Abstract: The present invention provides a climbing gaff kit. The climbing gaff kit includes a pair of brackets angularly affixed to a central portion, wherein the central portion is removably securable to an elongated member of an existing climbing gaff or spur. Each bracket extends downwardly and includes an arm extending perpendicularly from a lower end thereof. A pair of adjustable foot plates are secured to the arms of the brackets, such that the foot plates are perpendicular disposed in relation to the elongated member.

Abstract: A retractable gaff guard which can be attached to a climber for use in protecting the gaff of a climber. A small retractable reel attached to a gaff guard via a cord woundable in an out of a housing of the reel that can attach on the outside of the leg iron of a climber. The cord is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. Attached to the cord is a protective body that has a cavity which is dimensioned to receive a gaff of a climber.

Abstract: A hunting tree stand adjustment device and a method of using a hunting tree stand adjustment device when hunting in a climbing tree stand. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a climbing gaff. The climbing gaff includes an elongated member having a horizontal member extending perpendicularly therefrom, and a spur affixed opposed to the horizontal member. A pair of brackets are angularly affixed to a central portion of the elongated member, wherein each bracket extends downwardly and includes an arm extending perpendicularly from a lower end thereof. A pair of adjustable foot plates are secured to the arms of the brackets, such that the foot plates are perpendicular disposed in relation to the elongated member. A belt is affixed to the horizontal member, wherein the belt includes a pair of distal ends that removably secure around a foot and ankle of a user. A strap is affixed to the upper end of the elongated member, wherein the strap removably secures to a leg of a user.

Abstract: A climber for use by a user when climbing a tree or pole. The climber includes a stirrup in which the user's foot is to be positioned, a leg iron that extends along the interior side of the user's leg, and a gaff attached to the exterior of the leg iron and that includes a downwardly directed pointed end for biting into the tree or pole and assist the user in climbing or descending the tree or pole. The gaff extends in a plane that is angularly offset relative to the plane in which the stirrup and leg iron extend, thereby keeping the gaff pointed toward the heart of the pole or tree which aids in preventing cutout and promotes ease of climbing.

Abstract: A gaff guard for use in covering the gaff of a climbing spur, the gaff guard comprising a first section having a first diameter, the first section configured to at least partially surround the gaff, and a second section having a second diameter, the second diameter larger than the first diameter, wherein the second section comprises an elongated opening therein to enable the second section to be removably attached to a portion of the climbing spur. The gaff guard further comprises a tapered section between the first section and the second section, wherein the tapered section couples the first section and the second section, and further wherein the tapered section comprises a cut-out portion configured to allow the climbing spur to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A stability system is formed from a support wedge having a bottom, an inner surface and an outer surface and a bottom platform connected to the bottom of the support wedge and extending past the inner surface to create a space for receiving a bottom of the shoe. There are attachment devices connected to the support wedge and bottom platform for connecting the stability system to a shoe. The support wedge is formed from an elastic material that compresses to a predetermined degree upon application of a downward force, such that the stability system exerts increasing resistance as the downward force increases.

Abstract: A lightweight pad system for a climber is disclosed having a bracket with a curved portion in the shape of a “C” and ends including elongate slots for receiving a strap. The bracket has a recessed columnar channel extending below the lower edge of the plane of the plate, the channel forming an angle with the lower edge in a range of between seventy two degrees and seventy five degrees. Hook and loop fastener is affixed to the “C” shaped plate between a first end and the channel, and a strap passes through the bracket for adjusting the fit of the pad assembly. Inside the bracket is a removable pad having a “C” shape corresponding with the curved plate, the removable pad having a back surface comprising complimentary hook and loop fastening material cooperating with the first hook and loop fastener material to achieve a releasable attachment with the bracket.

Abstract: A lightweight pad system for a climber is disclosed having a bracket with a curved portion in the shape of a “C” and ends including elongate slots for receiving a strap. The bracket has a recessed columnar channel extending below the lower edge of the plane of the plate, the channel forming an angle with the lower edge in a range of between seventy two degrees and seventy five degrees. Hook and loop fastener is affixed to the “C” shaped plate between a first end and the channel, and a strap passes through the bracket for adjusting the fit of the pad assembly. Inside the bracket is a removable pad having a “C” shape corresponding with the curved plate, the removable pad having a back surface comprising complimentary hook and loop fastening material cooperating with the first hook and loop fastener material to achieve a releasable attachment with the bracket.

