Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. Inc.

Dave Mellon

Paul A Tusting

Bill Belcourt

Joe Skrivan

Jonathan R Woodward

Mark Santurbane

David Narajowski

Paul Tusting

Jonathan Woodward

The present invention relates to a connection system for use with an active or passive protection device that minimizes weight. In accordance with the present invention, a single stem connection system for use with an active protection device includes a single bent cable that is attached to the single cable terminal of the active protection device. A stem tube is fitted over a portion of the bent cable giving the appearance and benefits of a single stem. However, a portion of the bent cable is left separated thereby automatically forming a clip-in point for the entire active protection device. Unlike conventional single stem connection systems, the single stem system in accordance with the present invention only requires coupling the cable to the cable terminal thereby reducing manufacturing cost and minimizing overall weight. Alternatively, a similar connection system can be used with a passive protection device to provide many of the same benefits.

Protection device stem design

The present invention relates to a dual stem active camming device including a plurality of compression springs independently coupled to a plurality of cam lobes. The compression springs are positioned between the trigger and the clip-in point of the cam to protect the springs from damage and allow the trigger to compress the springs upon retraction. A flexible stem tube is positioned over the portion of the dual stem between the trigger and the cable terminals. The flexible stem tube shields the trigger wires from debris and abrasion. A rigid yoke is also positioned over the dual stem between the stem tube and cable terminals. The rigid yoke prevents uneven lateral bending on the head of the camming device that may otherwise cause the device to pull out of a placement. The cable terminals are positioned between the outer cam lobes and on either side of the inner cam lobe.

Active camming device

The present invention relates to an active camming device including a plurality of non-flat camming surfaces. In accordance with the present invention, the opposing camming surfaces are shaped to include substantially concave and convex surfaces respectively. In one embodiment, each individual cam lobe is shaped in a substantially concave or convex manner to form a cam surface. In another embodiment, a plurality of cam lobes disposed on a single side of a device, are shaped to provide a combined substantially concave or convex surface. The convex surface or surfaces are always disposed opposite of the concave surface or surfaces to provide an increased stability in uneven recesses. Non-flat camming surfaces increase the stability of a camming device in irregular recesses by increasing the number of connection points between the device and the recess.

Active camming device surface

Growing community of inventors

Park City, UT, United States of America

Dave Mellon