GB2608168A

GB2608168A - Device for stabilising a suspended load

Info

Publication number: GB2608168A
Application number: GB2109114.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tofts Lee
Original assignee: Contract Lift Uk Ltd
Current assignee: Contract Lift Uk Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-24
Filing date: 2021-06-24
Publication date: 2022-12-28
Anticipated expiration: 2041-06-24
Also published as: GB202109114D0; GB2608168B

Abstract

A device 100 for stabilising a suspended load 400 comprises a retractable cable 140 which depends downwardly from the device 100 for use as a tagline. Means such as a clip 110 with a spring loaded gate (114 fig. 1) may be provided for attaching the device 100 to the load 400. Retraction of cable 140 may be actuated by means of a motor 170, a spool 160 and a wireless signal received from a user. The cable 140 may comprise a weighted handle 150.

Description

Device for stabilising a suspended load

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for use in a stabilising suspended load, for example when loads suspended via a crane.

Background of the Invention

When lifting and suspending a load using a crane, one or more cables or ropes are often attached to the load such that these cables and ropes run from the load to the ground. On the ground, one or more operators may manually manipulate the load via the ropes/cables (which in such a context are often referred to as laglines' or occasionally 'guide lines'), which may allow the operator(s) to stabilise the load by controlling rotation or swinging of the load during the lift.

This may improve safety of the lift and avoid misalignment of the load when it is lowered to the ground.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved tagline system. Summary of the Invention Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are set out in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein.

According to at least one aspect defined herein, there is provided a device for stabilising a suspended load, comprising a retractable cable which depends downwardly from the device for use as a tagline. Preferably, the device is configured such that the cable (in use) depends downwardly from the device for use as a (downwardly depending) tagline.

The device may be configured such that the downwardly depending cable may be held by an operator on the ground. The device may be configured to attach to the load (for example via a fixture on the load) or rigging for the load (for example an element suspending the load such as a further cable), preferably such that the cable depends downwardly from the load for use as a tagline and/or such that the device does not contribute towards supporting the load. That is, the cable may run between the operator and the load. The device may be configured to hang from the load or rigging for the load, which may improve ease of use. The device may be configured to be releasable by an operator in use and to remain connected to the load. The device may be configured to retract the cable to a retracted state when connected to the load.

The device may further comprise means for attaching the device to the load or rigging for the load, which may improve ease of use. The means for attaching may comprise a clip, preferably wherein the clip comprises a spring-loaded gate. The means for attaching may be rotatable relative to the cable, which may assist in avoiding tangling. The means for attaching the device to the load may be rotatable relative to the rest of the device. The device may further comprise a resilient component between the means for attaching and the cable.

The cable may be configured to extend a total length less than 5 m below the device (and/or the load) when in a (fully) retracted state, preferably less than 3 m, more preferably less than 2 m, and even more preferably less than 1 m.

Retraction of the cable may be user actuated. The device may further comprise means for receiving a signal; wherein the device may be configured to retract the cable in dependence on a received signal. The device may be configured to extend or retract the cable in dependence on a received signal, which may improve versatility. The means for receiving signals may be configured to receive wireless signals, preferably ultrahigh frequency radio wave signals, more preferably Bluetooth (RTM) signals.

The device may further comprise a motor configured to extend or retract the cable. The device may further comprise a spool configured to accommodate the cable. The device may further comprise a processor for controlling the motor.

The device may further comprise a casing configured to accommodate the cable; preferably wherein said casing is at least one of: waterproof, impact-resistant, and formed of plastics material. The cable may extend from a first end of the casing and the means for attaching may be located at a second end of the casing. Said first and second ends may be opposite ends of the casing. Said first and second ends may be tapered. This may assist in providing a compact form factor for the device.

The device may include only one retractable cable. The cable may further comprise a handle on the end of the cable distal to the connector; preferably wherein said handle is weighted.

The device may further include a locking mechanism, such as a one-way locking mechanism, and/or a biased self-retracting mechanism.

According to at least one aspect defined herein, there is provided a system for stabilising a suspended load, comprising: a device as described herein; and a controller configured to control retraction of the cable. The controller may be configured to communicate with the device, preferably via wireless signals, more preferably via ultrahigh frequency radio wave signals, and even more preferably via Bluetooth (RTM) signals.