Abstract: A two piece climber includes an upper calf bracket portion and a lower “J” shaped stirrup bracket portion permanently or removably interchangeably connected together. The lower “J” shaped stirrup bracket portion includes an upper slotted portion for receiving the lower portion of the upper calf bracket portion. The lower “J” shaped stirrup bracket portion also includes a bottom grooved or knurled grip portion to provide traction for an arborist walking across branches.

Abstract: A two piece climber includes an upper calf bracket portion and a lower “J” shaped stirrup bracket portion permanently or removably interchangeably connected together. The lower “J” shaped stirrup bracket portion includes an upper slotted portion for receiving the lower portion of the upper calf bracket portion. The lower “J” shaped stirrup bracket portion also includes a bottom grooved or knurled grip portion to provide traction for an arborist walking across branches.

Abstract: A lightweight pad system for a climber is disclosed having a bracket with a curved portion in the shape of a “C” and ends including elongate slots for receiving a strap. The bracket has a recessed columnar channel extending below the lower edge of the plane of the plate, the channel forming an angle with the lower edge in a range of between seventy two degrees and seventy five degrees. Hook and loop fastener is affixed to the “C” shaped plate between a first end and the channel, and a strap passes through the bracket for adjusting the fit of the pad assembly. Inside the bracket is a removable pad having a “C” shape corresponding with the curved plate, the removable pad having a back surface comprising complimentary hook and loop fastening material cooperating with the first hook and loop fastener material to achieve a releasable attachment with the bracket.

Abstract: A foot lock ascender for ascending along a rope including a swivelling gate and attachment portion including at least a first passage for a first strap to pass through and to be adjusted, and at least a second passage for a second strap to pass through. The first strap is inclined by a predefined angle with respect to the throat, the angle is between 40° and 75° so as to keep the bottom of the throat parallel to the path of the rope when ascending.

Abstract: A wearable, self-deploying fall arrest device to resist sliding movement of a climber on a climbing surface includes a pick blade pivotable between a retracted position and a deployed position. A tip of an out-turned tooth on the pick blade can be oriented downwardly and outwardly in the retracted position to engage and catch the climbing surface. An out-turned fin can be disposed on the opposite end of the pick blade above the pivot to urge the pick blade out of the retracted position upon pressing the fin against the climbing surface.

Abstract: The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a pump jack tree stand including a platform and a seat engaging a pump jack. The pump jack cooperates with a pole that is supported by an adjacent tree. The user actuates a foot lever on the pump jack to climb the pole. The pump jack's release is hand actuated as opposed to the commonly used foot-actuated release.

Abstract: A climbing tree stand includes a platform, a pair of support arms attached to the platform, and a pair of stirrup-like devices attached to the platform or the support arms and extending generally over the platform. The pair of stirrup-like devices are substantially rigid, and each comprises a molded plastic body. In one embodiment, the substantially rigid stirrup-like devices are attached to the support arms of the climbing tree stand and generally are curved downwardly towards the platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting at least at least a portion of a leg and at least a portion of a foot. The apparatus has a shield with a vertical portion that is sized to receive and protect at least a portion of a leg. The shield also has a horizontal portion that is sized to receive and protect at least a portion of a foot. The shield is also removably positionable within at least a portion of a gaffed climbing apparatus.

Abstract: A climbing aid including an elongated member with a first end and a second end, a generally rigid pad member secured to the first end of the shank, and a stirrup and spike attached adjacent the second end of the shank is disclosed. The pad member is secured to a metal support. An adjustable strap secures the pad and the support to the wearer's leg. The shank is pivotally mounted to the support of the pad via a housing and a pivot member that fits within the housing. The shank may pivot laterally or transversely. The housing prevents the pad and support from twisting the pad about the wearer's leg as the wearer climbs or stands on a pole. The length of the shank may also be adjusted. A strap extends from the stirrup and around a part of the shank and secures the wearer's foot to the stirrup.

