US 2016/0355383 A1 · DESCENT ASSIST DEVICE FOR POWERED ASCENDERS

Abstract

A descent assist device for powered ascenders is discussed herein. In one embodiment, the descent assist device can include a base plate having a first guide surface, a capstan peg, a second guide surface, and a retention loop extending from the first guide surface to the second guide surface configured to retain a rope on the descent assist device. Where the angle of wrapping of the rope around the first guide surface and the capstan peg is constant during use and the angle of wrapping of the rope around the second guide surface is adjustable by the user of the device to increase or decrease the frictional drag of the rope.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A powered rope ascender operational in ascending and descending modes, comprising:

a reversible drive source;
at least one rotating rope pulling jaw, the jaw connected to the reversible drive source so as to be rotated in a first, ascending direction and a second, opposed descending direction, the at least one rotating rope pulling jaw having a plurality of forward sweeping rope gripping features when operated in the ascending direction;
a friction increasing descent assist device configured to provide a rope path having at least three guide surfaces around which the rope wraps angularly including a first, superior guide surface, a second laterally spaced capstan guide surface, and a third inferior guide surface;
wherein the friction increasing descent assist device enhances operation of the powered rope ascender when operating in the descending mode.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Descent assist device for powered ascenders

Life of this patent

Descent assist device for powered ascenders

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19