According to at least one aspect defined herein, there is provided a system for suspending a load, comprising: means for suspending a load, such as a crane and suitable rigging; (optionally) a load and a device or system as described herein.

According to at least one aspect defined herein, there is provided a method of stabilising a suspended load, comprising:(opfionally) suspending a load; attaching a device as described herein to the load or to rigging for the load; and stabilising the load by using the cable of the device as a tagline, optionally wherein the tagline is used by an operator on the ground The method may further comprise the step of retracting the cable when the cable is released from use as a tagline, optionally when the cable is released by the operator. The method may further comprise the step of retracting the cable upon actuation by a user and/or upon receipt of an electronic signal at the device.

According to at least one aspect defined herein, there is provided a device for stabilising a suspended load without bearing said load, comprising a retractable cable.

The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The term 'tagline' as used herein preferably connotes a rope or cable used during a lifting operation to stabilise a suspended load, more preferably: wherein said stabilising involves controlling rotation and/or swinging of the load, and/or wherein said stabilising is effected by the load being manipulated via the tagline (optionally by one or more operators), yet more preferably from beneath the load, still more preferably from the ground or proximate the ground. As will be appreciated, taglines are generally used to oppose rotation caused by small wind forces, to adjust rotation, to control swinging, and to avoid the need for operators directly to contact loads to stabilise them. For safety reasons taglines are not generally used to contribute to the support of the load, pull a load out of its natural suspended line, or hold a load against strong wind forces.

The term 'operator' as used herein preferably connotes a human, animal or machine capable of exerting a force on a cable/tagline, more preferably a variable force, so as to control and/or stabilise a supported load attached to said cable/tagline.

The term 'rigging' as used herein (when used as a noun) preferably connotes equipment used in supporting a load during a lifting operation using lifting equipment such as a crane; more preferably excluding the lifting equipment itself (that is, the term may refer to equipment connecting the load and lifting equipment); yet more preferably any of: cables, spreaders, framework, webbing, slings, turnbuckles, jacks, and other fittings.

The term 'cable' as used herein preferably should be understood to be synonymous with the terms 'rope', 'cord' and 'line'.

Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

Brief Description of the Figures

One or more aspects will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings having like-reference numerals, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1, with a cross-sectional schematic view through the 25 casing; Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example controller for the device of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the connection between a controller and device according to the present invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic illustration of the system of the present invention in use; and Figure 6 shows a further schematic illustration of the system of the present invention in use, in which the tagline cable has been retracted.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows an example of the device 100 of the present invention for stabilising a suspended load. The device 100 includes a retractable cable 140, which depends downwardly from the device in use so as to act as a tagline. The cable 140 extends from a case 130, which is generally diamond-shaped in that it includes two tapered ends and a wider middle section.

The case 130 encloses and protects a mechanism for storing a cable 140 to be used as a tagline. The case 130 fits over the mechanism in a streamlined fashion to minimize the size of the device; it is widest around the middle to accommodate the cable 140 and tapers at either end. The cable extends out of the case 130 via an aperture 132 in one of the ends of the case.

The aperture 132 is only slightly larger than the width of the cable 140 such that tapered end of the case 130 controls the direction of the cable 140 and minimizes unwanted movement of the cable 140 relative to the casing 130. At the end of the cable 140 is a handle 150, which is configured to be held by an operator (sometimes referred to as a ibanksman'), who may be located on the ground. The handle 150 comprises ridging 152 on its surface to provide an effective gripping surface. The handle 150 is weighted to aid an operator holding onto it without requiring excessive exertion. The weight of the handle 150 also minimizes any swinging movement of the cable 140 when not being held and anchored by an operator, and can help prevent the cable 140 from becoming tangled.

At the other end of the case 130 there is means for attaching the device 100 to the load, said means being formed as a hook or clip 110. The clip as illustrated is a spring-loaded carabiner clip comprising a clip body 112 and a spring-loaded gate latch 114, although different clips can be used as required by the circumstances and particular load. The clip 110 is connected to a resilient element 120, which connects the clip 110 and case 130. The clip 110 is rotatable relative to the cable 140 and device 100 so as to allow the device 100 to be re-positioned as necessary.

