Abstract: A pack frame apparatus having first and second frame portions configured to be secured to a backpack, wherein the first and second frame portions provide structural rigidity to the backpack when secured to the backpack. The first frame portion is configured to be secured to shoulder straps of the backpack, and the second frame portion is configured to be secured adjacent to a waist strap of the backpack. A joint joins the first and second frame portions to allow relative pivotal movement around a first axis and to allow resilient relative pivotal movement around a second axis.

Abstract: Transition metal catalysts comprise (a) a source of a Group 3 to 10 transition metal, (b) a ligand having the formula: R1R2X—Y—XR3R4 wherein X is phosphorus, arsenic or antimony, Y is a bridging group having the formula: Z-(A)-D-Rm wherein Z is the moiety linking the X groups, A is a linear or cyclic hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl or substituted heterohydrocarbyl linking group wherein the number of atoms directly linking Z to D is 1, 2 or 3, D is N, P, As, O, S or Se, R is hydrogen, alkyl, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heteroalkyl, heterohydrocarbyl or substituted heterohydrocarbyl, and m is 1 or 2, R1,R2,R3, and R4 are the same or different and represent hydrocarbyl or functionalized hydrocarbyl moieties with the proviso that if D is nitrogen, R is not a cyclic ether, and optionally an activator. The transition metal catalysts are suitable for the selective trimerisation or tetramerisation of olefins in particular ethylene.

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: 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 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.

Abstract: A carabiner includes an elongate extension formed generally into a prolate loop having a curved spine with an upper end and a lower end, an upper finger extending forwardly and downwardly from the upper end of the spine to terminate in a free end, a lower finger extending forwardly and upwardly in the shape of a hook to terminate in a free end, and an elongate pivot finger pivotally attached at a lower end to the free end of the lower finger to pivot between a closed position, in which an upper end of the pivot finger contacts the free end of the upper finger, and an open position, in which the upper end of the pivot finger is pivoted away from the free end of the upper finger toward the spine. The spine includes a fin or rib extending rearwardly therefrom, with the fin having a contact surface against which a person's thumb may rest when gripping the spine from the rear. This allows the person to orient, by feel, the carabiner for subsequent use.