Abstract: A device for releasably retaining a carabiner, said device includes: an elongate body with a jaw member hingedly attached at a first position thereto, said jaw member being movable towards and away from the elongate body in a first plane; a first projecting member and a second projecting member extending outwardly from a first side of the elongate body and away from the first plane; a third projecting member extending outwardly from a first side of the jaw member and away from the first plane, wherein the first projecting member and the second projecting member are configured to receive a spine of a carabiner inserted therebetween and whereupon third projecting member is configured to urge a gate of the carabiner toward the spine of the carabiner.

Abstract: A pod that enables crack climbing on climbing surfaces of manufactured climbing structures includes a body and face. The body may include two sides with adjacent side walls having opposed interior surfaces that define a crack, which extends to the face of the pod. The crack may resemble a crack in a natural rock climbing formation or even simulate a crack of a natural rock climbing formation. The pod may be part of a crack climbing module that also includes a frame that can be mounted to a climbing surface of a conventional manufactured climbing wall to enable crack climbing on such a wall. The pod may also be used with manufactured climbing structures (e.g., climbing walls, climbing towers, artificial boulders, etc.) that include pod-receiving channels. Pods with cracks of different shapes may interchanged to provide varied crack climbing experiences.

Abstract: A training apparatus is attached to a hangboard, equipped with differently-shaped grips (projecting parts or recesses). The hangboard is vertically moveable in a supporting element at a wall or at a permanent fixed structure and this supporting element is equipped with an element or a protruding flange acting as the lower end-stop for the moveable hangboard. Springs or elastic elements act between the fixed supporting element and the hangboard to press or pull the hangboard upwards.

Abstract: A portable anchor for use in a fall arrest protection system. The anchor comprises a base for abutment to a solid support structure, a post extending perpendicular from the base, at least one attachment point connected to the post for receiving a connector, and a rod adapted to be inserted through a central bore through the base and post. The rod has an anchoring section at a first end of the rod for frictionally engaging a portion of the solid support structure and a locking section in the vicinity of a second end of the rod for reversibly securing the rod to the post. Also disclosed is a fall arrest protection system that includes the portable anchor described above. Furthermore, a method of attaching the portable anchor to a solid support structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A suspension apparatus includes a casing, a fixing member received in the casing, and a hanging portion extending from a first end of the casing. The fixing member includes two latches. First ends of the latches are rotatably connected to each other. Each latch includes a tab extending from a second end of the latch and extending through a second end of the casing, and an operation portion extending from the latch and extending through one of opposite sides of the casing. The latches to rotate relative to each other to drive the tabs of the latches closer or farther apart.

Abstract: A universal safety and rescue carabiner holder is disclosed for securing a carabiner with its gate in the open position while extending the user's reach several feet in any direction, which is also capable of supporting a long and heavy segment of attached safety rope. The carabiner holder is mounted to the end of an extension pole and includes an axial stem, gripping means supported by the axial stem for releasably capturing the spine of the carabiner and for holding the carabiner's gate arm in an open position, and supporting means supported by the axial stem opposite the gripping means for restraining the base of the carabiner. An axial gap defined by the gripping means and the supporting means is variable to accommodate a broad selection of carabiners have a wide variety of sizes, shapes and gate arm configurations.

