Abstract: A device that integrates an ascender with a pulley block consisting of two side plates pivotally connected to one another and selectively opened or closed, for loading a rope into a rope channel defined therebetween. Affixed adjacent the rope channel is a selectively activated rope clamp, to hold or release a rope. A sheave adapted to freewheel on an axle, is positioned offset the rope channel, and is used for mechanical advantage rigging when ascending or rescue. Also, a link connection is located at or near the sheave and is used for the attachment of a foot loop or other connection for assisting in ascending on a rope.

Abstract: Carabiners have a gate that is movable between a closed position and an open position, and a locking member that prevents opening of the gate when the gate is in the closed position and the locking member is in a locked position. The locking member is biased to the locked position. The locking member is also movable to a retainable unlocked position. Methods of manufacturing such carabiners include configuring a locking member of a carabiner to move between a locked position and a retainable unlocked position, and biasing the locking member to the locked position. Methods of using a carabiner include positioning a locking member in a retainable unlocked position, opening a gate of the carabiner, and allowing the locking member to at least substantially automatically move to a locked position as the gate is closed.

Abstract: A device that integrates an ascender with a pulley block consisting of two side plates pivotally connected to one another and selectively opened or closed, for loading a rope into a rope channel defined therebetween. Affixed adjacent the rope channel is a selectively activated rope clamp, to hold or release a rope. A sheave adapted to freewheel on an axle, is positioned offset the rope channel, and is used for mechanical advantage rigging when ascending or rescue. Also, a link connection is located at or near the sheave and is used for the attachment of a foot loop or other connection for assisting in ascending on a rope.

Abstract: Various embodiments for carabiners include two gates. The carabiners include a C-shaped body having a nose region and an end region. An inner gate is configured to pivot about the end region from a closed position in contact with the nose region, and an open position, wherein the inner gate pivots toward the spine of the C-shaped body. An outer gate is configured to pivot about the end region from a closed position in contact with the nose region, and an open position, extending away from the C-shaped body. The inner and the outer gate may each comprise wire gates, alternatively one gate may comprise a generally cylindrical gate and the other gate may comprise a wire gate. Methods include preventing a carabiner from opening.

Abstract: Carabiners have a gate that is movable between a closed position and an open position, and a locking member that prevents opening of the gate when the gate is in the closed position and the locking member is in a locked position. The locking member is biased to the locked position. The locking member is also movable to a retainable unlocked position. Methods of manufacturing such carabiners include configuring a locking member of a carabiner to move between a locked position and a retainable unlocked position, and biasing the locking member to the locked position. Methods of using a carabiner include positioning a locking member in a retainable unlocked position, opening a gate of the carabiner, and allowing the locking member to at least substantially automatically move to a locked position as the gate is closed.

Abstract: A closure system and various exemplary embodiments for devices including the closure system are disclosed. The closure system may include a base, a sideplate configured to rotate with respect to the base, and a retaining mechanism carried by the sideplate and configured to pivot with respect to the sideplate substantially transverse to an axis of rotation of the sideplate. The retaining mechanism may be configured to engage with a engagement protrusion of the base to prevent rotation of the sideplate. A chest roller, a snatch block, an ascender including the closure system and a method of use of the closure system, are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments for locking carabiners employing a reinforcing sleeve are described. The carabiners of the present invention include a C-shaped body having a nose region and an end region. A gate including a flanged region housing a receptacle configured to receive the nose region in a receptacle is pivotally mounted at the end region. A sleeve is movably mounted on the gate, allowing the nose region to be secured within the receptacle. The sleeve is closely fitted about the gate at the flanged region, providing support for the flanged region of the gate in a plurality of lateral directions while securing the nose region within the receptacle. The nose of the carabiner may be configured to be received entirely within the receptacle.

Abstract: Various embodiments for carabiners employing a pivoting gate and having a captive eye opening are disclosed. The carabiners of the present invention employ an arm laterally extending from the body of the carabiner to define a major opening and a captive eye opening within the interior of the carabiner. Some of the inventive carabiner designs provide the capability of opening the gate while the captive eye opening is maintained. Methods of fabrication and use of the carabiners are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments for high directionals and kits for high directionals are disclosed. A high directional having an articulated, separable head is disclosed. A high directional having a height adjustable both by altering the length of the legs and by adjusting the leg connection to the head is disclosed. A kit for a high directional including a head, legs, and multiple sets of feet for the high directional is disclosed. The feet of each set are configured for different surfaces. Another kit for a high directional includes a first head component, a second head component, and a plurality of legs.

Abstract: Various embodiments for carabiners employing a pivoting gate and having a captive eye opening are disclosed. The carabiners of the present invention employ an arm laterally extending from the body of the carabiner to define a major opening and a captive eye opening within the interior of the carabiner. Some of the inventive carabiner designs provide the capability of opening the gate while the captive eye opening is maintained. Methods of fabrication and use of the carabiners are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices configured to measure a length of rope moving through the device are disclosed. The devices of the present invention employ a sheave mounted for rotating within a housing. A rotation measuring assembly may determine the number of rotations of the sheave, and, thus, information about the length of the rope passing through the device. Information such as net rope length, gross rope length, current rope speed, maximum rope speed, or total rope length displaced during a certain period may be determined and displayed. A signaling device is configured to communicate the information.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments for snatch block and snatch block assemblies are disclosed. A snatch block having a sideplate that is pivotable, enabling a bight of rope, cable, or chain to be inserted is disclosed. The pivotable sideplate may be engaged with a retaining device protruding from an assembly head of the snatch block. The retaining device may be configured to be moved within the assembly head to disengage the pivotable sideplate, enabling the snatch block to be opened. A snatch block assembly may include a rotatable sheave and an attachment structure configured for rotation about an axis substantially transverse to an axis of rotation of the sheave.