Basecamp Innovations, Ltd.

Kirk M Mauthner

A self-locking descent control device features a clamp body, a handle lever pivotably coupled to the clamp body near a proximal end of the lever, an attachment point carried on the clamp body for connection to body-worn equipment of a user, a friction arrangement on the clamp body at a location across the elongated lever from the attachment point, and featuring a first set of rope passages. A second set of rope passages are laid out in series on the lever, and a clamping surface on the clamping body is positioned adjacent the proximal end of the lever on the same side thereof as the attachment point. The rope is routed on a serpentine path through the first and second sets of rope passages, and onward through a space between the proximal end of the lever and the clamping surface, whereby the user's body weight automatically clamps the rope therebetween.

Self-locking escape descent control device

A snatch block has a stationary first cheek and a movable second cheek that is slidable in its respective plane relative to the stationary first cheek. In a closed position, the second cheek connects with a crown jutting from the first cheek, thereby closing off a swallow of the snatch block. In an open position, an access gap opens into the swallow between the movable second cheek and the crown, thus enabling loading of a rope into the swallow. A locking mechanism with slide latches or rocker arms normally locks the second cheek in the closed position, and requires simultaneous actuation of two discretely separate releases to unlock the second cheek. The second cheek is biased into the open position, providing overt visual indication of any failed latching attempt. A seamlessly integral stud protrudes from the crown to rotatably support a swivel eye thereon.

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Invermere, Canada

Kirk M Mauthner