Abstract: A leg and knee protecting pole climber assembly to facilitate the climbing of vertical poles and trees while protecting and adding comfort to the user, which includes a hook comprising an elongated shank section to be secured about a person's leg and a stirrup section integrally connected to the elongated shank section and at substantially a right angle to the elongated shank section, a stirrup section to hold the person's foot in place within the hook; also included is a gaff extending outwardly from the hook for engaging and gripping a climb surface; a strap for strapping the person's foot into the stirrup section and for strapping the person's upper leg to the elongated section; the elongated section comprises an interior surface abutting the leg of the person and an exterior surface opposite of the interior surface facing away from the person, the elongated section extending up the leg to above the user's calf; and a pad secured to the elongated section of the hook, the pad furthe

Abstract: A tree-climbing device adapted to be attached to a user's boot. The device is fashioned with two different sized gaffs which are angularly disposed relative to the shank. The size and position of the two gaffs enhance a climbers stability, especially on smaller tree limbs.

Abstract: A leg and knee protecting pole climber assembly to facilitate the climbing of vertical poles and trees while protecting and adding comfort to the user, which includes a hook comprising an elongated shank section to be secured about a person's leg and a stirrup section integrally connected to said elongated shank section and at substantially a right angle to said elongated shank section, said stirrup section to hold the person's foot in place within said hook; also included is a gaff extending outwardly from said hook for engaging and gripping a climb surface; strap means for strapping the person's foot into said stirrup section and for strapping the person's upper leg to said elongated section; said elongated section comprises an interior surface abutting the leg of the person and an exterior surface opposite of said interior surface facing away from the person, said elongated section extending up the leg to above the user's calf; and a pad secured to said elongated section of said hook, said pad further comp

Abstract: A rope climbing device that attaches to a person's feet for assisting with ascending or descending along a rope. The rope climbing device has a frame that is shaped into a housing on one side and a base member on the opposing side. At least partially enclosed in the housing is a slide member that slides along the frame. Hooks protruding from the slide member are inserted into or engage a rope placed in the housing between a pair of pivoting cams. The downward force on the base member resulting from the user's weight moves the slide member upward relative to the frame. Due to this action, an actuating mechanism attached to the slide member pivots the pair of cams inward to tightly grip the rope, allowing the person to move his or her other foot upward or downward along the rope.

Abstract: A guard 10 for protection of the gaff G of a lineman's climbing iron I is provided. The gaff guard 10 includes a vertically-elongate rectangular base member 20 to which are attached three smaller members 30, 40, 50. The members 20, 30, 40, 50 are preferably made of a flexible, tough material such as leather. A horizontally-elongate shank strap 30 is transversely attached to the upper portion of the base member 20 to form a throat 38 sufficient to receive and encircle the shank K of the climbing iron I such that the gaff guard 10 is able to slidably translate along the shank K. A sheath member 40 is attached. to the lower portion of the base member 20 to form a pocket to receive, retain and protect the gaff G of the climbing iron I. An ankle strap 50 is attached to the opposite side of the base member 20 near its bottom edge 23 to form a passageway 56 sufficient to slidably receive the ankle belt A of the climbing iron I.

Abstract: A climbing device for attaching to building frames having a pair of jaw members, at least one of which is movable with respect to the other. The spacing between the jaw members may be adjusted, and a lever mechanism is provided to permit the user to detachably affix the climbing device to the frame of a building. A support member is also provided to provide a foot hold for a user so that the user may stand on the device during use. The device may also be connected to a tether or safety line and ultimately connected to a harness attached to the user's body.

Abstract: Apparatus for climbing trees and poles includes two stirrups having downward oriented hooks on the sides thereof, ankle straps thereon, and a plurality of spanning straps for tightening around a tree r pole. The apparatus permits ready ascent through tree branches oriented in all directions, and is easily portable. Hunters, for example, may wear the stirrups while walking through the woods.

