BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved high directional and a kit for a high directional. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multipod, for example, a tripod, or a quadpod as vertical rigging equipment.
2. State of the Art
Tripods are used as artificial high directionals and anchors in rigging activities, for example mountain and industrial rescue work, and confined space entry. A conventional industrial tripod has three legs permanently secured to a head. The head may include rigging anchors having holes for attachment points. Devices such as pulleys may be attached to the holes using carabiners. Generally, a carabiner has a ring or C-shaped body having a gate which may be opened or closed.
A directional is used in rigging activities which employ ropes. The directional may change the direction a rope is positioned, or running. Often, in rigging activities, the rope is weighted, and the directional must have load bearing capacity, referred to as an anchor. A “natural” anchor, such as a tree, may not be positioned to provide an efficient attachment point for ropes during a rescue. An “artificial” anchor, such as a tripod may serve as a directional anchor, allowing the ropes to be efficiently employed.
In a confined space rescue, illustrated in FIG. 1, a conventional tripod 10 having three legs 20 attached at their proximal end by a head 15 may used. The three legs 20 may be connected at their distal ends with a safety chain 30 to prevent leg slippage, and be positioned over the confined space, in this case a manhole 40 containing a victim. A rope 50 extends from the manhole 40, where the rope 50 is secured to the victim. The rope reaches from the hole to a pulley 60 affixed to the tripod 10. The rope may be pulled through the pulley by the efforts of rescuers on the surface, pulling the victim from the manhole 40. The tripod 10 provides a high directional anchor for the pulley 60 and therefore the rope 50, allowing the victim to be removed from the manhole with minimal friction. The conventional tripod described has limited attachment points, and only provides a directional anchor point directly above the footprint of the legs of the tripod.
Accordingly, there is a need for an artificial high directional anchor device capable of providing a directional anchor point both away from the leg or legs of the device, and directly above the leg or legs of the device.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, in a number of embodiments, includes a high directional as well as a kit for a high directional.
In an exemplary embodiment, a high directional is disclosed. The high directional may have an articulated head, including a first head component removably coupled with a second head component, and the first head component movable with respect to the second head component. The high directional further includes a plurality of legs, at least one leg of the plurality of legs removably connected to the first head component, at least another leg removably connected to the second head component.
In another exemplary embodiment, a high directional may have a head configured for supporting an object, and a plurality of legs removably connected to the head. Each leg may have an upper leg segment telescopically received in and axially movable through the head. A lower leg segment is configured for telescopically receiving the upper leg segment, and the upper leg segment is axially adjustable with respect to the lower leg segment. Additional lower leg segments may be connected to the lower leg segment.
In another exemplary embodiment, a high directional comprises a head for supporting an object, a plurality of legs connected to the head, and a retaining pin removably coupled to the head to provide a point of attachment for a device for supporting the object.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, a kit for a high directional comprises a first head component, a second head component configured to be coupled to and rotatable about the first head component, and a plurality of legs, at least one leg of the plurality of legs configured to be coupled with the first head component, and at least another leg of the plurality of legs configured to be connected to the second head component.
Another kit for a high directional comprises a head having a plurality of leg connectors, a plurality of legs, and a plurality of feet. Each leg comprises an upper leg segment configured to be coupled with a leg connector of the plurality of leg connectors and a lower leg segment configured to be telescopically coupled with the upper leg segment. The plurality of feet includes a set of feet configured for use with a variety of surfaces, and a set of feet configured for use with soft surfaces.
Yet another kit for a high directional includes a plurality of legs, a first head component configured to be connected to at least one leg of the plurality of legs for use in a multipod and configured for use in a gin pole, and a second head component configured to be coupled to the first head component and connected to at least another leg of the plurality of legs for use in a multipod and configured for use in an A-frame.
These features, advantages, and alternative aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in combination with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, which illustrate what is currently considered to be the best mode for carrying out the invention:
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional tripod.
FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a head of a high directional of the present invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates another view of the head of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of a high directional of the present invention;
FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a portion of a leg of a high directional of the present invention;
FIG. 6A-6B illustrate another view of the portion of the leg of FIGS. 5A-5B;
FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate various feet of a high directional of the present invention;
FIG. 8 illustrates the head of FIG. 2 coupled with a pulley;
FIG. 9 illustrates the head of FIG. 2 coupled with a pulley wheel;
FIG. 10 illustrates a high directional of the present invention; and
FIG. 11 illustrates a high directional of the present invention used in a sideways A-frame configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, in a number of embodiments, includes a device in the form of a high directional. As shown in FIG. 10, the high directional 80 may include an articulated, separable head 100 coupled with a plurality of legs 300, enabling the high directional to be adapted to uneven terrain and to be cantilevered over an edge 90, providing a high anchor point 70. The edge 90 may be, for example, a cliff face, or the edge of a building. The high anchor point 70 may be positioned above, and outward from, the edge 90, and give low-friction access for a rope 50 below the edge 90. The high anchor point 70 thus provides a directional anchor over a space outside of the footprint of the high directional 80. In use, the high directional 80 may be temporarily or permanently anchored or secured to the terrain using, for example, rope, webbing, bolts, and chain. The high directional 80 may be portable, including separable components which may be disassembled to transport the high directional 80. In the detailed description which follows, like features and elements are identified in the drawings with the same or similar reference numerals for the convenience of the reader.
An exemplary embodiment of an articulated, separable head 100 of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 2. The head 100 comprises a first head component 200 and a second head component 150. Each head component 150, 200 may be formed from a variety of metals and alloys, such as aluminum alloys and steel. Each head component 150, 200 may be milled from a solid block of material; alternatively, each head component 150, 200 may be cast or the components may be joined using welding or epoxy. The first head component 200 may be affixed to the second head component 150 in a jointed manner. In an exemplary embodiment, the second head component 150 may include protrusions 145, as shown in FIG. 3. Each protrusion 145 includes an aperture 140 formed therethrough. The first head component 200 includes hinge guides 135 including apertures 130 therethrough. The first head component 200 may be affixed to the second head component 150 using retention pins (not shown) extending through the apertures 130 of the hinge guide 135 and the aperture 140 of the protrusions 145. The first head component 200 and the second head component 150 are rotatable with respect to one another, about an axis extending through the apertures 130, 140. The first head component 200 and the second head component thus form an articulated tripod head 100. The retention pins of the high directional may each be configured to be secured with a cotter pin, spring loaded projections, or other conventional techniques. Optionally, a screw or rivet may be used to permanently connect the first head component 200 and the second head component 150.
The first head component 200 and the second head component 150 are rotatable with respect to one another, about retaining pins (not shown) within apertures 130, 140. The extent of the rotation may be restricted by stops 170 on the first head component 200 (FIG. 3) in one direction, and stops 180 on the first head component 200 (FIG. 2) in the opposing direction. The stops 170, 180 may prevent the legs from accidentally inverting or falling together.
With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first head component 200 includes leg connectors 110. Each leg connector 110 is tubular, and may include one or more apertures 115 for secure connection of a leg (not shown) using retention pins, as explained in more detail hereinbelow. At least two of the plurality of apertures 115 may be positioned at the endpoints of a diameter of a cross-section of the leg connector 110, providing a conduit for the retention pin. The first head component 200 also includes a plurality of openings 260 providing points of attachment for ropes, carabiners, and other equipment for use with the high directional. Some of the openings 260 may be positioned such that the points of attachments are provided in different planes, described in greater detail hereinbelow. At least one opening of the plurality of openings 260 may be positioned to provide a point of attachment offset from the planes of the leg connectors 110, 120 so that a rope connected to the point of attachment may pass the legs of the tripod without rubbing. Opening 260′, as shown in FIG. 3 is one example of an offset point of attachment. Opening 160′ of the second head component 150, as shown in FIG. 2 is another example.
