Rope management apparatus

Abstract

A redirect, being a type of rope management apparatus is disclosed. The redirect includes a sheave assembly that includes a plurality of sheaves disposed for rotation about parallel axes. It also includes a mounting assembly that is suitable for connection to a support. The mounting assembly and the sheave assembly are interconnected by a hinge arrangement such that they can be pivoted with respect to one another about one or more axis that is generally normal to the axes of rotation of the sheaves. The redirect may be used in a rigging assembly, typically in pairs, to perform winching, lifting or traversing operations.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A redirect apparatus comprising:
 a. a sheave assembly comprising a plurality of sheaves disposed for rotation about parallel axes; and   b. a mounting assembly that is suitable for connection to a support   wherein the mounting assembly and the sheave assembly are interconnected such that they can be pivoted with respect to one another about one or more axis that is generally normal to the axes of rotation of the sheaves.   
     
     
         2 . The redirect of  claim 1  in which the sheave assembly comprises two plates disposed axially to opposite sides of the sheaves. 
     
     
         3 . The redirect of  claim 2  in which one or all of the sheaves is secured to one plate for free rotation relative to the plate. 
     
     
         4 . The redirect of  claim 2  in which one plate can be pivoted between a closed configuration in which it lies adjacent to the sheaves and an open configuration in which it is remote from one or all of the sheaves. 
     
     
         5 . The redirect of  claim 4  comprising connection components that are operable to releasably retain the plates in the closed configuration. 
     
     
         6 . The redirect of  claim 5  in which at least one of the connection components is coaxial with a respective to one of the sheaves. 
     
     
         7 . The redirect of  claim 5  in which at least one of the connection components is an axial bolt that is concentric with a sheave. 
     
     
         8 . The redirect of  claim 2  in which the plates are connected to and can pivot around an axle or assembly of axles. 
     
     
         9 . The redirect of  claim 1  in which the mounting assembly includes two mounting members that can pivot with respect to one another. 
     
     
         10 . The redirect of  claim 9  in which the mounting members can pivot with respect to one another about the same axis as the mounting assembly and the sheave assembly pivot with respect to one another. 
     
     
         11 . The redirect of  claim 9  in which one or each mounting member includes a plate. 
     
     
         12 . The redirect of  claim 9  comprising two plates disposed axially to opposite sides of the sheaves, the plates being connected to and can pivot around an axle in which one or each mounting member has a connection formation that can be used to facilitate connection between the mounting member and a support. 
     
     
         13 . The redirect of  claim 9  in which the plates are connected to and can pivot around an axle or assembly of axles the mounting members are connected to the main axle or assembly of axles. 
     
     
         14 . A rigging installation including
 a. a redirect apparatus, which redirect apparatus comprises:
 i. a sheave assembly comprising a plurality of sheaves disposed for rotation about parallel axes; and 
 ii. a mounting assembly that is suitable for connection to a support wherein the mounting assembly and the sheave assembly being interconnected such that they can be pivoted with respect to one another about one or more axis that is generally normal to the axes of rotation of the sheaves; and 
   b. a plurality of lines that pass through the redirect assembly.   
     
     
         15 . The rigging installation of  claim 14  that includes two redirect assemblies and a plurality of lines, one or more of which pass through both redirect assemblies. 
     
     
         16 . The rigging installation of  claim 14  in which the lines are maintained in spatial separation within the or each redirect assembly. 
     
     
         17 . The rigging installation of  claim 14  further including a carriage assembly that can be caused to move along on one or more line. 
     
     
         18 . The rigging installation of  claim 17  further including a lifting arrangement suitable for connection to a load that can, under the control of one or more line, be caused to rise or to lower with respect to the carriage. 
     
     
         19 . The rigging installation of  claim 14  in which at least one line passes over a single sheave within a redirect assembly. 
     
     
         20 . The rigging installation of  claim 14  in which at least one line passes over more than one single sheave within a redirect assembly.