Abstract: An ascending and descending device, or ladder, having a single central mast and a hand and two foot supports axially slidably engaging the mast. Each hand and foot support has a spring biased clutch normally preventing axial motion of its associated support along the mast, and a lever for releasing the hand or foot support to move along the mast. The hand support has weight bearing platforms, or grips, projecting to both sides of the mast. Each foot support projects to one side of the mast. The foot supports are tethered together to limit the distance by which they become separated when lowering one foot support. The mast has at its bottom end a base having folding legs. The mast selectively receives at its top end a pronged support for engaging the roof of a building and a chair to enable a person to remain seated above the ground. The chair has a safety tie for securing the chair to a tree.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a climbing apparatus which includes an elongated shank and a stirrup attached to the first end of the shank which is engageable with the footwear of a user. A leg support is attached to the second end of the shank and is engageable with the leg of the user. The climbing apparatus further includes at least one spike attached to either the stirrup or shank to provide support during climbing. The climbing apparatus in accordance with the present invention may preferably include a plurality of tips or replaceable sole attached to a lower surface of the stirrup for gripping the limbs of a tree. The stirrup may include a sole portion and anterior portion rotatably engaged therewith to facilitate the attachment or removal of the climbing apparatus. The sole portion may also include a raised forward surface to define a step for secure engagement with the footwear of the user.

Abstract: A climbing device for attaching to building frames having a pair of jaw members, at least one of which is movable with respect to the other. The spacing between the jaw members may be adjusted, and a lever mechanism is provided to permit the user to detachably affix the climbing device to the frame of a building. A support member is also provided to provide a foot hold for a user so that the user may stand on the device during use. The device may also be connected to a tether or safety line and ultimately connected to a harness attached to the user's body.

Abstract: The improved climbing apparatus hereof includes a pair of climbing members attachable to the feet of a user that assist the user in climbing a tree or pole. When put to use, the climber maintains a motion similar to that used when climbing stairs to scale up or down the tree. Each climbing member includes a foot-supporting platform and a siderail attached to the foot-supporting platform that extends along the side of the tree. At least one adaptive member, such as a cam mechanism having a reciprocating arcuate portion, is attached to each climbing member. The cam mechanism changes its form or position depending upon an outer contour of the tree to thereby provide a gripping force against the tree. The climbing member thus advantageously grips tightly to the tree, thereby reducing the chances of slippage. In addition, since the tree climbing apparatus does not involve the use of teeth or spikes that wedge into the tree, the apparatus is environmentally "friendly" and trees are left undamaged.

Abstract: A tree climber comprising a pair of climbing members, adapted to be affixed to the user's feet by quick release straps. Each climbing member includes a support arm extending forward from a platform portion and terminating at one end of a moveable hook shaped clamping portion which engages the back side of the pole. Several embodiments show a clamping portion which is adjustably affixed to the terminus of the support arm with either a slidable collar and tube configuration or a clamped configuration. Another embodiment includes a slidable collar affixed to the platform portion, the support arm extending therethrough to a desired length corresponding to the diameter of the pole. The adjustable clamping portion of any of the embodiments may be used in combination with the extendable support arm to accommodate a wide range of tree trunk or pole diameters and to easily traverse protruding limbs which would otherwise arrest further vertical progress.

Abstract: A unit for mounting a tree-climbing spike to the lower leg and foot of the user comprises a comfortable, padded shell which wraps around the lower leg, ankle and foot of the user, with the lower portion of the unit being open at the front and heel, with only a stirrup to support the arch of the foot so that the user may use the unit while wearing boots, tennis shoes, or whatever else he happens to be wearing. The semi-flexible portion of the shell wraps around the lower leg and is secured by quick-release friction buckles, and on the inside wall of the shell is a spike mount which releasably mounts one of a set of spikes of different spur lengths to accommodate different tree types.

Abstract: A gaff guard for a gaff on a line crew member's climbing iron that may be permanently attached to the shank of the climbing iron. When the gaff is in use, the guard is conveniently and safely stowed in a rest position in a cavity in the means attaching the gaff guard to the shank. If a snagging force is encountered by the guard in the rest position, the attaching member has structure which yields so that snagging is overcome. Thus, the guard in not subject to being misplaced. When the gaff is not in use, the guard is pivoted downward and a socket covers the gaff, protecting the gaff point and the surroundings.