FIG. 11 depicts the first head component 200 used with two legs 300 in a sideways A-frame configuration. With this configuration, the plane of the high directional 85 is substantially perpendicular to the edge 90, and the plane of the rope 50 is substantially parallel to the plane of the high directional. The rope 50 runs through a pulley 60, attached using a carabiner 65 with the opening 260′ of the first head component 200. The rope 50 may pass by the legs 300 without rubbing because the opening 260′ is an offset point of attachment.
Another feature of the head 100 of the present invention allows a pulley 60 or other device to be attached and oriented in two different planes. Openings 260″, clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 9 are positioned on flanges 250. The flanges 250 are positioned substantially perpendicularly from the plane of the openings 260 of the first head component 200. A conventional pulley 60 attached to opening 260, 260′ with a carabiner 65 guides a rope in a direction parallel to the plane of legs 300 joined to the first head section 200, as shown in the sideways A-frame configuration of FIG. 11. A conventional pulley 60 attached to the opening 260″ with a carabiner 65 will guide the rope 50 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of legs 300 joined to the first head section 200. FIG. 10 depicts a rope 50 positioned in a direction perpendicular to the plane of legs 300 joined to the first head section 200. The two legs 300 closest to the edge 90 are the legs 300 joined to the first head section 200.
With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the second head component 150 includes at least one leg connector 120. The leg connector 120 is tubular, and may include a plurality of apertures 125 for secure connection of the legs using leg retention pins. At least two of the plurality of apertures may be positioned at opposing endpoints of a diameter of a circumferential cross-section of the leg connector 120, providing a conduit for the retention pin. The second head component 150 also includes a plurality of openings 160 providing points of attachment for ropes, carabiners, and other equipment used in rigging activities. The openings 160, 260 may be sized to accommodate a single rope or carabiner, or may be large enough to accommodate a plurality of carabiners attached to a single opening 160, 260.
The head 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes three leg connectors 110, 120, and therefore is a head for a high directional in the form of a tripod. A head having additional leg connectors, for example, a head for a quadpod, having four leg connectors is within the scope of the present invention.
The head 100, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is separable, allowing the first head component 200 to be used independently as an A-frame set-up, a high directional having two legs. The second head component 150 may also be used independently as a gin pole, a high directional having only one leg. The second head component 150 may alternatively include two leg connectors 110, and the first head component 200 and the second head component 150 may be combined with 4 legs to create a quadpod high directional.
FIG. 4 shows a leg 300 connected to the first head component 200. Each leg 300 may include an upper leg segment 310 and at least one lower leg segment 320. A high directional including non-segmented legs is also within the scope of this invention. The leg 300 is shown as tubular, with a circular cross-section; however, the leg 300 could have a cross-section of any shape, including by way of example and not limitation, triangular, elliptical, or quadrilateral. The leg connectors 110, 210 may have a substantially similar cross-sectional shape, or any cross-sectional shape allowing the upper leg segment 310 to be axially moveable therethrough. The upper leg segment 310 is shown as tubular, with a hollow interior; however, the upper leg segment 310 may be solid.
The upper leg segment 310 is axially moveable through the leg connector 110, 210. The position of the upper leg segment 310 relative to the leg connector 110, 210 affects the overall height of the high directional. The upper leg segment 310 includes a plurality of apertures 315. At least two of the plurality of apertures 315 may be positioned in a pair at opposing endpoints of a diameter of a circumferential cross-section of the upper leg segment 310, providing a conduit for a leg retention pin joining the upper leg segment 310 with the leg connector 110, 120. The apertures 315 may be positioned at axially spaced apart locations along the upper leg segment 310, providing a plurality of connection positions, and therefore height adjustment options for the high directional. The plurality of apertures 115 of the leg connector 110 may additionally be axially spaced apart. The spacing of the apertures 315 of the upper leg segment may be different than the spacing of the apertures 115 of the leg connector, providing additional connection positions, and therefore additional height adjustment options. The upper leg segment 310 may be joined to the leg connector 110 by the leg retention pin through aligned apertures 315, 115. The plurality of apertures 115 of the leg connector 110 may include multiple apertures on a circumference of the leg connector 110, providing ease of alignment.
