Rope gripping device

Abstract

A gripping device for releasably gripping a rope-like member comprises a pair of rope-engaging members defining a pair of opposite, mutually spaced rope engaging surfaces defining a rope passageway therebetween. The rope engaging surfaces are mounted in a frame so as to be moveable in relation to each other such that a force applied to the rope engaging surfaces and acting in one direction of the rope passageway will tend to move the rope engaging members closer to each other towards a locking position, while a force applied to the rope engaging surfaces and acting in the opposite direction of the rope passageway will tend to increase the spacing of the rope engaging surfaces and to move the rope engaging members towards a releasing position. At least one of the rope engaging members is connected to an operating handle by means of a lost motion connection. When the operating handle is moved from an inactive position to an active position the rope engaging members are moved to their releasing position. A releasable retaining member is connected to said at least one rope engaging member and is adapted to retain the rope engaging member in relation to the frame in said releasing position. The operating handle may then be moved back into its inactive position, while the rope engaging members are retained in their releasing position. When it is desired to lock or grip the rope the retaining means may be released.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.