Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02380862 2002-O1-23
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Title: RETRIEVAL EQUIPMENT FOR DEPLOYED BUNGY
Technical Field
The present invention relates to retrieval equipment for a deployed bungy and
more
particularly to a novel retrieval/hauling unit which is inter-engageable with
a bungy
terminal coupling unit and method of using same.
As used herein the term "bungy" means an elongated elastic member, such as a
vine,
cord, rope or strap, more typically a multi-stranded latex cord.
~o
Background Art
The pursuit of bungy jumping from a structure such as a cliff, bridge, jumping
platform
or tower is known. One end of the bungy is releasably anchored to said
structure and
the free end is releasably attached to a terminal connection means (e.g. a
karabiner or
coupling unit) from which the harness or ankle-cuff secured to the jumper can
be
releasably connected thereto. Typically, the bungy is releasably anchored to
said
structure by means of a tethering cable secured to a crane arm located at the
jump
site.
2o At present, upon completion of the jump, the jumper is lowered to a landing
site
adjacent the base of the structure (for example, lowering the jumper into a
gorge for
boat pickup) or operational crew secure the deployed bungy to a retrieval
cable
connected to a winching system (e.g. a crane operated winch, windlass or
vehicular
tow hauling) to return the suspended jumper to the structure and/or retrieve
the bungy.
25 The free end of the retrieval cable is lowered from the jump site to
operational crew at
the landing site, who then releasably secure the cable to the deployed bungy
terminal
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connection. On voice or hand signal command from the landing site crew, the
jump
site crew engage and control the winching system. Alternatively, the bungy may
be
manually hauled up to the jump site once the jumper has been released from the
deployed bungy.
It can often be a long and arduous task, involving a number of crew members,
to
secure the retrieval cable to the deployed bungy and manipulate the retrieved
bungy
length, given the weight and elastic properties of the bungy. The deployed
bungy can
swing with exposure to air turbulence such as wind gusts or helicopter back-
draughts.
~o The effect of air turbulence can be a major factor, particularly if the
landing site is
located in a gully or ravine. The retrieval cable may frequently become
intertwined
with the deployed bungy length during its descent to the landing site.
Similarly, the
weight and movement of the bungy during hauling can slow the operation of
retrieval.
The strain and effort of a manual haul can be exhausting for the operators and
may
lead to back injury, particularly if the jump rate is high and/or the distance
between the
landing site and jump site is large. The hauling position becomes
uncomfortable with
time in view of the necessity to wear a safety harness.
2o Disclosure of invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide improved retrieval
equipment for a
deployed bungy, which is easy and rapid to operate, dismantle for transport to
an
alternative jumping site or store out of use.
It is a further object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a
retaining
z5 means to support the terminal coupling unit after disengagement from the
retrieval
means and to take the weight of the bungy. Advantageously, the retaining means
can
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also function as a safety device to prevent the bungy from being accidentally
deployed
prior to the scheduled jump, especially when the or each jumper is secured in
the
harness or ankle cuff.
The present invention provides retrieval equipment for a deployed bungy
comprising a
retrieval/hauling member provided with an aperture for receipt of said bungy,
a
terminal coupling unit connectable to or integral with the free end of the
bungy, means
to attach said retrieval/hauling member to a retrieval cable; said
retrieval/hauling
member being releasably engageable with said terminal coupling member.
It will be appreciated that the retrieval/hauling member may be directly or
indirectly
connected to the terminal coupling unit. For example, the retrieval/hauling
unit may
connect onto the securing means provided for the jumper (i.e. tethering rope
or
webbing sling, ankle cuff or harness) secured to the terminal coupling unit.
Preferably said aperture is a passage through the retrieval/hauling member.
Preferably said retrieval/hauling member includes a releasable opening
mechanism.
In two embodiments, said retrieval/hauling member is substantially symmetrical
in
2o shape and said aperture is concentric relative to the central axis thereof.
Alternatively,
said aperture is offset. Preferably said opening mechanism is a lockable
hinged
opening. Alternatively said opening mechanism is effected by the dis-
engagement of
over-centre latches located on opposing sides of the retrieval/hauling member.
z5 In another embodiment, said retrieval/hauling member is provided with a
formable
keyhole aperture. Preferably said opening means is a releasable securement
such as
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a screw sleeve or an overlap engagement of a free end of the retrieval/hauling
member
In two preferred forms of the present invention, the invention provides a
terminal
coupling unit having a continuous peripheral projection adapted to inter-
engage with
said retrieval/hauling member and/or function as a guide member for the
passage of
the retrieval/hauling member; wherein said retrieval/hauling member is a
collar
comprising a body and an attachment to secure said retrieval/hauling member to
a
retrieval cable. Preferably said body includes a retractable retaining means
biased to
~o a locking position.