Abstract: A spring loaded camming device and a trigger mechanism therefor. The trigger mechanism may include an axle, an inner and outer cam, a flexible stem, a trigger handle, and a trigger wire passing through the trigger wire and coupling in an efficient and effective manner, the inner and outer cams to each other and to the trigger handle. A bias member may be associated with the trigger wire, particularly in asymmetric type camming devices. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A rappel line anchor mount apparatus for use primarily with generally planar type support surfaces and fixtures provides a generally flat, substantially T-shaped body arranged to mount a rappel line on the normally upright leg extending substantially perpendicularly centrally from the work surface edge of the normally laterally extending top leg forming the T-shaped anchor body. The anchor mount apparatus may be formed with opposite jaw members pivotally secured together for movement between an extended, operative condition for use, and a collapsed, folded condition for efficient storage and carrying when not in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection system for use with an active or passive protection device that minimizes weight. In accordance with the present invention, a single stem connection system for use with an active protection device includes a single bent cable that is attached to the single cable terminal of the active protection device. A stem tube is fitted over a portion of the bent cable giving the appearance and benefits of a single stem. However, a portion of the bent cable is left separated thereby automatically forming a clip-in point for the entire active protection device. Unlike conventional single stem connection systems, the single stem system in accordance with the present invention only requires coupling the cable to the cable terminal thereby reducing manufacturing cost and minimizing overall weight. Alternatively, a similar connection system can be used with a passive protection device to provide many of the same benefits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection system for use with an active or passive protection device that minimizes weight. In accordance with the present invention, a single stem connection system for use with an active protection device includes a single bent cable that is attached to the single cable terminal of the active protection device. A stem tube is fitted over a portion of the bent cable giving the appearance and benefits of a single stem. However, a portion of the bent cable is left separated thereby automatically forming a clip-in point for the entire active protection device. Unlike conventional single stem connection systems, the single stem system in accordance with the present invention only requires coupling the cable to the cable terminal thereby reducing manufacturing cost and minimizing overall weight. Alternatively, a similar connection system can be used with a passive protection device to provide many of the same benefits.

Abstract: A climbing cam having opposed asymmetrically sized cam members to eliminate the interference that limits the expansion range of climbing aids of the cam type. An optional cam member provides an opposing force to assist in maintaining the placement of the cam in the rock.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel device for climbing inside corners, outside corners, and a variety of surfaces. The technology presented herein relies on high friction materials, suction devices, adhesive materials, pneumatic devices, etc. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are designed to clamp onto inside or outside corners such that the devices weight, and an optional load, can be supported. Further embodiments allow the device to climb up, down, and across corners. Moreover, embodiments that can scale flat, rough, or jagged surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: A climbing cam having opposed asymmetrically sized cam members to eliminate the interference that limits the expansion range of climbing aids of the cam type. An optional cam member provides an opposing force to assist in maintaining the placement of the cam in the rock.

Abstract: An actuator device operable to retract the cam elements of a spring-loaded camming device (SLCD) used in the sport of rock climbing. The actuator includes a remote finger and a remote thumb. The remote finger is mounted in a handle to permit translation of the remote finger along an axis, and rotation of the remote finger about that axis. In use, the remote finger can be rotated to present a narrow profile to pass between the trigger bar of a SLCD and a wall of a crack. Subsequent to its insertion behind the trigger bar, the remote finger can be rotated by about 90 degrees to capture the trigger bar. Then, the remote finger and remote thumb can be urged toward each other, effective to squeeze the SLCD and rotate its cam elements, to effect removal of the SLCD from the confines of the crack.

Abstract: A safety and rescue carabiner holder for securing a carabiner with its gate in the open position while extending the user's reach several feet in any direction, which is also capable of supporting a long and heavy segment of attached safety rope. The carabiner holder is mounted to the end of an extension pole and includes a restraining structure that grips the bottom of the carabiner and a set of spring-loaded jaw arms that firmly clamp the spine and gate arm of the carabiner in a manner strong enough to withstand any inadvertent shaking and bouncing, ensuring that the carabiner will stay in place until hooked into a target ring and the user releases the carabiner by pulling backwards on the extension pole.

Abstract: An expansion bolt. A first chock has first and second outer ramping surfaces. A second chock has an inner ramping surface complementarily corresponding to the first outer ramping surface. A spring member biases the second chock radially inwardly against the first outer ramping surface of the first chock.

