Abstract: End fittings are shown and described for affixing spliced rope to various styles of fixed fittings. The end fittings shown are optimized for a specific rope diameter to minimize the compressive stresses on the rope while maintaining the inspectability of the rope and the connections. The end fittings are flexible such that they can be utilized with a wide variety of existing fixed fittings making retro fitting easier and more economical.

Abstract: A soft snatch block is shown and described as having a loop of spliced line or soft shackle attached to a block. The soft shackle can be opened or released such that the line can be captured without having one end of the captured line. The block can retain a line to a fixed object to hold a line near the fixed object. A retainer can be used to hold the soft shackle to the block and an alternative embodiment of the block shows a pin to retain the line to the block when the soft shackle is not fixed. The device can be easily attached and removed from any desired location and has no moving parts that require any difficult maintenance. The block has smooth surfaces such that there is a low coefficient of friction while the line is drawn in or released.

Abstract: A single and double bearing less block is shown and described. The blocks can be used in block and tackle applications or anywhere a mechanical advantage is needed for a line. The blocks are designed to provide a slippery surface for the lines that are being retained and which thereby allows easy adjustment without the use of bearings or moving parts. The blocks also have ears with holes through which a retainer or smaller line can be tied to help retain the line in the block when the line is not under tension. Alternatively the retainer can be inserted through the holes and can be used to secure both a lashing and the line to the blocks when the blocks are used in alternative applications.

Abstract: A two piece line guide is shown where the user can remove a pin or screw and rotate one portion of the line guide to open it and allow the user to install, remove or replace a line in the guide. In one embodiment the line guide opens in a vertical manner and in a second embodiment, the line guide opens in a horizontal manner. The line guides can be affixed to a flat surface while others can be affixed to a post or stanchion either with fasteners or lashings or both.

Abstract: A soft padeye is shown and disclosed. The soft padeye has a spindle that runs through the deck of the ship or boat or other surface. The fastener is then screwed on the shaft and secured against the deck securing the fastener and the spindle to the deck. The spindle has a hole through it allowing the passage of a loop of line. The loop remains above deck while the two ends of the loop are fed through the shaft and tied in a knot that will not pull through the shaft. This allows the user to secure line or other hardware to the loop.

Abstract: Various connectors are shown and disclosed for attaching rope, cable or synthetic lines to fixed surfaces. Lashing line is used between the connector on the line and the connector attached to the fixed surface. Alternative embodiments are shown that use a cleat or a cam for securing the lashing line for adjusting the overall line length. The lines and connectors can be used for rigging in sailing vessels and for any other application requiring strong lines, connectors and light weight.

Abstract: A soft padeye is shown and disclosed. The soft padeye has a spindle that runs through the deck of the ship or boat or other surface. The fastener is then screwed on the shaft and secured against the deck securing the fastener and the spindle to the deck. The spindle has a hole through it allowing the passage of a loop of line. The loop remains above deck while the two ends of the loop are fed through the shaft and tied in a knot that will not pull through the shaft. This allows the user to secure line or other hardware to the loop.

Abstract: A two piece line guide is shown where the user can remove a pin or screw and rotate one portion of the line guide to open it and allow the user to install, remove or replace a line in the guide. In one embodiment the line guide opens in a vertical manner and in a second embodiment, the line guide opens in a horizontal manner. The line guides can be affixed to a flat surface while others can be affixed to a post or stanchion either with fasteners or lashings or both.