In a preferred embodiment, said attachment means is an extension arm.
Preferably
the free end of said extension arm is adjacent but slightly offset from the
central axis of
an engaged said terminal coupling unit without obstructing the top opening of
same.
Preferably said extension arm is detachable from said body for maintenance,
transport
or storage. Preferably said body is rotatably secured to said extension arm.
More
preferably, said extension arm is biased to an upright position by a spring
release
mechanism such that the engagement of said spring release means inverts the
body
of said collar to assist an operator in removing an engaged terminal coupling
unit from
2o said retrieval/hauling member. That is, it is easier and a more safe
procedure to lift the
terminal coupling unit from the retrieval/hauling member when the free end of
the
bungy is orientated above the retrieval/hauling member. Alternatively said
attachment
is a plurality of equi-distantly-spaced lugs located on the periphery of said
collar.
2s In one aspect of the present invention, said retrieval equipment further
includes a
retaining device to support the terminal coupling unit prior to jump set-up or
following
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disengagement from said retrieval/hauling member; said retaining device being
located adjacent a retrieval and/or jump point. Preferably said retaining
means is a
support anchored at one end thereof, and adapted to support said terminal
coupling
unit.
Brief description of the drawings
By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the present invention are
described in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-
1o Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a terminal coupling unit of a first
preferred embodiment
of the present invention,
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the terminal coupling unit of Fig. 1 inter-
engaged
with a retrieval/hauling member of the present invention,
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of Fig. 2 showing the retrieval/hauling member in
an open
position wherein the terminal coupling unit is disengaged therefrom,
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a modified retrieval/hauling member of Figs 2
& 3
2o wherein the collar is rotatably secured to the extension arm,
Fig. 5 is a plan view of a second preferred embodiment retrieval/hauling
member in
accordance with the present invention,
z5 Fig. 6 is side view of the retrieval/hauling member of Fig. 5,
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Figs 7i-iii are a schematic sequence showing the retrieval/hauling member of
Figs 5
and 6 in use,
Fig. 8 is an isometric view of a retainer in accordance with the present
invention,
Fig. 9 is a plan view from above of a third preferred retrieval/hauling member
shown in
the open position,
Fig. 10 is a side view of another preferred terminal coupling unit in
accordance with the
~o present invention,
Fig. 11 is a side view showing the terminal coupling unit of Fig. 10 inter-
engaged with
the retrieval/hauling member of Fig. 9,
Fig. 12 is a side view of the main component of the retaining mechanism of the
retrieval/hauling member of Figs 9 & 11,
Fig. 13 is a plan view of the retaining mechanism component of Fig. 12,
2o Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view showing the inter-engagement of a
modified
retrieval/hauling member of Figs 9 & 11 with a modified terminal coupling unit
of Figs
10 & 11 wherein the terminal coupling unit is provided with the retractable
retaining
mechanism, and the retrieval/hauling collar is provided with a nose
projection,
Fig. 15 is a plan view from above showing a modified retrieval/hauling member
of Figs
2 & 3 or 4 wherein the collar aperture is off-set, and
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Fig. 16 is a plan view from above showing a modified retrieval/hauling member
of Figs
9 & 10 wherein the collar aperture is offset.
Best Modes For Carrying Out The Invention
Referring to Figs 1-3 in general, a first preferred embodiment of the two
essential
components of the retrieval equipment for a deployed bungy, a terminal
coupling unit 2
and retrieval/hauling member (8, Figs 2 and 3) are thereshown.
~o With particular reference to Fig. 1, the terminal coupling unit 2 comprises
a bracket 3
supporting a reel 4, tethering bar 5 and ring 6. In use, the free end of a
bungy is
secured around the spool of the reel 4, and the harness or ankle-cuff is
releasably
connected to the tethering bar 5 usually via means of a karabiner and
tethering rope.
The rim of the ring 6 is formed as a continuous peripheral projection 7. The
peripheral
~s projection 7 provides a flange as a contact point for inter-engagement with
the
retrieval/hauling member to initiate retrieval of the deployed bungy as
hereinafter
described. Preferably, the ring 6 is removable for maintenance or replacement.