Abstract: The present invention features an ice screw for use in ice climbing, wherein the ice screw comprises: a hollow shaft having a plurality of screw threads formed thereon for securing the ice screw to a body of ice; a hanger coupled to the hollow shaft for receiving a carabiner and supporting a climber; and a flexing crank handle coupled to an aperture or eye formed within the hanger, wherein the flexing crank handle functions as a crank arm for screwing the ice screw into the body of ice, and wherein the flexing crank arm displaces or flexes from a resting, cranking position to a plurality of flexed positions in response to a load induced thereon. The flexing crank handle reduces the chance for cross-loading of an attached carabiner due to the existence of a crank handle without requiring any manual manipulation (e.g., folding) of the crank handle once the ice screw is inserted into the ice structure.

Abstract: The invention concerns an anchoring device (1) for fixing elements of a particular type on a flat surface (3), preferably tensioned, such as shrouds, riggings, cable. The device is in the form of two mutually secured plates (3, 4), one (3) generally designed to be pressed against an inner surface of a flat surface (2), being integral with a socket (5) capable of being positioned opposite a perforation of the flat surface (2), the socket (5) containing a bundle of flexible fibers (6) flared at one end to form at least one layer (6A) enclosed between the two plates (3, 4), the bundle of fibers (6) projecting outside the socket (5) to act as an anchoring point to an element of a particular type connected to the bundle (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual stem active camming device including a plurality of compression springs independently coupled to a plurality of cam lobes. The compression springs are positioned between the trigger and the clip-in point of the cam to protect the springs from damage and allow the trigger to compress the springs upon retraction. A flexible stem tube is positioned over the portion of the dual stem between the trigger and the cable terminals. The flexible stem tube shields the trigger wires from debris and abrasion. A rigid yoke is also positioned over the dual stem between the stem tube and cable terminals. The rigid yoke prevents uneven lateral bending on the head of the camming device that may otherwise cause the device to pull out of a placement. The cable terminals are positioned between the outer cam lobes and on either side of the inner cam lobe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an active camming device including a plurality of non-flat camming surfaces. In accordance with the present invention, the opposing camming surfaces are shaped to include substantially concave and convex surfaces respectively. In one embodiment, each individual cam lobe is shaped in a substantially concave or convex manner to form a cam surface. In another embodiment, a plurality of cam lobes disposed on a single side of a device, are shaped to provide a combined substantially concave or convex surface. The convex surface or surfaces are always disposed opposite of the concave surface or surfaces to provide an increased stability in uneven recesses. Non-flat camming surfaces increase the stability of a camming device in irregular recesses by increasing the number of connection points between the device and the recess.

Abstract: An expansible anchor is adapted for inserting into a hole formed with a structure. The anchor includes a load cable and a first chock attached to an end of the load cable. A second chock resides adjacent to the first chock, and is adapted for movement between an anchor-contracting position and an anchor-expanding position. In the anchor-contracting position, the anchor is readily inserted into and removed from the hole of the structure. In the anchor-expanding position, the anchor is locked inside the hole of the structure. A chock-release column bears against at least one of the first and second chocks and has an enlarged head adapted for locating outside of the hole. The enlarged head defines a striking surface adapted for receiving a sudden force. This force is transferred through the chock-release column to the first or second chocks, such that the second chock is movable from the anchor-expanding position to the anchor-contracting position to thereby dislodge the anchor from the hole of the structure.

Abstract: A conical cam rotates through a greater angle than a conventional planar cam in constricted spaces providing a greater range of movement. A climbing device for obtaining a secure removable fixing in a crevice utilises one or more conical cams to achieve an improved expansion range without loss of strength and without additional weight or complexity.

Abstract: An anchor assembly is described and which includes a plurality of individual article engaging portions, each having opposite first and second ends, and wherein the individual portions are pivotally mounted at the opposite ends thereof to the adjacent portion, and wherein the individual portions are moveable along a course of travel between a first non-deployed position where the plurality of individual portions cause the anchor assembly to have a first dimension, and a second deployed position where the individual portions cause the anchor assembly to have a second dimension which is greater than the first dimension.