Figure 2 is an illustration of the device 100 of the present invention, showing a schematic cross-section of the case 130. The cable 140 is connected to a spool 160 from which it extends and passes through an aperture 132 to exit the case 130. The spool 160 comprises a central bobbin 162 either side of which is a rim 164. The cable 140 can be wound around the bobbin 162 and is held in position (and prevented from slipping off) by the rims 164. The spool 160 is connected to a motor 170 and a battery 180 via an axis 166 parallel to the bobbin 162. The battery 180 is preferably rechargeable and powers the motor 170. The motor 170 rotates the spool 160 via the axis 166. When the motor effects rotation of the spool 160 in one direction, the cable 140 becomes wound around the bobbin 162. In this manner, the cable 140 can be retracted and stored within the case 130 on the spool 160. The cable 140 can then be released and extended from the case 130 by rotating the spool 160 in the opposite direction. The device 100 further comprises processing components (not illustrated) for controlling the operation of the motor 170 and a receiver (also not illustrated) provided in communication with said processing components.

Figure 3 provides a schematic illustration of a controller 200, which is configured to interact with and control the device 100. The controller 200 comprises a body 210 on which there are provided three buttons: one to effect the cable 140 being retracted (the 'up button' 220), one to stop movement (extension or retraction) of the cable 140 (the 'stop button' 240), and one to effect the cable 140 being extended further from the case 130 (the 'down button' 260). The controller 200 is connected to the processing components of the device 100 wirelessly (via the receiver) via ultra-high frequency radio waves (a Bluetooth TM connection), and sends a different signal depending on which of the buttons is actuated using a transmitter included in the controller. The signal from the transmitter travels a distance up to 100 m, to be received by the receiver. The processing components in the device 100 are configured to actuate the motor 170 in response to the signal. The actuator can power the motor in either direction or arrest movement of the motor (and so the cable) to the motor in response to the up button 220, down button 260 or stop button 240 being pressed.

Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of the interaction of the device 100 and the controller 200. When a user presses the up button 220, the controller 200 sends a signal to the motor 170 to rotate in one direction, such that the cable 140 becomes wrapped around the spool 160 and accommodated within the case 130. When a user presses the down button 260, the controller 200 sends a signal to the motor 170 to rotate in the opposite direction, such that the cable 140 is unwound from the spool 160. The cable 140 can then pass out of the casing 130 through the aperture 132. When the user presses the stop button 240, the controller 200 sends a signal to the motor 170 to stop rotating, and so the cable 140 remains at the same extension Figures 5 and 6 illustrate how the system of the present invention, comprising the wirelessly connected device 100 and controller 200, can be used when lifting loads with cranes in construction. A crane 300, comprising a boom 320, boom head 340, main load line 360 and load block 380 lifts a load 400, which is attached to the load block 380 via cables 420 (it will be appreciated that in reality more complex rigging is likely to be used). The device 100 is also attached to the load 400 via the clip 110. More specifically, the device 100 is generally attached to the corner or end of a load at a lug, nozzle, structural member or other substantial and solid member capable of taking a significant force without being deformed or damaged or moving -or may instead be attached to rigging surrounding the load (such as one of the cables 420). The resilient connector 120 between the clip 110 and the casing 130 allows clip 110 to be positioned at an angle relative to the casing 130 as required and provides damping of the arrangement, acting as a shock absorber. The cable 140 is extended so that an operator can hold the handle 150 of the device 100. The cable 140 can thus be used as a tagline to stabilise the movement of the load 400 as it is suspended. The operator or another operator can also hold the controller 200; using this he/she can press the down button 260 to increase the length of cable 140 between him and the load 400 as required. Once a sufficient length of cable 140 has been unwrapped, the operator presses the stop button 240 to stop further extension of the cable 140, and the lifting operation may then begin.

