Roping Devices

A roping device for operating on a rope comprising:

• a first body portion providing an attachment means at one end, the body portion including a first plate having a front face and a reverse face and a second plate having a front face and a reverse face, wherein the plates are oriented in different planes defining an acute angle between the intersection of the planes;
• a first, freely rotatable sheave mounted on the front face of the second plate which is rotatable about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the second plate, the first sheave having a groove defining a generally semi-circular guide path for the rope, the guide path having a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the guide path opens onto the front face of the first plate, and the second end of the guide path opens onto or adjacent the reverse face of the first plate;
• a generally straight guide path in the form of a channel or the like, defined on the front face of the first plate along which the rope passes prior to the generally semi-circular guide path, and vice versa;
• and
• a braking mechanism mounted on the front face of the first plate, the braking mechanism being arranged for braking the rope which in use, passes along the generally straight guide path, the braking mechanism being biased towards an engaged position wherein the rope is prevented from moving in a first direction through the device, and including means for moving the braking mechanism out of engagement with the rope to allow the rope to pass freely along the guide path.