Abstract: A gripping device for releasably gripping a rope-like member comprises a pair of rope-engaging members defining a pair of opposite, mutually spaced rope engaging surfaces defining a rope passageway therebetween. The rope engaging surfaces are mounted in a frame so as to be moveable in relation to each other such that a force applied to the rope engaging surfaces and acting in one direction of the rope passageway will tend to move the rope engaging members closer to each other towards a locking position, while a force applied to the rope engaging surfaces and acting in the opposite direction of the rope passageway will tend to increase the spacing of the rope engaging surfaces and to move the rope engaging members towards a releasing position. At least one of the rope engaging members is connected to an operating handle by means of a lost motion connection. When the operating handle is moved from an inactive position to an active position the rope engaging members are moved to their releasing position.

Abstract: A gripping device for selectively locking and releasing a flexible member, such as a rope, which may be moved over a guide surface, comprises a lever which may be swung about an axis and which is mounted in a frame. An engaging member is swingably mounted on the lever, and by means of an operating handle on which an eccentric cooperating with the lever is mounted, the lever may be moved between a locking position (FIG. 1) and a releasing position (FIG. 2). By movement of the operating handle in a direction towards and beyond the locking position a force-transmitting projection formed on the operating handle may be brought into direct engagement with an abutment surface on the engaging member, whereby a particularly strong and quick locking of the flexible member may be performed.

Abstract: A device for gripping or locking a rope or wire comprises a pair of rope engaging members or jaw members defining a pair of oppositely arranged wire engaging surfaces forming a passageway for the rope. The jaw members are mounted in the frame of the gripping device by means of a swinging link suspension including a pair of swinging links. The jaw members are suspended so that the frictional forces acting between the rope and the jaw members cause displacement of the rope engaging surfaces thereon in mutual parallel relationship towards each other, when a pulling force is applied to the rope in a first direction, while the rope engaging surfaces are displaced away from each other, when a pulling force is applied to the rope or wire in a second opposite direction. This means that the rope is pinched between the rope engaging surfaces, when the rope is pulled in the said first direction, and released, when pulled in said second direction.