Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a rappelling device comprising a body, a pocket, and a pivotable bollard.

Abstract: A portable charger capable of jump starting a 12 V car battery includes a charger battery, a jump start circuit operatively electrically connected with the charger battery and with an ignition power outlet, and a microcontroller for coordinating safety functions to establish or interrupt the operative electrical connection of the jump start circuit with the ignition power outlet. The ignition power outlet comprises a positive power socket, a negative power socket, a positive sensing socket and a negative sensing socket. The sensing sockets are electrically isolated from the power sockets, and the microcontroller senses voltage across the sensing sockets and is configured to interrupt the operative electrical connection of the jump start circuit to the ignition power outlet until proper voltage is sensed across the sensing sockets.

Abstract: A tie down apparatus for pinching a rope within a hollow channel via single-hand manipulation of an ergonomic tie down handle. A plunger lock contains a pinching surface which is drawn into the hollow channel via cam-action rotating handle. The plunger lock contains a threaded surface to allow variable sized rope access, so as to work with a number of different ropes and webbings. An optional lock or set of locks serve to secure tie down in locked position.

Abstract: A hand-held rope tie is operable to releasably hold two side-by-side portions of a rope. Pivotally connected arm members accommodate and hold the rope portions with a selected clamping pressure. The clamping pressure can be adjusted to create drag or resistance on the rope pulled through the arm members during horse pull-backs to relieve horse panic. Rope tie is also adjustable to tightly grip the rope without slippage of the rope through the arms when desired.

Abstract: A belt clip for securing an article to the belt of a user is provided. A belt clip including a movable member and a stationary member, a first end of the movable member hinge coupled to a first end of the stationary member. A second end of the stationary member comprising a first locking tab aperture dimensioned to receive a first locking tab of the movable member and a second locking tab aperture dimensioned to receive a second locking tab of the movable member. The movable member and the stationary member spaced apart from each other to accommodate a portion of the belt of a user and the stationary member comprising at least one article receiving void for securing an article to the belt clip.

Abstract: A rope connecting support includes: a base having a predetermined dimension; a hoist rope locking part that removably locks a rod part provided on the front end of the hoist rope onto an upper surface of the base in one end side of the base; and an auxiliary rope connecting part that connects one end of an auxiliary rope to the upper surface of the base in the other side of the base, wherein the base includes an uphill part formed by upwardly inclining an lower surface of the one end side of the base, and the auxiliary rope connecting part includes an upright plate used to pin the one end of the auxiliary rope. By this means, the rod part is positioned on right and left sides thereof by the hoist rope locking part, and also positioned with respect to a longitudinal direction of the rod part.

Abstract: In one aspect, a tensioning instrument for a securing device, such as surgical cable, is provided having a pretensioning mechanism configured to allow a predetermined preload tension to be applied to the cable and a tensioning mechanism operable to increase the tension in the cable by predetermined amount in excess of the preload tension applied by the pretensioning ,mechanism. The tensioning device has a first actuator operatively coupled to the pretensioning mechanism and is configured permit a predetermined preload tension to be applied to the cable. The tensioning device also has a second actuator different than the first actuator which is operatively coupled to the tensioning mechanism. The second actuator may be moved between an open position and a locked position to cause the tensioning mechanism to increase the tension in the cable by the predetermined amount in excess of the preload tension, if any.

Abstract: A separately operating cargo strap collector for use with a ratchet-buckle assembly of known construction having longer and shorter straps and a ratchet-buckle. The strap collector includes sidewalls connected to upper and lower walls forming a channel through which the longer strap passes with a clamp in the channel for attaching the strap collector to the longer strap. The sidewalls and upper wall forming a magazine for folds of excess longer strap after the longer strap is tightened by the ratchet-buckle. A pair of lever arms are journaled in the sidewalls with a finger for clamping the folds of excess strap against the bottom wall of the magazine.