The upper leg segment 310 may telescope into the lower leg segment 320, as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, the lower leg segment may be of a lesser cross-sectional diameter, and telescope into the upper leg segment. The upper leg segment 310 may be axially moveable with respect to the lower leg segment 320, providing an adjustment of the length of the leg 300, and therefore another height adjustment option for the high directional. The upper leg segment 310 may be secured to the lower leg segment 320 using a leg retention pin through any of the apertures 315 of the upper leg segment and the apertures 325 of the lower leg segment.
The length of the leg 300 may be increased by using additional lower leg segments 320. The lower leg segments 320 may be configured to be interconnected as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5B. Each lower leg segment 320 may include an outer leg portion 320 and an inner leg portion 310 of a lesser outer diameter secured partially therein and extending axially therefrom. The inner leg portion 310 may be secured with an epoxy, a weld, a screw, or a rivet. Use of an epoxy will not soften the metal, which may occur when a weld is used. A screw 318 (FIG. 6A) may be used to precisely align and join the inner leg portion 310 and the outer leg portion 320 during assembly and epoxy cure time. The screw 318 may provide some strength in the event of bad or missing epoxy. FIG. 4B illustrates two interconnected lower leg segments 320.
FIGS. 5A and 5B show close up views of the interconnection between the two lower leg segments 320. In FIG. 5A, the lower leg segments 320 are separated, and apertures 316 through the inner leg portion 312 providing a conduit for a retention pin may be viewed. Apertures 325 pass through the outer leg portion 320, also providing a conduit for the retention pin. The outer leg portion 320 includes a locating notch 328, configured to accommodate a locating projection 329 of the inner leg portion 310. The locating notch 328 and the locating projection 329 are positioned on the outer leg portion 314 and the inner leg portion 312, respectively, such that when the locating notch 328 and the locating projection 329 are coupled, the apertures 316, 325 through the inner leg portion 312 and outer leg portion 314, respectively, are aligned, providing a single, continuous conduit for the retention pin. The locating notch 328 and the locating projection 329 provide a non-visual cue for aperture alignment. This may be very important in a crisis situation or in the dark.
The high directional of the present invention thus provides a variety of height adjustment options, including: the adjustment of the upper leg segment 310 through the leg connector 110, 120 of the head 110; the adjustment of the upper leg segment 310 telescoping within the lower leg segment 320; and supplementing of the overall leg length with additional lower leg segments. This variety of height adjustment options provides a high directional configured to adapt to the countless situations and the diverse range of terrain a rescue team may encounter.
FIG. 7A-7C depict different feet that may be secured to the high directional. The round foot 400 may be used on a variety of surfaces. The round foot 400 includes a body 410 and an endcap 420. The body 410 may be aluminum, or another other material, such as those suitable for the legs 300 of the high directional. In one embodiment, the endcap 420 is stainless steel, but the endcap 420 may comprise any material. The body 410 is sized and configured to mate with and engage the inner leg portion 312 of a lower leg segment 320 to provide a stable support for each leg 300. The body 410 may include a pair of diametrically opposed apertures 425 positioned to provide a single, continuous conduit for a foot retention pin through the apertures 316 of the inner leg portion and the pair of apertures 425 of the body 410. The body 410 may additionally include rigging apertures 430 therethrough to provide points of attachment for carabiners, ropes, webbing, or chain for securely rigging the round foot 400 to prevent movement thereof.
FIG. 7B illustrates a raptor foot 500 for use on soft surfaces, such as soft soil common in a mine or a wilderness area. The raptor foot 500 has a body 510 sized and configured to mate with and engage the inner leg portion 312 of a lower leg segment 320, and a tip 520 configured to dig into a soft surface, and direct downward forces into the surface. The body 510 may include at least one pair of diametrically opposing apertures 525 positioned to provide a single, continuous conduit for a foot retention pin through the apertures 316 of the inner leg portion 312 and the pair of apertures 525 of the body 510. Multiple pairs of apertures 525, as shown in FIG. 7B enables the foot to be easily positioned on and secured to the inner leg portion 312. The raptor foot 500 may additionally include rigging apertures 530 therethrough.