With reference to Figs 2 and 3, the retrieval/hauling member 8 comprises a
releasable
2o split collar 9 and an extension arm 17. The collar 9 consists of two mirror
image
substantially crescent shaped sections 10, 11, secured to each other at one
end
thereof by means of a hinge 13. The sections 10, 11 are releasably secured at
the
opposing end by an external latch mechanism comprising a pair of lugs 14, and
latch
or locking pin (not shown). The rim of each section (10a, 11a) is rounded or
beveled
25 to provide a smooth surface for resting and drapage of the bungy length
during hauling
and after retrieval. Advantageously, the rim (10a, 11a) further functions as a
guide
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means for the passage of the retrieval/hauling member 8 from the anchoring
tether
cable (not shown) onto the bungy length at retrieval set-up.
In the open position as depicted in Fig. 3, the latch or locking pin (not
shown) is
disengaged and the lugs 14 are separated via the articulation of the sections
10, 11
about the hinge 13. To close the collar 9, the free ends of sections 10 and 11
are
pulled adjacent each other, so that the apertures of the lugs 14 are aligned
and the
latch engaged therewith. It will be appreciated that the split collar 9 may be
releasably
secured by alternate known mechanisms such as bolts or over-centre latches
and/or
~o these mechanisms may also be used in place of the hinge 13 and/or latch
mechanism
to split open the collar 9. In the closed position as depicted in Fig. 2, the
secured
collar 9 is formed with a central passage, having a throat guide 12 adjacent
the top
opening thereof. Preferably the throat guide 12 is composed of a low friction
material
to reduce abrasive damage of the bungy resulting from repetitive retrieval.
Each section 10, 11 has a plurality of retractable spring retaining mechanisms
(15, 16).
Each mechanism (15, 16) comprises a catch 15 capable of moving between an
extended locking position as shown in Figs 2 and 3 and a retracted position
(shown in
dotted outline in Fig. 2) wherein the catch 15 recedes within a slot 16. Each
catch 15 is
2o biased by spring means (not visible) to the extended position wherein the
hook shaped
portion protrudes from the slot 16.
The collar 9 is supported on an extension arm 17. One end of the extension arm
is
secured adjacent the hinge 13 and the free end 19 is provided with a lug
fitting 18 for
attachment to the retrieval cable (not shown). Preferably said extension arm
17 is
detachably secured to the collar 9 such that the arm 17 may be removed for
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maintenance, transport or storage. In use, the lug 18 and free end 19 are
positioned
adjacent but slightly offset from the central axis of the terminal coupling
unit 2 whereby
the extension arm 17 does not obstruct the top opening of the terminal
coupling unit 2
provided for receipt of the free end of the bungy. Alternatively, the means to
attach the
retrieval/hauling member 8 to the retrieval cable is a plurality of equi-
distantly spaced
lugs located on the periphery of the collar 9, as illustrated in respect of
the third
preferred embodiment (51, 52, Figs 9 & 11).
In use, the free end of the bungy is attached to the terminal coupling unit 2
in advance
~o of deployment as hereinbefore described and the retrieval/hauling member 8
is
secured by the lug 18 to a retrieval cable connected to a winching system such
as a
crane operated winch, vehicular winch or windlass (not shown). Alternatively,
the
retrieval cable is secured for subsequent manual or vehicular tow hauling.
Upon completion of the jump, the jumper may be lowered to a landing site and
released from the harness or ankle cuff or remain suspended secured therein
for
retrieval with the deployed bungy. Jump site crew thread the deployed bungy
through
the aperture of the collar 9 by opening the collar 9, enclosing the sections
10, 11
around the bungy and closing the collar 9 as hereinbefore described. It will
be
2o appreciated that where the retrieval cable is securely tied off or
controlled by a
winching system, the retrieval/hauling member 8 may be placed on the bungy
length
adjacent the top at jump set-up and returned to that position after the bungy
has been
deployed and subsequently retrieved (i.e. between consecutive jumps). The
throat
guide 12 restricts the degree of movement of the bungy length within the
aperture of
2s the collar 9.
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To retrieve the bungy, the retrieval/hauling member 8 is run down the deployed
bungy
length by gravity feed of the retrieval cable or under winch control until the
ring 6 of the
terminal coupling unit 2 contacts and docks with the spring locking mechanisms
15,
16. The throat guide 12 prevents the deployed bungy length from being snared
on the
extended catches 15 or free end arm length 19, even if air turbulence effects
swinging
of the bungy. Docking is achieved by the inter-engagement of each catch 15
with the
peripheral projection 7:- the projection 7 pivots the catches 15 in the
direction of Arrow
A (Fig. 2) as the retrieval/hauling member 8 slides down over the terminal
coupling unit
2. As the retrieval/hauling member 8 slides into the position shown in Fig. 2,
the
~o catches 15 spring back into the extended locking position shown and the
hooked
portion of each catch 15 supports and releasably retains the peripheral
projection 7.
