Abstract: An edge protector mat is formed from a mat with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a number of metal bars. The top surface contains a number of receptacles grouped into one or more pairs sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to receive opposing ends of the metal bars therein. Each of the metal bars define opposing ends, different ones of which are positioned within corresponding ones of the pair of the receptacles of the top surface. The metal bars are configured to prevent friction from being imparted onto the mat. At least one pair of the receptacles are positioned opposite one another on the mat allowing receipt of different portions of at least one of the metal bars.

Abstract: An edge protector mat is formed from a mat with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a number of metal bars. The top surface contains a number of receptacles grouped into one or more pairs sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to receive opposing ends of the metal bars therein. Each of the metal bars define opposing ends, different ones of which are positioned within corresponding ones of the pair of the receptacles of the top surface. The metal bars are configured to prevent friction from being imparted onto the mat. At least one pair of the receptacles are positioned opposite one another on the mat allowing receipt of different portions of at least one of the metal bars.

Abstract: The knot protector protects ropes and knots from ledges, rocks, railings, edges, walls, cliffs, and other surfaces that may cause the fibers of the rope to be gradually abraded or destroyed. The knot protector includes a sleeve formed from an upper portion, a lower portion, and a shoulder portion. The upper portion defines a first opening while the lower portion defines a second opening. The diameter of the first opening is smaller or less than that of the second opening. The sleeve is formed from a deformable, continuous web and has exterior and interior layers. The sleeve also contains visual safety indicators along the base of the lower portion to provide visibility. The exterior and interior layers are made from durable material to provide the rope with ample protection from abrasion.

Abstract: An abrasion testing apparatus with a base, a test platform, a pair of angle adjustment wheels disposed on opposite sides of the test platform, a drive wheel, a tension control wheel, and a plurality of idler wheels. The test surface can be raised or lowered and the pair of angle adjustment wheels can be moved toward or away from the test platform to change the angle of contact between a material on the test surface and a material being moved by the drive wheel. The tension control wheel is movable to control the tension of the moving material during the test. A method of testing abrasion resistance involves placing a first material on the test platform and threading a second material around the drive, idler, tension control, and angle adjustment wheels, and in contact with the first material and moving the second material against the first material.

Abstract: A rope cuff including a plurality of shoring lines attached to an interior surface and covered with an interior flap formed from a material with a high coefficient of friction is provided. The shoring lines are braided around a mooring line to serve as a chafe guard and the interior flap frictionally engages the mooring line to maintain both the chafe guard and the cuff in appropriate positions. An adjustable hook and loop strap is attached to the exterior surface of the rope cuff to constrict the cuff around the mooring line and provide further frictional engagement between the interior of the rope cuff and the mooring line.

Abstract: A rat guard and method utilizing a flexible shield affixed to a plastic sheath positioned on a mooring line to prevent entry onto or exit from the ship by vermin. An electric grid is positioned on an insulated pad on the sheath which is electrically connected to the shield for receiving power from an acoustical generator also connected to the shield and spaced therefrom. The acoustical generator directs ultrasonic acoustic signals in a variable frequency range toward the shield to frighten rats or other vermin therefrom. Should the acoustical signals not deter the vermin, the electric grid will shock any vermin making contact therewith to cause harm and frighten. The shield provides another obstacle to prevent advancement and is affixed to the sheath on the mooring line. The shield is flexible and remains in place during high winds and other adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: A rat guard and method utilizing a flexible shield affixed to a plastic sheath positioned on a mooring line to prevent entry onto or exit from the ship by vermin. An electric grid is positioned on an insulated pad on the sheath which is electrically connected to the shield for receiving power from an acoustical generator also connected to the shield and spaced therefrom. The acoustical generator directs ultrasonic acoustic signals in a variable frequency range toward the shield to frighten rats or other vermin therefrom. Should the acoustical signals not deter the vermin, the electric grid will shock any vermin making contact therewith to cause harm and frighten. The shield provides another obstacle to prevent advancement and is affixed to the sheath on the mooring line. The shield is flexible and remains in place during high winds and other adverse weather conditions.