Abstract: A snatch block has a stationary first cheek and a movable second cheek that is slidable in its respective plane relative to the stationary first cheek. In a closed position, the second cheek connects with a crown jutting from the first cheek, thereby closing off a swallow of the snatch block. In an open position, an access gap opens into the swallow between the movable second cheek and the crown, thus enabling loading of a rope into the swallow. A locking mechanism with slide latches or rocker arms normally locks the second cheek in the closed position, and requires simultaneous actuation of two discretely separate releases to unlock the second cheek. The second cheek is biased into the open position, providing overt visual indication of any failed latching attempt. A seamlessly integral stud protrudes from the crown to rotatably support a swivel eye thereon.

Abstract: A force limiting rope brake includes a pair of rigid first and second side-plates in parallel overlaid array sandwiching therebetween a pivotally mounted pulley. The pulley pivots about a pivot axis extending orthogonally between first and second side-plates. A pair of rigid wedges are rigidly mounted between the first and second side-plates on opposite lateral sides of the pulley. The first and second wedges and the pulley when in the first and second positions define, respectively, first and second gaps, the first and second gaps identical in size and sized so that rope segments journalled through the first and second gaps are compressed in either the first or second gaps when the pulley is rotated into either the first or second positions respectively.

Abstract: The gated rigging plate of the present invention includes a rigid member having first and second opposite ends, first and second rigid arms mounted to the member, and extending away from the first end of the member from opposite sides of the member adjacent the second end of the member. The first end of the rigid member has at least one anchor aperture formed therein. The first and second rigid arms have corresponding first and second distal ends. The first and second distal ends are inwardly turned in opposed facing relation so as to define corresponding opposed facing first and second rigging component receiving cavities between the first and second rigid arms and the second end of the member. The rigid plate may be pivotally mounted to the rigid arms.