The weight of the bungy and spring bias means of the catches 15 maintain the
docked
inter-engagement position of the terminal coupling unit 2 within the
retrieval/hauling
member 8.
The winching system is then engaged, or alternatively, the vehicular tow
hauling or
manual hauling is commenced until the retrieval cable, deployed bungy length,
retrieval/hauling member 8 and docked terminal coupling unit 2 are back above
the
jump site within arm's reach of the operator. Preferably, said retrieval cable
is
2o connected to a winching system via a friction-free eddy current coupling
member (e.g.
a TASC unit) which provides a slipping clutch control such that the operator
can brake
and/or control the rate of descent and ascent of the retrieval/hauling member
8 (not
shown).
z5 To release the terminal coupling unit 2 from the retrieval/hauling member
8, the collar
9 is opened and the sections 10, 11 are separated. To increase operational
speed
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and afford a more safe jump re-set procedure, the retrieval/hauling member (8,
Fig. 4)
can be modified whereby the collar 9 is rotatably bolt secured to the
extension arm 17.
The extension arm 17 is provided with a spring release mechanism (17a & b,
Fig. 4)
biased by a compression spring (not visible) to hold the extension arm in an
upright
s position. Engagement of both spring release mechanism levers 17a inverts
collar 9
approximately 180° such that upon rotation of the collar 9 about the
pivot 17b, the
bungy is orientated below the retrieval/hauling member 8. This orientation
assists the
operator in safety removing the terminal coupling unit 2 from the
retrieval/hauling
member 8, reducing the likelihood of dropping the bungy after disengagement.
When
~o the terminal coupling unit 2 is removed, the retrieval/hauling member 8 is
returned to
the upright position by depressing both levers 17a.
Whilst the terminal coupling unit 2 has been depicted and described as a
substantially
open structure, it will be appreciated that the body of the terminal coupling
unit may be
15 formed as an open ended substantially cylindrical structure (shown in
broken lines in
Fig. 1) incorporating a means to releasably secure the end of the bungy and
means to
connect the harness or ankle cuffs thereto. Similarly, the retrieval/hauling
member 8
may be formed in any desired polygonal or substantially cylindrical shape
wherein the
aperture is concentric or offset as illustrated in Fig. 15. Further, it will
be appreciated
2o that the collar 9 need not be formed in two releasable sections (10, 11 ),
but could be a
closed cylinder, so that in use the bungy length would be manually fed through
the
aperture of the collar 9 (not shown). Similarly, it will be appreciated that
the collar 50
need not split completely in half as depicted and described but may merely
include a
releasable section having a sufficient opening to allow egress of the bungy
length. It
25 will also be appreciated that either the terminal coupling unit or the
retrieval/hauling
member may be provided with the releasable retaining means biased to a locking
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position as hereinafter described in a further aspect of the present invention
with
reference to Fig.14 and as described above with reference to Figs 2 & 3 or
Fig. 4,
respectively.
Referring to Figs 5 - 7iii, a second preferred embodiment of the two essential
components of the retrieval equipment for a deployed bungy (20, Fig. 7i -
iii), a
retrieval/hauling member 21 and a terminal coupling unit (22, Fig. 7i - iii)
with
associated tethering cord (23, Fig. 7i -iii) are thereshown.
~o With particular reference to Figs 5 & 6, the retrieval/hauling member 21 is
a
releasable keyhole loop device comprising a suspension element 24 and a loop
element 25. The free end of the suspension element 24 is formed as a hook for
releasable securement to the retrieval cable 26. The free end of the loop
element 25
is shaped to effect a releasable over-lap engagement with the neck of the loop
element 25 when the free end is moved by an operator in the direction of
Arrows A~
and AZ (Fig. 5). Conversely, the loop element 25 is dis-engaged by moving the
free
end of the loop element 25 in the direction of Arrows B~ and BZ (Fig. 5).
Referring to Fig. 5, the line I-I defines a first portion 25a and a second
portion 25b of
2o the formed loop element 25. In use, the first portion 25a permits free
passage of the
deployed bungy length (20, Fig. 7i - iii) and the second portion 25b engages
the
associated terminal coupling unit (27, Fig. 7i - iii) by snaring the secured
tethering cord
(23, Fig. 7i - iii) as hereinafter described.