FIG. 7C illustrates a jointed foot 600 for use on flat surfaces, such as floors or roofs. The jointed foot 600 has a body 610 sized and configured to mate with and engage the inner leg portion 312 of a lower leg segment 320, a base 620, and a joint 615 configured to movably couple the body 610 and the base 620. The body 610 may include at least one pair of diametrically opposing apertures 625 positioned to provide a single, continuous conduit for a foot retention pin through the apertures 316 of the inner leg portion 312 and the pair of apertures 625 of the body 610. Multiple pairs of apertures 625, as shown in FIG. 7C enables the jointed foot 600 to be easily positioned on and secured to the inner leg portion 312. The body 610 may additionally include rigging apertures 630 therethrough. The base 620 may include at least one aperture 640 configured to allow the base 620 to be bolted to a surface (not shown). The joint 615 is illustrated as a ball-and-socket joint, however, any type of joint is within the scope of the invention, such as a hinge or a pivot.
The retaining apertures 425, 525, and 625 of each foot 400, 500, and 600 may be axially spaced an equal distance from a rim 450, 550, and 650 of each foot. This equal axial spacing may coincide with the axial spacing of the aperture 316 and locating projection 329 of the inner leg portion 312 or the rim 350 of the outer leg portion 314 (see FIG. 6A). The equal axial spacing allows the retaining apertures 425, 525, and 625 of each foot 400, 500, and 600 to be easily aligned with the aperture 316 of the inner leg portion 312. Alternatively, the axial spacing of the retaining apertures 425, 525, and 625 may be equidistant from a stop within the body 410, 510, 610 of the foot 400, 500, 600, preventing the inner leg portion 310 from further ingress at the point of aperture alignment. This stop may comprise a taper of the foot body 410, 510, 610, or a projection therein.
Any of the feet shown in FIGS. 7A-7C may be removably fastened to the legs 300 of a high directional with foot retention pins through apertures. Optionally, feet with or without retaining apertures 425, 525, 625 may be permanently fastened to the legs 300, for example with a weld or epoxy. A high directional may include matching feet or different feet, for example, a tripod high directional may include three raptor feet 500, or may include one round foot 400, one raptor foot 500, and one jointed foot 600. A kit for a high directional may include sets of different feet, for example, a kit may include a head 100, legs 300, and a set of raptor feet 500, and a set of round feet 400.
FIG. 8 illustrates another feature of the present invention, direct pulley attachment. The second head component 200 may include a pair of parallel flanges 250 (also illustrated in FIG. 4). Each flange 250 has an aperture 255 therethrough. The flanges may be configured to provide a support for a retaining pin through apertures 255 and a pulley 700 or other device positioned therebetween. A direct attachment point for the pulley 700, as opposed to an opening 160, 260 allowing the pulley 700 to be attached with a carabiner, enables the pulley 700 to be positioned closer to the high directional head 100, and a maximum distance from the surface, such as the ground, on which the high directional is located.
FIG. 9 illustrates yet another feature of the present invention, a pulley wheel 800 rotatable about a retaining pin (not shown) secured through apertures 255. The retaining pin may provide an axle for the pulley wheel 800. The second head component 200 of FIGS. 8 and 9 includes two pairs of flanges 250 for connection of pulleys 700 and other devices. A second head component 200 including one or more than two pairs of flanges 250 is also within the scope of the invention. A flange 250 of the pairs of flanges 250 having more than one aperture 255 therethrough is also within the scope of the invention.
Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing certain exemplary embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions, and modifications to the invention, as disclosed herein, which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are encompassed by the present invention.
Patent Application
20060102426