Abstract: A rope management device includes features allowing for transition from a rope clamping position to a rope unclamped position when under load. Included is a teeter bar having a pivot axis allowing for application of friction on a section of rope to hold a load in place and then when rope is pulled through the device the load is maintained while allowing the teeter bar to pivot to eliminate friction on the rope.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) at a cleat (1) for a sailing boat in order to provide detachable locking of the line (3) to a sail, a rig or the like, where the line (3) runs over a sheave (2) on an elevated level and having cleat (1) for locking the line (3) situated at a distance from the deck of the boat. According to the invention, the line (3) is arranged to run over a sheave (2), which is provided with ratchet back stop (5). The line (3) is in that connection arranged to directly co-operate with a movably actuatable mechanism (14), which is arranged to activate the ratchet back stop (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fastening and clamping straps. In order to create a device for fastening and clamping straps that also permanently withstands high mechanical loads of the type that occur during the tensioning of slacklines, in particular longlines, the invention proposes that at least one pair of pivoting levers be provided, between which two mutually parallel clamping plates with flat clamping surfaces are hinged, the clamping surfaces being at least as wide as the strap and being provided with means for securing the strap in the clamped state. The pivoting levers are fastened to a tensioning device, for example a chain hoist, on actuation of which the pivoting levers absorb the tension and transmit it to the clamping plates so that the clamping surfaces of the clamping plates are pressed together, thereby securely clamping the strap fitted between the clamping surfaces.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a device that efficiently folds and organizes tubing and cords while not compromising their function. In certain embodiments, the device provides dynamic length adjustment in the form to reducing line length, and the device organizes the lines in parallel, making it easier to identify their connections.

Abstract: An improved tiller restraining device is provided for attachment to the underside of a boat's tiller to selectively control the position of the tiller and rudder. The device features a specialized mechanical clutch that grips or releases a control rope, which runs through the clutch and is secured across the cockpit. The device is operated with one hand by moving an integrated clutch lever upward to release the rope and allow free tiller movement, or downward to engage the rope and restrict tiller movement. Inside the device, a spring acts on the lever to pinch and bind the rope against the openings where the rope passes through the clutch housing. The spring and lever are aligned so they toggle, enabling the clutch to remain either engaged or disengaged with no additional controls.

Abstract: A load anchor has a support 103 with an upper surface. A tongue 105 with an aperture 113 for receipt of a tie down strap is pivotable relative to the support 103 from a first position wherein the tongue 105 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the support 103 to a second position extending above the support so that the aperture 113 is exposed. The load anchor may have a lever arrangement 111 accessible through the aperture 113 in the tongue when the tongue is in the first position, so that downward force applied to part of the lever arrangement 111 through the aperture 113 pivots the lever arrangement 111 which lifts the tongue 105 from the first position. The tongue 105 may be pivotally connected relative to the support member 103 by an integrally formed shaft or shafts 107.

Abstract: An information band (1) for fitting around a wrist of a wearer and for containing information about the wearer. The information band includes a clip (2) and a band (3). The clip (2) has a lid part (5) pivotably connected to a bottom part (4), at least one bulge formed between the lid and bottom parts (4, 5), and a locking device. The lid and bottom parts (4, 5) close to fix the band (3) in position around the wrist by a strong squeezing force resulting from a lockable, snappable co-operation between parts of the locking device during application of the information band so that a two-handed grip is required to open the clip and release the band.

Abstract: A chain link fence tightening assembly for stretching a chain link fence adjacent to and beyond a first vertical post and toward a second vertical post such that the chain link fence may be attached to the first vertical post in a taut manner includes an elongated rod that is selectively coupled to a plurality of links of the chain link fence. A gripping member removably grips the second vertical post. A first cable and a second cable each have a first end and a second end. The first end of the first cable is attached to the rod and the first end of the second cable is attached to the gripping member. A winding assembly is attached to each of the first and second cables and is adapted for pulling the rod and the gripping member toward each other such that the chain link fence is pulled taut.

Abstract: A boat anchoring apparatus according to the invention has an elongate rod with a planar end piece attached at one end thereof for driving vertically into the sand or soil on a beach or waterfront. The rod is driven into the beach using a driving device having a weighted closed end with hollow tube for placement over the rod and having an elongate aperture along the length of the tube with a securing pin for attachment to the rod for pulling the rod out of the soil. Attached to the driving device is a pawl actuating mechanism for securing a line from the boat to said pawl when the rod is vertically in the soil and one end of the driving device is slidingly secured over the vertical rod locking at 90 degrees detaining forward tilt of buried rod and maximizing horizontal direction of vector forces.