25 Preferably at least the inner surface of portion 25a of the loop element 25
is composed
of or coated with a low friction material to reduce abrasive damage to the
bungy
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resulting from repetitive retrieval. Preferably the outer surface of the loop
element 25
is rounded or beveled to provide a smooth surface for resting and drapage of
the
bungy length (20, Fig. 7 i -iii) during hauling and after retrieval,
respectively.
Optionally, said retrieval/hauling member is formed from a single length of at
least
12mm steel wire.
Referring to Fig. 7i - iii, the terminal coupling unit 27 is a commercially
available
coupling including: a neck 27a connectable to or integral with the free end of
the bungy
~o length 20, and an attachment means 27b for the releasable securement of the
tethering cord 23. The free end of the tethering cord 23 is provided with a
karabiner
28 for connecting the ankle cuff or harness thereto (not shown). Alternatively
the
terminal coupling unit 27 may be formed integrally with the bungy 20 by
splicing and
then plaiting and/or sealing the splice in known manner to form the attachment
means
27b.
In use, the tethering cord 23 and associated jumper securement means (not
shown)
are attached to the terminal coupling unit 27 in advance of deployment and the
retrieval/hauling member 21 is secured to the retrieval cable 26. The
retrieval cable 26
2o is connected to a winching system or alternatively secured for subsequent
manual or
vehicular tow hauling (not shown).
Upon completion of the jump, the jumper may be lowered to a landing site and
released from the jumper securement means or remain suspended therein for
retrieval
z5 with the deployed bungy (20, Fig. 7i - iii).
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Referring to Fig. 7i - iii, a schematic sequence of the mode of operation of
the
retrieval/hauling member 21 is depicted. To retrieve the deployed bungy length
20,
the retrieval/hauling member 21 is attached to the deployed bungy length 20 by
the
operator such that the perimeter of the bungy is encompassed by the loop
element
portion 25a and the free end of the loop element 25 is engaged as hereinbefore
described. As indicated by Arrow C, Fig. 7(ii), the retrieval/hauling member
21 is run
down the deployed bungy length 20 by gravity feed of the retrieval cable 26 or
under
winch control. The loop element portion 25a is dimensioned to permit free
passage of
retrieval/hauling member 21 down the length of the bungy 20 and terminal
coupling
~o neck 27a, until the loop element portion 25a contacts and engages the
terminal
coupling attachment means 27b. On engagement, the orientation of the
retrieval/hauling member 21 is affected by the docking of loop element portion
25a and
terminal coupling attachment means 27b. The base of the terminal coupling
attachment means 27b and subsequently the tethering cable 23 pass through the
throat junction of the keyhole aperture so that the loop element portion 25b
partially
encloses tethering cable 23 as depicted in Fig. 7(ii). The karabiner 28
functions as a
stop lug to prevent the loop element portion 25b from travelling further and
can assist
or effect snaring of the tethering cable 23 on the loop element portion 25b.
2o The winching system is then engaged, or alternatively, the vehicular tow
hauling or
manual hauling is commenced.
The hauling force indicated by Arrow D, Fig 7(iii), effects the snaring of the
tethering
cable 23 on the loop element portion 25b. The weight of the terminal coupling
unit 27
and connected bungy length 20 ensures that the tethering cable 23 is retained
at the
base of the loop element portion 25b as shown in Fig. 7(iii) even in
conditions of
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moderate air turbulence which effect swinging of the bungy length 20 and/or
tethering
cable 26 hauling continues until the retrieval cable 26, retrieval/hauling
member 21
and ensnared deployed bungy length 20 are back above the jump site.
Optionally, said retrieval cable 26 is connected to a winching system via a
friction free
eddy current coupling member (e.g. TASC unit) which provides a slipping clutch
means for controlling the rate of descent and ascent and/or braking of the
retrieval
cable 26.
~o To release the terminal coupling unit 27 from the retrieval/hauling member
21, the free
end of the loop element portion 25a is dis-engaged as hereinbefore described
by the
operator and the tethering cable 23 is released from the cavity of the loop
element 25
in known manner.
The second loop element portion 25b need not be of a substantially 'U' shape
but may
be formed as a substantially 'V', 'W', 'C' or other suitable shape wherein the
width of
the cavity or portion thereof is relatively smaller than that of the first
loop element
portion. It will also be appreciated that the securement means of the
suspension
element 24 may be a catch mechanism biased to the locking position or a screw
zo sleeve engageable with the free end of the loop element 25 (not shown).
Referring to Figs 9-13 and Fig. 14, a third preferred embodiment of the two
essential
components of the retrieval equipment for deployed bungy, a retrieval/hauling
member
49 and a terminal coupling unit 44 is thereshown.