Abstract: A rock-climbing device that safely aids climbers during a climb is described. The rock-climbing device has two carabiners attached to a band which runs through a hollow tube. The climber is able to manually extend the tube over his or her head to an out of reach fixed anchor in the wall of the rock and safely attach the carabiner at the end of the device. This allows the climber to then attach the bottom carabiner of the rock-climbing device to his or her harness via a rope on the harness. The rock-climbing device allows the climber to safely and easily advance up the rock.

Abstract: A physical interaction device which includes a wall and a floor presenting a surface of a hook or loop component of a hook and loop fastening system. Also provided is at least one glove and at least one piece of footwear which includes an outer surface presenting the other hook or loop component of the hook and loop fastening system. Each of the glove and piece of footwear can be selectively and releasably attachable by a person wearing such, to the surface of the wall and floor to thereby immobilize the hand or foot and allow the person to apply an action force countered by the wall or floor in a reactionary manner.

Abstract: A device, which, when used in climbing, acts as an anchor in cracks with two parallel sides. The device consists of several opposing cams that rotate on the same shaft. The force generated when a climber falls is counteracted by the force of the friction between the cams and the rock. As opposed to other known spring loaded camming devices, the load generated by a fall acts on the cams, and not on the shaft, through cables that pull on the cams on the side of the shaft opposite the edge that is in contact with the wall, and which are supported on convex surfaces formed by the cams themselves.

Abstract: An expansion bolt. A first chock has first and second outer ramping surfaces. A second chock has an inner ramping surface complementarily corresponding to the first outer ramping surface. A spring member biases the second chock radially inwardly against the first outer ramping surface of the first chock.

Abstract: A device to retract cams of spring-loaded camming devices (SLCD) used in rock climbing protection. The device includes a retraction mechanism operable on the SLCD and a control interface to receive input from a climber's hand. A linkage of variable length is disposed between the retraction mechanism and the control interface. The linkage may be adjusted between a longer deployed length for cam retraction and a shorter length to facilitate transportation and storage of the device.

Abstract: An anchoring device for use in a rock crevice is provided. The anchoring device is movable from a non-activated position to an activated position. The anchoring device comprises a first axle member and a first cam rotatable about the first axle member with the first cam having a first side surface, a first bottom surface, and a first contact surface, the first contact surface contactable with the first rock wall. A second axle member is provided in a spaced in a parallel configuration from the first axle member with a second cam rotatable about the second axle member.

Abstract: An expansion bolt. In a preferred embodiment, the expansion bolt includes a center chock having either a convex or a concave outer ramping surface and two outer chocks disposed about the center chock having complementarily concave or convex outer ramping surfaces.

Abstract: Devices for attaching to rock that have non-metal components and can be used for rock climbing. Embodiments include passive chocks, active camming devices, passive camming devices, and sliders. Lightweight materials used in place of more dense materials like steel result in lighter weight devices. Geometry of parts are changed to reduce weight, reduce manufacturing cost, and increase functionality. Higher friction materials against the rock allow greater expansion ranges, less stress in the rock, and increased holding power. Many embodiments have a head attached to a stem and a loop. Various embodiments feature nonmetallic tensile members, tubular plastic semi-rigid stems, polymer cams, hollow or non-metallic axles, biasing mechanisms, high-friction materials on one side or both, or combinations of these and other features.

Abstract: A device to retract cams of spring-loaded camming devices (SLCD) used in rock climbing protection. The device includes a retraction mechanism operable on the SLCD and a control interface to receive input from a climber's hand. A linkage of variable length is disposed between the retraction mechanism and the control interface. The linkage may be adjusted between a longer deployed length for cam retraction and a shorter length to facilitate transportation and storage of the device.

Abstract: A camming device (10) comprises a stem (12), a spindle (16) mounted on the stem, at least two cam members (24,26) adapted to engage the walls of a crack or hole by their cam profiles pivotally mounted on the spindle and adapted for opposite pivotal movement from a closed position to an open position, means (28,30) to apply a force to each cam member to urge it to its open position, and means for pivoting the cams to the closed position, characterised in that the stem is mounted directly to the spindle.