Abstract: An improved dielectric overshoe is disclosed in which upper portions are formed of a first rubber composition having good dielectric characteristics and lower portions and a sole are formed of a second rubber composition that has good dielectric characteristic, but has slightly better wear characteristics than the first rubber composition. The shoe has a high arch to provide room for the mounting of a climbing cleat. Buckles seal the tongue of the shoe, with an uppermost one of the buckles being spaced from an opening for receiving a wearer's foot by a distance great enough to provide room for mounting of a strap to secure a climbing cleat to the overshoe. A reinforcement lip is placed around the entire opening, and in combination with the buckles and the tongue provides a nearly water-tight seal between the overshoe and the wearer's ankle preventing seepage of any water into the overshoe opening.

Abstract: There has been very little improvement in pole climbing devices over the past one hundred years. A relatively simple, electrically insulating pole climbing device includes a solid, one-piece sole plate for attachment to the bottom of a boot or shoe, a side bar pivotally connected to one side of the sole plate for extending upwardly therefrom and carrying a top strap for connecting the device to the calf of a user, a metal gaff mounted on the side bar for engaging a pole, and an arm extending upwardly from the other side of the sole plate and carrying straps for connecting the sole plate to the foot and ankle of the wearer. The combination electrically insulates the gaff from the wearer, so that the possibility of an electrical shock is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A pole climber assembly that helps prevent the user from being electrocuted by contact of any part of the assembly with an electrical source. The assembly includes a hook or stirrup which is molded of a nonconductive composite material. The composite material has the strength of a stell stirrup. Other features of the assembly include calf pads and straps that may be made of nylon, a non-skid thermoplastic pad on the exterior side of the stirrup to prevent wear of the composite material resulting from walking use, and an adjustable section allowing the pole climber to be adapted to users of any height.

Abstract: A gaff guard for a gaff on a line crew member's climbing iron that may be permanently attached to the shank of the climbing iron. When the gaff is in use, the guard is conveniently and safely stowed in a rest position in a cavity in the means attaching the gaff guard to the shank. Thus, the guard is not subject to being misplaced. When the gaff is not in use, the guard is pivoted downward and a socket covers the gaff, protecting the gaff point and the surroundings.

Abstract: The invention features a wrap-around pad that attaches to a climber harness for securing the climber harness to a leg of a lineman or lumberjack.The wrap-around pad completely encircles the circumfernce of the upper tibia portion of the leg, thus providing increased support and comfort to the leg. The surfaces of the pad is covered by Velcro-type mating linings comprising hooks and loops, such that the pad adjusts to the leg size by securing itself to itself. This allows for securement to the leg without the use of straps, and allows for quick release and adjustment.

Abstract: The invention features a gaff for use in combination with a leg iron for climbing trees and poles.The gaff has alternating relief and expansion surfaces for decompressing and compressing wood as the gaff penetrates therein, thus easing the penetration into the wood.

Abstract: Tree or pole climbing apparatus includes a spike member for gripping a tree to facilitate climbing which is easily removed from the tree by rotating or rocking the foot back and forth. U-shaped front and rear boot support members are connected by laterally spaced apart parallel members that include boot wrapping material while a vertical member disposed adjacent the rear boot support member includes leg wrapping material. During climbing, the vertical member provides one's leg with improved comfort while firmly stabilizing the apparatus.

Abstract: A gaff is provided for use in climbing a wooden utility pole (to include trees), said gaff having one or more grooves preferably running along a line parallel to the line formed by the intersection of the planes of its top two sides and/or one or more teeth for cutting into the pole.

Abstract: A climber of the type that attaches to a boot for climbing trees and poles. The climber comprises a set of leg braces, articulated stirrup mounting and a quick gaff release assembly which facilitates detaching and replacing the gaff, and provides safety and comfort to the user.

Abstract: A tree climbing implement adapted to be secured to the boot or shoe during a tree climbing operation and comprising a substantially L-shaped bracket engagable with the bottom of the boot, a spike-like element has one edge hingedly secured to one edge of the L-shaped bracket member and is movable between an extended position substantially perpendicular to the bracket member and a collapsed position substantially against or in abutting relation with respect to the bracket member for facilitating storing and/or transporting of the device. The spike-like member is of a unitary construction which greatly reduces the cost of manufacture of the implement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination comprising: a rail constructed for climber shoes and fall-preventing means and adapted for mounting to posts, masts, construction elements, chimneys or the like; a pair of climber shoes constructed for coaction with such a rail; and a fall-preventing means constructed for coaction with such a rail and including a runner adapted to run along the rail.

