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: The present invention relates to a radius surface for use on a ski binding resistance mechanism cartridge. The radius surface of the present invention enables a cable coupled to the resistance mechanism cartridge to bend directly adjacent to the cartridge. Since the cable is able to bend adjacent to the cartridge, the overall functionality of a binding is improved. In addition, the radius surface can be adjusted to specifically dictate the exit bend radius allowed on the cable coupled to the resistance mechanism cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved telemark ski binding. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dual front cable under-foot telemark binding. The two front cables attach to a linkage point within the toe receiving portion. The front cables are also designed to be easily replaceable by a consumer thereby extending the overall lifespan of the binding. In addition, the coupling between the two front cables and the resistance mechanism cartridges includes a unique rotational and lateral chalking mechanism that prevents inadvertent adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: An ice axe device and method has an adjustable grip. The ice axe includes an elongated shaft with opposite proximal and distal ends. A pick is disposed at the distal end of the elongated shaft, and a grip is disposed at the proximal end of the elongated shaft. A pommel is adjustably securable to a proximal end of the grip, and is movable towards and away from the grip to respectively shorten and lengthen a length of the grip.

Abstract: An anti-balling system for a crampon (10) to prevent balling and snow accumulation during snow and ice climbing includes a plate (46, 50) attached to the bottom of the crampon. The plate can be rigid and can have a lower surface (54, 58) formed of a material configured to prevent sticking of snow or ice to the lower surface of the plate. The plate can include at least one loop (62) integrally formed at a front of the plate to receive a front point (38) of the crampon. The plate can have a loop or window (96 or 232) to receive the center strap (22 or 220) of the crampon. The plate can be attached with bail ends (222 and 224) of a bail (214). The lower surface of the plate can include a plurality of protrusions (100) extending therefrom forming a plurality of raised section (104) and a plurality of edges (108) forming a nonskid surface configured to prevent the lower surface of the plate from sliding with respect to another object.

Abstract: A locking mechanism interconnects telescoping outer and inner tubes between extended and retracted lengths, such as for a trek or ski pole. A detent or pin movably extends between the outer and inner tubes to secure the tubes with respect to one another. A connector sleeve can be disposed on one tube, and movably receive the other tube therein. A button can be carried by the sleeve, and is depressable to force the pin away from the outer tube, allowing the inner tube to slide. The button can be formed on an annular band that deforms when the button is depressed, and the resiliently returns to its initial shape when released to bias the button away from the detent or pin.

Abstract: A locking mechanism interconnects telescoping outer and inner tubes between extended and retracted lengths, such as for a trek or ski pole. A detent or pin movably extends between the outer and inner tubes to secure the tubes with respect to one another. A connector sleeve can be disposed on one tube, and movably receive the other tube therein. A button can be carried by the sleeve, and is depressable to force the pin away from the outer tube, allowing the inner tube to slide. The button can be formed on an annular band that deforms when the button is depressed, and the resiliently returns to its initial shape when released to bias the button away from the detent or pin.

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 climbing hold for mounting on a front face of a climbing wall with a fastener. The climbing hold includes a hold body and a reinforcing sleeve. The hold body has an exterior portion adapted to support a climber and a substantially planar mounting face adapted to engage the front face of the climbing wall. The reinforcing sleeve is secured within the hold body and has first and second ends with an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough adapted to accommodate the fastener for mounting the climbing hold to the climbing wall. The reinforcing sleeve substantially isolates the hold body from fastening forces that result from mounting the climbing hold to the climbing wall.

Abstract: An ice axe which includes a handle/shaft having a gripping end and a working end, an axe head attached to the working end, and a grip attached to the gripping end. The working end of the handle/shaft is configured with a shorter cross-sectional dimension along an axis parallel to a plane in which the axe would be swung when used. The axe head includes a pick end and an oppositely disposed hammer end, with the hammer end including a sharp ridge protruding generally in the direction of the handle/shaft and transversely thereof so as to allow the hammer end to be used as a hook for ice pockets, rock ledges, etc.

Abstract: A cross-country ski binding for mounting on a ski to hold a ski boot includes a base plate for mounting on the upper surface of the ski. The base plate has a front section on which a resilient compression element, such as a spring, is mounted. The compression element is coupled to a forward end of a cable so that when rearward force is applied to the cable, the compression element provides resistance to the rearward movement of the cable, and then expands to pull the cable forward when the rearward force is removed. A toe plate is mounted on the base plate for receiving and holding a ski boot toe. The toe plate has a channel formed below the upper surface thereof, which extends from the front section rearwardly for receiving the cable. The cable is coupled at the forward end to the compression element and extends rearwardly through the channel.

Abstract: A lugged ice axe head including a head portion which may have accessories, such as an ice pick, attached thereto; and a lug sleeve attached to and extending generally downwardly from the ice axe head. The lug sleeve has a hollow central portion with an open lower end which is formed to receive a top end of a handle so that the handle securely nests within the central hollow. The handle is anchored within the elongate sleeve such that the sleeve inhibits damaging of the handle by misplaced blows.

Abstract: A gate for carabiners is disclosed including a first wing, a second wing and a bridge connecting the two. The first wing, the second wing and the bridge are stamped or otherwise cut out of a sheet of metal or other durable, bendable material. The wings are then bent relative to the bridge so that they oppose one another and form sides of the gate. One end of the gate is attached to the carabiner, while an opposing end of the gate is provided with a catch to selectively close an opening in the carabiner, and thereby selectively hold ropes or other items within the carabiner. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a liner is disposed about the carabiner gate to limit wear caused to ropes, etc., by the carabiner gate. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the area between the wings is filled with a filler to increase the strength of the gate.

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.

Abstract: An integrated modular ice axe head is disclosed including a first base member fixedly attached to a handle and a second base member, attachable to the first base member, which has an accessory, such as a hammer head or adze formed integrally therewith. Preferably, the two base members form a receiving slot when they are attached to one another for receiving and holding the base of an accessory, such as an ice pick. Because the first and second base members can move toward and away from one another before attachment is completed, the receiving slot is of variable width and facilitates pieces having loose tolerances.

Abstract: An adjustable length ski pole includes two telescopically fitted together ski pole halves, and a clamp disposed about the joint between the two pole halves. The clamp includes a resilient tubular member having an annular sidewall which defines a cylindrical bore, where the sidewall is formed with a longitudinally extending gap to allow the tubular member to be selectively biased to reduce the gap width and thus the diameter of the bore, or to enlarge the gap width and thus the diameter of the bore. The gap defines first and second opposing sidewall edges having coaxial first and second openings respectively.

Abstract: An adjustable length ski pole includes two telescopically fitted together ski pole halves, and a clamp disposed about the joint between the two pole halves. The clamp includes a resilient tubular member having an annular sidewall which defines a cylindrical bore, where the sidewall is formed with a longitudinally extending gap to allow the tubular member to be selectively biased to reduce the gap width and thus the diameter of the bore, or to enlarge the gap width and thus the diameter of the bore. The gap defines first and second opposing sidewall edges having coaxial first and second openings respectively.

Abstract: An ice axe device comprising a handle having a gripping end and a working end and an impact member attached at the working end. The gripping end is configured about its longitudinal axis with a smaller, forward curvature and a larger, rearward curvature. The smaller, forward curvature is approximately defined by a radius slightly smaller than a corresponding radius of an arc formed at an inner surface of the user's fingers when wrapped about that portion of the gripping end. The larger, rearward curvature is approximately defined by a larger radius which is slightly smaller than a corresponding radius of an arc formed by a users palm and a proximate inside portion of an extending thumb when wrapped around the gripping end.