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With particular reference to Figs 11 & 14, the terminal coupling unit 44
comprises a
bracket 45 supporting a tubular housing in the form of spool 46, and a ring
47. The
bracket 45 is funnel-shaped in appearance. In use, a webbing sling or
tethering rope
(not shown) is connected to the terminal coupling unit 44 by feeding the
webbing or
rope length through the bracket aperture 45a, the central spool cavity 46a and
bracket
aperture 45b respectively and then securing the free ends in known manner. A
coupling such as a karabiner is attached to the webbing sling or tethering
rope for
subsequent connection of the bungy and the harness or ankle cuff.
~o The wall defining the central aperture of the ring 47 is formed with a
continuous
beveled lower lip 47b which functions as a guide means for the passage of the
retrieval/hauling member and/or provides a contact point for the inter-
engagement with
the retrieval/hauling member to initiate retrieval of the deployed bungy as
hereinafter
described in detail. Preferably, the ring 47 is removable for maintenance or
~5 replacement.
With reference to Fig. 14, the modified terminal coupling unit 44 further
carries a series
of retractable spring mechanisms 63 and a manual override mechanism 64. Each
retractable spring mechanism includes a catch 63a & b that is pivotably
secured to the
2o internal wall of the bracket 45. Each catch 63a & b is capable of moving
between the
illustrated extended locking position and a retracted position wherein the
catch head
63a moves towards the bracket 45 in the direction of Arrow B by compression of
the
tensioned spring 63c effected by the pivotal movement about the pivot pin 65.
The
spring 63c biases the catch 63a & b to the extended position.
The manual override mechanism 64 comprises a cable 66 and a pull-down over-
centre
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lever 67. The bracket 45 is fitted with a padded, open ended sleeve 68 which
provides
a surface for rigid securement of the lever 67 and advantageously acts as a
shock
absorber dampening the resultant engagement jolt being transmitted onto the
jumper
when the terminal coupling unit 44 docks with the retrieval/hauling member 49
as
s hereinafter described. The cable 66 is threaded through the apertures
adjacent the tail
portion of each catch 63b and the free ends are secured to the lever 67 in
known
manner. The cable 66 provides an interconnecting linkage between all the tail
portions
63b. Whenever the lever 67 is depressed in the direction of Arrow B', the
tension on
the cable 66 increases effecting pivoting of the catches 63a & b and
compression of
~o the spring 63c such that the spring biased is overridden and the catches
are all
retained in the retracted position. The spring bias can be re-engaged upon
release of
the lever 67 as illustrated. It will be appreciated that a rotatable ring
provided with a
series of equi-distantly spaced peripheral projections aligned to abut and
effect
pivoting of the catches 63a & b when the lever 67 is depressed may be
substituted for
15 the tensioned cable 66.
With reference to Figs 9, 12, 13 & 14, the retrieval/hauling member 49
comprises a
releasable split collar 50 and a set of suspension lugs 51, 52. The collar 50
consists of
two mirror image substantially crescent shaped sections 53, 54, secured to
each other
2o at one end thereof by means of a set of spaced hinges 55. The sections 53,
54 are
releasably secured at the opposing ends by a series of external over-centre
latch
mechanisms 56, 57. Each latch mechanism 56 or 57 comprises a pair of lugs 59,
and
a releasable latch 58. A lining composed of a low friction material is
provided on the
internal rim of each section 53a, 54a and walls defining the throat of the
retrieval
25 hauling member 49. The rim lining 53a, 54a provides a surface area for
resting and
drapage of the bungy length during hauling and after retrieval, respectively.
The throat
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lining reduces the incidence of abrasive damage to the bungy resulting from
repetitive
retrieval.
In the open position as depicted in Fig. 9, the latches 58 are disengaged from
the lugs
59 and the collar 50 is opened via the articulation of the sections 53, 54
about the
hinges 55. To close the collar 50, the free ends of the sections 53, 54 are
pulled
adjacent whereby the lugs 59 are aligned and the latches 58 are engaged
therewith. It
will be appreciated that the split collar 50 may be releasably secured by
alternate
known mechanisms such as bolts, locking pins or similar releasable couplings
and/or
~o these mechanisms or over-centre latches may also be used in place of the
hinges 55
to split open the collar 50.
In the closed position as depicted in Figs 11 and 14, the secured collar 50 is
formed
with a central throat aperture having rim lining 53a, 54a adjacent the top
opening. The
external wall of the nose portion 50a is inwardly inclined to function as a
contact guide
for inter-engagement with the terminal coupling unit 44 to initiate retrieval
of the
deployed bungy as hereinafter described.