Abstract: A device for installing and removing a carabiner and for threading a rope within the carabiner has a main body section. A carabiner capture arm is movably coupled to the body section and is used for supporting the carabiner to be at least one of installed or removed. A rope holding arm is moveably coupled to the body section and is used for installing the rope within the carabiner.

Abstract: An ice screw device for winter, alpine and ice climbing includes a banger couplable to a tubular shank with a screw thread. The tubular shank includes an ice engaging portion configured to be inserted into ice, a tip, and a head portion. The ice engaging portion includes a length and a reverse taper. A majority of the reverse taper of the ice engaging portion is located proximate the tip and within less than half of the length of the ice engaging portion from the tip. In addition, the taper of the ice engaging portion is non-linear. The ice engaging portion of the tubular shank can have at least two sections.. A first section nearer the tip has a first taper different from a second taper of a second section nearer the head portion.

Abstract: A camming device comprises a stem, one or more spindles mounted on the support, at least two cam members adapted to engage the walls of a crack or hole by their cam profiles pivotally mounted on the spindle or spindles and adapted for opposite pivotal movement from a closed position to an open position, means to apply a force to each cam member to urge it to its open position, means for pivoting the cams to the closed position, characterised in that the stem includes means for movement of at least a major part thereof about an axis other than that of the or of either spindle.

Abstract: A pocket-size rappelling hook is provided for use by firefighters and the like in escaping from the upper stories of a burning building. The inventive rappelling hook is lightweight and portable, thus minimizing any impedance to a firefighter's ability to perform his/her duties. The inventive rappelling hook includes an elongate body having front and back surfaces, first and second side surfaces, and spaced apart first and second ends. The elongate body includes an aperture therethrough adjacent to the first end for receiving a rope, and first and second channels formed in the first and second side surfaces, respectively, which extend along the length of the elongate body. First and second hook members are mounted to the elongate body for pivotable movement relative thereto. The first and second hook members are pivotable between a first position wherein the first and second hook members are securable to an object and a second position defining a closed position.

Abstract: An anchoring device for use in a rock-crevice defined by a first rock wall and an opposing second rock wall. The anchoring device comprises an axle member having a longitudinal axis. A first cam is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the axle member and contactable with the first rock wall with the first cam having a first side wall and a second side wall. A second cam is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the axle member and contactable with the second rock wall with the second cam having a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall of the first cam is aligned with the first side wall of the second cam and the second side wall of the first cam is aligned with the second side wall of the second cam. Upon a first force being applied to the first cam by the first rock wall and a second force being applied to the second cam by the second rock wall in a direction generally toward the longitudinal axis, the axle member is free from any created moment.

Abstract: A climbing nut is generally trapezoidal and has planar upper and lower faces and paired adjacent faces that are convex and concave, respectively. Opposed faces of the nut are therefore convex and concave, respectively. The convex faces have lateral longitudinally extending leg segments that assist in triangulation and strengthen the nut. The geometry of the faces allows for greater placement options. The nut alternately has one or more asymmetric curved faces. The nut is milled from stock extrusion material.

Abstract: The spring-loaded camming nut of the invention includes first and second wedge-shaped chock portion. The first chock portion is wedge-shaped and larger than the second. The second chock portion is prism-shaped with a triangular cross-section. Means are provided for moving the first chock portion axially, lateral to the second chock portion. As the smaller second chock portion travels along the larger first chock portion, toward the crack's opening the first chock portion rotates on its horizontal axis, causing a tooth of the second chock portion to move horizontally and upwardly, into the rock.

Abstract: A climbing nut is generally trapezoidal and has planar upper and lower faces and paired adjacent faces that are convex and concave, respectively. Opposed faces of the nut are therefore convex and concave, respectively. The convex faces have lateral longitudinally extending leg segments that assist in triangulation and strengthen the nut. The geometry of the faces allows for greater placement options. The nut alternately has one or more asymmetric curved faces. The nut is milled from stock extrusion material.