Abstract: An improved tree and pole climber consisting of an inflexible socket member connected to a foam pad member which is designed to receive the shank portions of most commercial tree climbers. The socket member is formed so that the shank of the tree climber can rotate axially, can pivot forwardly and rearwardly in a plane at right angles to the stirrup of the climber and can pivot outwardly from the leg of the climber. The movement of the shank in the inflexible socket permits freedom of movement of the foot and thereby maximizes comfort in wearing the climber and minimizes chafing and injury to the leg of the workperson.

Abstract: A lineman's climbing aid comprising an outer boot adapted to be worn over a standard workboot and a replaceable steel gaff rigidly fastened exteriorly against an inside wall portion of the outer boot, wherein the outer boot comprises a one-piece molding of electrically insulating, water-impermeable, plastics material defining a rigid shell and a steel reinforcing plate embedded within said inside wall portion of the shell, the gaff being fastened to the reinforcing plate by fastening means extending through said inside wall portion whereby said inside wall portion is rigidly clamped between the reinforcing plate and the gaff.

Abstract: In the tree and utility pole climbing process the use of climbing spurs and safety belts is quite common among other methods. The inherent weight of the climbing spurs coupled with the act of extracting the spur from the tree or pole creates an unusual strain on the knee joints of the climber. The improvement comprising a harness composed of a pair of cup shaped knee pads which are adjustably attached to the shin guard of the climbing spurs and thence by means of adjustable straps and swivel harness snaps to `D` rings on the safety belt surrounding the climber's waist, thereby minimizing the unnatural strain on the knee joints of the user.

Abstract: A foot support adapted to be employed with a ladder which employs a generally flat plate member attachable to a shoe and a bracket extending upward and then hooking downward from the toe end of the support. By this configuration, the foot and shoe of a user would basically be supported by a support resting on one rung of a ladder, and further support being provided by the bracket hooking over the next upper rung of the ladder.

Abstract: A climbing device for climbing columns such as girders having flanges. The devices are worn in pairs on the feet of the climber and each is equipped with a gripping member having spaced apart jaws adapted to grip the column flange. The gripping member on each device is mounted on the foot-attached or base member for selective swinging between two positions, one a climbing position in which each pair of jaws extends laterally inwardly of the respective foot and the other a retracted position in which the jaws extend laterally outwardly and behind the heel of the climber's foot so as to be out of the way when not used for climbing. Means is provided for selectively locking the gripping member to the base member in either of said positions.

Abstract: A climbing mechanism is disclosed that comprises a central upright post with right and left foot pedal assemblies slidably disposed on right and left lateral sides of the post. Each pedal assembly is attached to a wedge-shaped slider that travels within a complementary shaped channel lengthwise of the post. Each pedal includes a foot-supporting sole portion and has a foot restraining strap. User-controlled pivoting of the pedals controls the mechanism that locks the pedals with respect to the post. Illustrative embodiments describe locking and unlocking arrangements wherein a projecting member affixed to each pedal assembly (such as a tooth or a cambered element) is controllably mated with a selected one of a plurality of sockets or recesses located lengthwise of the post. A further embodiment describes a locking and unlocking arrangement in which a braking member on each pedal assembly selectively positions each assembly through controllably gripping a cable disposed lengthwise of the post.

Abstract: A gaff guard 30 for protecting the gaff 20 of a lineman's climber 10 having a leg iron 11 to which the gaff is secured comprises a body of synthetic resinous material having parts comprising, a scabbard 31 having a hollow interior 37 for receiving the point 22 of the gaff, a clip 32 adapted to straddle transversely opposite sides of leg iron 11 at a location above gaff 20 and to there attach to leg iron 11 by a snap-on action such that tabs 67 of the clip make contact with the back face of leg iron 11, and a resilient stem 33 coupling together scabbard 31 and clip 32 in fixed spatial relation when the stem is resiliently unstressed. Stem 33 is joined to scabbard 31 inwards of the outer side thereof and, moreover, is transversely offset from the centerline 48 of interior 37 to permit the stem to lie to one transverse side of the base 21 of the gaff when guard 30 is in use.