Referring specifically to Figs 9, 11, 12 & 13, each section 53, 54 has a
plurality of
2o retractable spring mechanisms 60, 61. With particular reference to Figs
11,12 & 13,
each mechanism comprises a catch 60 capable of moving between an extended
locking position as shown in Fig 11 and as indicated by Arrow D, Fig 12, and a
retracted position (indicated by Arrow E, Fig 12) wherein the catch 60 recedes
within a
dimensioned slot 61. Each catch 60 is pivotally secured within the base of the
slot by
25 bolt 61a (Fig. 11 only) and sprung biased by a compression spring 60a to
the
extended position wherein the catch arm 60b protrudes from the slot 61.
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Referring specifically to Fig. 14, each section 53, 54 of the modified
retrieval/hauling
member 49 includes a nose step 50b on the external wall of the nose portion
50a in
place of the retractable spring mechanisms (60, 61; Figs 9, 11, 12 & 13) as a
contact
point for inter-engagement with the modified terminal coupling unit 44 to
initiate
retrieval of the deployed bungy as hereinafter described in detail.
Referring to Figs 9-13 & 14, in use, the retrieval/hauling member 49 is
attached to the
retrieval cable by securing a webbing sling through the apertures of the
suspension
~o lugs 51, 52 and using a coupling device to connect the webbing sling to the
retrieval
cable (not shown). The free end of the bungy is attached to the terminal
coupling unit
44 as hereinbefore described and the retrieval cable is connected to a
winching
system such as a crane operated winch, vehicular winch or windlass (not
shown).
Alternatively, the retrieval cable is secured for subsequent manual or
vehicular tow
~s hauling.
Upon completion of the jump, the jumper may be lowered to a landing site and
released from the harness or ankle cuff or remain suspended secured therein
for
retrieval with the deployed bungy. Jump site crew open the collar 50 and
enclose the
2o collar around the bungy by closing the sections 53, 54 around the bungy as
hereinbefore described. It will be appreciated that where the retrieval cable
is securely
tied off or controlled by the winching system, the retrieval/hauling member 49
may be
placed on the bungy length adjacent the top at jump set-up and returned to
that
position after the bungy has been deployed and subsequently retrieved (i.e.
between
25 consecutive jumps). The throat lining of the collar 50 prevents abrasive
damage and
restricts the degree of movement of the bungy length within the throat
aperture.
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To retrieve the bungy, the retrieval/hauling member 49 is run down the
deployed
bungy length by gravity feed of the retrieval cable or under winch control
until the nose
portion 50a contacts the ring 47 of the terminal coupling unit 44. The
inclined shape of
the nose portion 50a and lower beveled lip of the ring 47 guides the
retrieval/hauling
member 49 into the throat aperture of the terminal coupling unit 44.
Referring specifically to Figs 9-13, each catch 60 recedes into its respective
slot 61 as
a portion of the ring 47 contacts the catch arm 60b (i.e. said contact
overrides the bias
~o of the compression spring 60a). When the contact ceases as the
retrieval/hauling
member 49 continues to fall, the catch 60 returns to the extended position.
The
inclined sides of the bracket 44 restrict lateral movement of the nose portion
50a. The
terminal coupling unit 44 contacts and docks with the spring locking
mechanisms 60,
61 when the lower lip of the ring 47 becomes seated on and supported by the
stop rest
~e of each catch (60c, Figs 12 & 13). The weight of the bungy and the sprung
bias of the
catches 60 maintains the docked inter-engagement position of the
retrieval/hauling
member 49 within the throat of the terminal coupling unit 44.
With specific reference to Fig. 14, the nose step 50b contacts and docks with
the
2o spring mechanisms 63. Docking is achieved by the inter-engagement of each
catch
head 63a with a portion of the peripheral nose step 50b:- the nose portion 50a
descends into the throat aperture of the modified terminal coupling unit 44;
the nose
step 50b contacts and pivots the catches 63a & b in the direction of Arrow B,
overriding the bias of the spring 63c; the catches 63a & b spring back into
the
2e illustrated extended locking position wherein each catch head 63a supports
and
releasably retains the peripheral nose step 50b. The weight of the bungy and
spring
CA 02380862 2002-O1-23
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bias of the catches 63a & b maintain the docked inter-engagement locking
position of
the modified retrieval/hauling member 49 within the throat of the modified
terminal
coupling unit 44.
s With reference to Figs 9-13 & 14 in general, the winching system is then
engaged, or
alternatively, the vehicular tow hauling or manual hauling is commenced until
the
retrieval cable, deployed bungy length, and docked retrieval/hauling member 49
and
terminal coupling unit 44 are back above the jump site within the arms reach
of the
operator. Preferably, said retrieval cable is connected to winching system via
a
~o friction-free eddy current coupling member (e.g. a TASC unit) which
provides a
slipping clutch control such that the operator can brake and/or control the
rate of
descent and ascent of the retrieval/hauling member 49. To release the terminal
coupling unit 44 from the retrieval/hauling member 49, the lever 67, (Fig.14)
is
depressed to simultaneously override the spring bias of the catches 63a & b,
or the
collar 50, (Fig. 11) is opened and the sections 53, 54 are separated.
