Self-locking escape descent control device

Abstract

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.