages the engaging members and allows the rings 24 to be lowered to the desired position. Once the desired height is reached, the engaging members will automatically return to the engaged configuration, thereby securing the first end of the strapping 20a, allowing a load to be supported on the first end 20a and/or the rings 24.

As shown in FIG. 16, the device 1 is used as a disability aid, for example, in a hospital bed 41 , allowing a user 40 to lift themselves up, using a ring 24 attached to a first end of the strapping 20a.

FIG. 17 shows an alternative device 101 for remotely adjusting a strapping system used to support a load. As shown in FIG. 17, the device 101 comprises a reel 150. This embodiment is generally similar to the embodiment in FIG. 1 , with like parts being denoted by like numerals, but incremented by‘100’. The device 101 , comprises an attachment arrangement 102, an actuator 103, the actuator 103 connected to actuator arms 104 and the actuator arms 104 comprising a notch 112. In an engaged configuration, the notch 1 12 mates or engages with the cams 109 which press against the housing at the back plate 105. The cams 109 are biased to the engaged configuration by torsional springs 108 relative to retaining pins 11 1. The device 100 further comprises a reel 150 which is secured to side plates 106. The reel 150 is configured to receive the second end of the strapping (not shown). The reel 150 is spring loaded such that it is biased to automatically retract the second end of the strapping. The reel 150 is configured to apply a constant tension on the second end of the strapping.

FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 show the device 101 of FIG. 17 in which strapping 120 has been inserted into the device 101 and the cams 109 are in an engaged configuration. A separate cord 122 is attached to the actuator 103 via the actuator arm 104 such that applying a force to the cord 122 actuates the actuator 103, thereby disengaging the cams 109 from the strapping 120.

Whilst the foregoing description has described exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many variations can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.