Abstract: A rope or cord system on a helicopter comprises a beam (18) fixed to the helicopter floor or roof in the vicinity of an opening (12). Ropes or cords (16) for the lowering to the ground of intervention personnel are attached to bolts (20) by rings (22). The operation of a handle (24) makes it possible to simultaneously and instantaneously release or jettison all the ropes (16) by pivoting a clasp (32) into each of the bolts in opposition to a spring (36). For this purpose the handle (24) simultaneously operates the pivoting latches (42), which cooperate with the clasps by complimentary cam surfaces (40, 46).

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for releasably clamping a cable or line (6), comprising a housing (1), a clamping lever (3) which is mounted rotatably thereon (at 7) and two clamping surfaces (2, 8) of which the first is arranged on the housing (1) and the second is arranged on the clamping lever (3) and between which the cable or line (6) passes. The cable is also passed around at least one direction-changing means (8-10), the clamping lever (3) being designed for a lever ratio b/a such that at most the coefficient of friction .mu. is attained at the frictional location.

Abstract: A fastener for releasably securing the ends of a drawstring. The fastener has two parts, one for each end of the drawstring. The parts are held together by a dovetail connection which is separated by excessive tension in the drawstring. At least one of the parts is connected to the associated end of the drawstring by a connection which resists movements of the drawstring in the direction to enlarge or loosen the string, but is easily released to permit intentional loosening of the string.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a clasp for gripping free end portions of a strap to maintain a loop thereof tightly engaged around an object, such as a portion of the human body, the clasp including upper and lower casing halves with means for releasably securing the casing halves in superposed relationship to each other to define a passage therebetween through which free end portions of a strap may pass, a clamping lever pivotally carried by the clasp to present one end portion lying at the loop end of the passage whereby to be forceably engaged by the loop when tight so that the other end of the clamping lever clamps the free end portions of the strap between it and one of the casing halves, and the lower casing half having a bridge-like cross bar lying transversely within the passage.

Abstract: A mechanism for releasably attaching a parachute to a kite to allow the parachute to be carried aloft by the kite and to be released while the kite is in flight when the flight string of the kite is merely given slack. The mechanism includes a first member fixedly attached to the kite and a second member pivotally attached to the first member and fixedly attached to the end of the flight string. The second member is moveable from a first position in which the parachute is attached to the kite to a second position in which the parachute is released from the kite. The second member is held in the first position when the kite is aloft and the flight string is held substantially taut. The second member will then move to the second position when the flight string is given slack.

Abstract: An item of hardware for installation along a clothes line for taking up line slack, the device comprising a clamp that is made of two crossing levers pivotally connected together at their center and having jaws at one end between which the clothes line is held, and the opposite handle ends of the levers each having an opening, one of the openings having an end of the clothes line tied thereto, while the line free end, after being passed between pulleys, slidably passed through the other lever opening and then between the jaws, and the terminal end of the line is left dangling freely therefrom.

Abstract: A self-tightening clamp assembly may be selectively positioned along a flexible rope to provide a rigid stop thereon. The clamp assembly includes a clamp housing having a clamping surface and a movable clamp plate located therein on opposite sides of the rope. The clamp plate is urged against the rope by a lever and cam surface to clamp the rope against the clamp surface. A connecting assembly is provided at a rearward end of the lever that may be connected to the flexible rope so the lever will pivot in response to tensioning and loosening of the rope between ends. As the rope moves to a taut position, the lever automatically moves the clamp plate toward the clamp surface, tightly clamping the rope therebetween. As the rope is relaxed, the lever releases pressure against the clamp plate and therefore loosens its grip on the rope.

Abstract: A mechanism for releasably attaching a parachute to a kite to allow the parachute to be carried aloft by the kite and to be released while the kite is in flight when the flight string of the kite is merely given slack. The mechanism .[.includes.]. .Iadd.may include .Iaddend.a first member fixedly attached to the kite and a second member pivotally attached to the first member and fixedly attached to the end of the flight string. The second member is moveable from a first position in which the parachute is attached to the kite to a second position in which the parachute is released from the kite. The second member is held in the first position when the kite is aloft and the flight string is held substantially taut. The second member will then move to the second position when the flight string is given slack.