Abstract: A passive mountaineering chock or stopper is provided and which comprises of a prismatoid body having a first skewed hexagonal base, a second, parallel hexagonal base, and six lateral trapezoidal faces forming three opposed pairs of faces, each face with one side lying in the first skewed hexagonal base and an opposite side on each trapezoidal face lying in the second skewed hexagonal base, where lengths of the sides of the skewed hexagonal base substantially obey the following relationship: a first side has a length, a fourth side opposite the first side is slightly larger than the first side, a third side, immediately adjacent to the fourth side, is the same length as the second side, a sixth side, opposite the third side and adjacent the first side is slightly longer than the third and fourth sides, a fifth side, immediately adjacent the sixth side is the same length as the sixth side, and a second side, opposite the fifth side and adjacent the first and third sides, is longer than the fifth and sixth side

Abstract: The apparatus is for engaging a generally cylindrical borehole, and includes first and second chock portions, the first chock portion being generally spherical, the second being a trough-shaped wedge. The wedge-shaped second chock portion has a thinner end and a thicker end, and first and second primary surfaces. The first primary surface is cylindrically convex and dimensioned to seat flush against the wall of the borehole. The second primary surface is shaped as a concave, inclined trough dimensioned to permit the spherical first chock portion to slide freely therewithin. A primary tether affixed to the first chock portion is used to position the apparatus in the borehole, and includes a loop from which a user's body weight or gear may be suspended. A chock control cable operable with a finger pull bar is affixed to and operable to move the second chock portion in the borehole, lateral to the first chock portion. Sheaths protect and separate the primary tether and the chock control cable from one another.

Abstract: A climbing chock includes a chock body which has an irregular tubular configuration with multiple bearing surfaces thereon. At least two of the surfaces are convex in shape and at least one of the surfaces is flat. The chock includes a sling which is attached to the chock body for supporting a climber.

Abstract: An anchor, comprising an anchor assembly movable between a collapsed orientation and an expanded orientation and an engagement element depending from the anchor assembly engagable by one or more selected accessories, wherein the anchor assembly is receivable into a bore in the collapsed orientation and detachably engagable to a sidewall of the bore in the expanded orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved mechanically expanding climbing aid which includes one or more pair of opposed cam members pivoting with crossed radii on eccentric bearings. The eccentric bearings are mounted on a single high strength shaft. The invention is specifically configured to be placed in cracks having side that are spaced under 1 cm.

Abstract: A self-adjusting rock climbing anchor device includes at least one variable-length compression arm, at least one fixed-length load arm, a pivot element pivotally connecting the compression and load arms to one another, and at least one fixed-length follower cable. The follower cable interconnects the compression and load arms at intermediate locations thereon so as to form at least one four-bar linkage defined by the pivot element, the compression arm, the load arm and the follower cable, the follower cable. The movement of the compression and load arms between an unwedged and wedged condition provides for self-adjustment of the compression and load arms within the cleft and enables use of the compression and load arms in clefts of different sizes. The device further includes at least one spring which biases the compression arm toward a maximum length and thereby preloads the device to resist forces directed on the device from outside of a plane defined by the compression and load arms.

Abstract: A climbing aid apparatus that includes cams that are mounted for rotation about axles. At least one of the axles is capable of relative movement. In a preferred embodiment, the position of at least one axle moves as the cams expand. An embodiment including three axles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wedge securing device, which includes a body having a void into which the ends of a cable are placed, the cable being affixed to the body by compressing body thereby closing the void upon the cable and securing the cable to the body. The cable being thus attached to the body, forms a loop to which carbineer and other devices may be connected.

Abstract: An ice screw includes a hollow tubular shaft with external screw threads formed on the shaft and a hanger attached to the shaft. The hanger has an eye for clipping on a carabiner. A foldable handle is pivotally attached to the hanger to pivot between a crank position and a folded position. In the crank position, the handle extends from the hanger for grasping to rotate and thus rotate the shaft. In the folded position, the handle folds into a recess formed in the hanger. In the crank position, the hanger serves as a lever arm or crank arm for the handle.