Once the load 400 reaches a position such that a tagline is no longer required or a position at which the use of the tagline is no longer possible (e.g. the load may move above a structure which impedes the tagline and/or the operator of the tagline), the operator can release hold of the handle 150 of the device. The operator then presses the up button 220, which sends a signal to the device 100 to actuate the motor 170 to turn such that the cable 140 is wound onto the spool 160, and therefore at least a major part of the cable 140 is retained within the casing 130. This reduces the likelihood that the cable 140 will swing around and become snagged on a nearby structure. The weighted handle facilitates the cable 140 being drawn up into the casing 130 without becoming twisted. Figure 6 illustrates the situation in which the cable 140 has been retracted, and the device 100 itself hangs from the elevated load 400. The length of the cable extending from the device 100 is reduced to a minimum distance, such that the whole device 100 hangs below the load at a minimal length. This can be less than 5 m, or preferably less than 1 m.

As will be appreciated, by providing a device located at the load including a retractable tagline, the effective length of the cable can be reduced when it is released by an operator. The reduced length of the tagline allows the load 400 to be supported at a lower height by the crane operator than would otherwise be possible (because unlike a conventional tagline the retractable tagline -when retracted -does not hang near the or on the ground/any structures below the load, and so the chance of snags is reduced). This may improve safety by reducing the distance that the load would fall in the event of a failure of the crane and may also allow for larger lifts to be carried out by a given crane. Furthermore, the invention may mitigate the need for the use of multiple taglines of different lengths for different parts of the loading operation.

The device 100 is fabricated so as to be light but strong and durable. The clip 110 is formed of metal, such as aluminum or steel, but may alternatively be formed of a rigid plastic. The resilient connector 120 is formed of a cable of woven resilient polymer threads. The casing is of a rigid plastics material, such that it is light but strong, tough and impact resistant, for example ABS, polycarbonate, or polyethylene. The cable 140 is formed of a strong cable of woven polymer threads, such as polyester. The cable 140 is anti-tangle, anti-fray, and anti-knot, and may preferably include reflective elements such that it is highly visible. The handle 150 has an outer surface formed of rubber or soft-touch polymer so that it can be easily and comfortably gripped by the linesman. It is weighted by the inclusion of metal weights within its central shaft.

Although the clip has been described as a carabiner clip, it may also take the form of a snap hook, swivel hook, tower hook, spring hook, or any alternative hook or clip arrangement. It may be shaped symmetrically as an oval, or asymmetrically as a D-shape, offset 0-shaped, pear shape or any other shape. A locking mechanism may be provided on the clip. A different kind of connector element may alternatively be used to connect the device 100 to a load. The connector may be used in conjunction with a support structure which holds the load, for example comprising straps which surround the load or (as already mentioned) the cable which supports the load.

Although the invention has been described in the context of one tagline being used for a lifting operation, it will be appreciated that in many lifting operations the use of multiple taglines (controlled by multiple operators) is necessary or useful.

Although the invention has been described in the context of the operator being a human on the ground, it will be appreciated that other 'operators' may be used. For example, in lifting operations involving very heavy loads, the operator' may be a specialized vehicle such as an suitably adapted car, in marine operations the operator may be a boat, and in situations in which human operators are not suitable then working animals or suitably programmed machines/robots may be used as 'operators'.

Optionally, the device may include further control mechanisms other than the controller. For example, controls may be provided on the device (e.g. on an outer part of the casing). This may be useful in the event of failure of the connection between the controller and device.

In an alternative, the retractable functionality of the device may be used when the cable is being used as a tagline (not merely after it has been released). For example, the cable may be retracted or extended a small amount in situations where the operator would usually adjust their grip on a conventional tagline. For example, where during a load an operator may need to move up or down on a slope (e.g. on a hill or a staircase), the cable may be retracted or extended accordingly.

In an alternative, signals may be sent and received by a range of means. Alternative arrangements of the controller may be used to send wireless signals. For example, the connector may be a standalone device, controlled using buttons, sliders, touch-screen technology, or any similar actuation method. Alternatively, the device may be controlled from a system such as a mobile phone including a BluetoothTM connection and a suitably configured software application. Alternative forms of wireless signals may be transmitted and received, for example Wi-Fi, cellular signals, infrared, microwave and so on. Signals may alternatively be transmitted by wired communication -for example, wires may be connected to a crane and run down to the load. The controller may be located in the cab of the crane and may be controlled by the crane operator.