Whilst the terminal coupling unit (44, Figs 9-13 & 14) has been depicted in
described
as a substantially open structure, it will be appreciated that the body of the
terminal
coupling unit may be formed as an open ended substantially cylindrical
structure
2o incorporating a means to releasably secure the face end of the bungy and
means to
connect the harness or ankle cuffs thereto. Similarly, the retrieval/hauling
member 49
may be formed in any desired polygonal or substantially cylindrical shape
wherein the
aperture is concentric or offset as shown in Fig. 16. Further, it will be
appreciated that
the collar 50 need not be formed in two releasable sections (51, 52), it could
be a
25 closed cylinder, so that in use the bungy length would be manually fed
through the
aperture of the collar 50 (not shown). Similarly, it will be appreciated that
the collar 50
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need not split completely in half as depicted but may merely include a
releasable
section having a sufficient opening to allow egress of the bungy length. It
will further
be appreciated that either the terminal coupling unit or the retrieval/hauling
member
may be provided with the releasable retaining means biased to a locking
position as
illustrated in Fig. 14 and Figs 9-13 respectively.
In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the retrieval equipment
further
includes a retaining device (29, Fig 8) to support a terminal coupling unit
(2, Figs 1-3;
27, Fig. 7; 44, Fig.s10 & 11 or 14) and to take the weight of the bungy prior
to jump
~o set-up or following dis-engagement from the retrieval/hauling member (8,
Figs 2 & 3
or 4; 21, Figs 5 -7iii; 49, Figs 10 & 11 or 14).
As shown in Fig. 8, a retaining device 29 comprises a fixed arm 30, which is
secured
to a strong point such as a hand rail 31 of the jump platform 32. A pivotable
arm 33 is
~5 pivoted to the fixed arm 30 at a pivot 34, and the two arms are biased
towards each
other (i.e. to the closed position shown in Fig. 8) by a spring (not visible).
The free end of each arm 30, 33 is cut away to form a shaped intake 35
terminating in
a line 36 along which arm 33 closes tightly on arm 30. The opposing surfaces
of the
2o arms between the pivot 34 and the contact line 36 are cut away somewhat to
form a
slot 37 for reception of a tethering loop as hereinafter described.
The pivotable arm 33 is formed with a cranked handle portion 38 at the end of
the arm
33 furthest from the intake 35.
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To support the terminal coupling unit 2, a tethering loop 39 is threaded
around the
tethering bar 5 (or in the case of the terminal coupling unit 44, the loop 39
is attached
onto the webbing sling coupling or threaded around the spool 46) and part of
the loop
is slid into the intake 35 and pushed into the slot 37. The loop is retained
in the slot 37
by the biasing force pressing the two arms together along the contact line 36.
The
loop 39 can be released from the slot 37 manually, by rotating the handle 38
in the
direction of Arrow C. Alternatively, the pressure of the spring bias in the
arms 33, 30
together may be adjusted so that the loop 39 is released automatically if the
force on
the loop exceeds a predetermined amount, for example, the force exerted by a
jumper
~o jumping.
Fig. 8 shows the retaining device 29 arranged to support the weight of a bungy
40
prior to jump setup. The terminal coupling unit 2 (only the inner part of
which is
shown) or 44 is directly or indirectly attached to the end of the bungy 40,
and also is
~s attached to a jumper's ankle cuffs 41 by a tethering rope 42 or webbing
sling and a
karabiner 43. This allows the weight of the bungy to be taken of the ankle
cuffs during
setup, and when the jumper jumps, either the loop 39 is released manually, is
described above, or is automatically pulled from between the arms 30, 33.
2o Whilst the retaining means has been described as being capable of
supporting the
terminal coupling unit 2 or 44 when it is dis-engaged from the retrieval
hauling member
8 or 49, it will be appreciated that the retaining means also may be adapted
to support
an engaged terminal coupling unit 2 or 44.
23
