Abstract: A soft shackle is provided that incorporates a locking mechanism that prevents or limits travel of a loop from passing back over a shackle knot caused by slippage when not under tension of a load. The locking mechanism controls the loop's ability to expand in size, such as through a positive locking force or establishes a safety factor with respect to the size of the loop needed to slip over the knot, or both.

Abstract: A fuse assembly for rope systems. A catch is a rope segment having a certain failure strength. An accompanying trigger component has a predetermined failure point which can be less than the failure strength of the catch, acting as a sacrificial element to reveal the potential risk of rope recoil. In one embodiment, the catch includes connecting ends, and the trigger is remote from the catch. In other embodiments the trigger includes the connecting ends and the catch is separate from but works cooperatively with the trigger. Additional hold components can accompany the system, as well as first and second chafe protection layers.