In an alternative, the cable may be retracted by a biased self-retracting reel mechanism without requiring input from a motor. This may be combined with a ratchet or other locking arrangement so that the cable can be extended as the load is lifted but remains locked at that extension even when not in tension. This locking arrangement is then only released when a signal is received to retract the cable, and the self-retracting reel winds the cable back into the casing.

The device may alternatively utilize a combination of a biased self-retracting mechanism and a motor-driven retracting mechanism. For example, the spool may turn without the input of the motor or the controller to freely release the cable as the lift is being loaded. The device comprises an anchoring mechanism to prevent further movement, which may be provided by a ratchet arrangement. This may be switched on and off (actuated) or automatic. The motor may then be used to retract the cable. Alternatively, the motor may be used to extend the cable, and a biased self-retracting mechanism causes the cable to retract. The user may be able to alternate between biased mechanism and a motor driven one. The anchoring mechanism may be one-way, for instance, so that cable can be extended automatically but not retracted, or vice versa; or it may prevent both extension and retraction. The user may be able to switch this on and off, and alternate between different arrangements.

It should be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications of detail can be made within the scope of the invention. Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination. Reference numerals appearing in the claims are by way of illustration only and shall have no limiting effect on the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A device for stabilising a suspended load, comprising a retractable cable which depends downwardly from the device for use as a tagline.
2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the device is configured such that the downwardly depending cable may be held by an operator on the ground.
3. A device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the device is configured to attach to the load or rigging for the load, preferably such that the cable depends downwardly from the load for use as a tagline and/or such that the device does not contribute towards supporting the load.
4. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured to hang from the load or rigging for the load
5. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for attaching the device to the load or rigging for the load; preferably wherein the means for attaching comprises a clip, more preferably wherein the clip comprises a spring-loaded gate.
6. A device according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the means for attaching is rotatable relative to the cable.
7. A device according to Claim 6, wherein the means for attaching the device to the load is rotatable relative to the rest of the device.
8. A device according to any of Claims 4 to 7, further comprising a resilient component between the means for attaching and the cable.
9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable is configured to extend a total length less than 5 m below the device when in a retracted state, preferably less than 3 m, more preferably less than 2 m, and even more preferably less than 1 m.
10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein retraction of the cable is user actuated.
11. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for receiving a signal; wherein the device is configured to retract the cable in dependence on a received signal.
12. A device according to Claim 11, wherein the device is configured to extend or retract the cable in dependence on a received signal.
13. A device according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein the means for receiving signals is configured to receive wireless signals, preferably ultrahigh frequency radio wave signals, more preferably Bluetooth (RIM) signals.
14. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises a motor configured to extend or retract the cable.
15. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a spool configured to accommodate the cable.
16. A device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a casing configured to accommodate the cable; preferably wherein said casing is at least one of: waterproof, impact-resistant, and formed of plastics material.
17. A device according to Claim 16 when dependent on any of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the cable extends from a first end of the casing and the means for attaching is located at a second end of the casing.
18. A device according to Claim 17, wherein said first and second ends are opposite ends of the casing.
19. A device according to Claim 17 or 18, wherein said first and second ends are tapered.
20. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device includes only one retractable cable
21. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable further comprises a handle on the end of the cable distal to the connector; preferably wherein said handle is weighted.
22. A system for stabilising a suspended load, comprising: a device according to any preceding claim; and a controller configured to control retraction of the cable, preferably wherein the controller is configured to communicate with the device, more preferably via wireless signals, even more preferably via ultrahigh frequency radio wave signals, and yet more preferably via Bluetooth (RIM) signals.
23. A system for suspending a load, comprising: means for suspending a load, such as a crane and suitable rigging; (optionally) a load; and a device for stabilising a load according to any of Claims 1 to 21.
24. A method of stabilising a suspended load, comprising: (optionally) suspending a load; attaching a device for stabilising a suspended load according to any of Claims 1 to 21 to the load or to rigging for the load; and stabilising the load by using the cable of the device as a tagline, optionally wherein the tagline is used by an operator on the ground
25. A method according to Claim 24, further comprising the step of retracting the cable when the cable is released from use as a tagline.