Universal Belay Device

Invention
Summary

This is
the FIRST belay device that can be easily switched between a frictional mode and
auto-locking mode.  Switching
between the two modes can be done anytime without removing the ropes or
unclipping the device from the belayer’s harness. This means switching can occur
at any time without sacrificing safety. The universal belay device can also
handle single or double ropes of all commercially available diameters.  In frictional mode only a small force of
15-30 lbs is required to stop or “catch” a climber’s fall, while auto-locking
mode allows the device to be operated “hands-free” and immediately arrests a
climbers fall.  This technology is
available to license.

Features &
Benefits

·        
Switches between auto
locking and frictional modes without removing the rope or detaching from the
harness.

·        
Accommodates one or two
ropes.

·        
Use with
all rope diameters.

·        
The switch
can occur at any time.

·        
The device is safe for climbers making
the switch.

Market
Opportunity

Current
devices operate either in frictional mode or auto-locking mode. No device has
the capability to switch between the two options. This device can operate using
one or two ropes giving the climber options to choose
from.

The
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) reports that over 9 million Americans
participated in recreational climbing last year. Military and search and rescue
teams are steady users and buyers of climbing and rappelling
equipment.

Intellectual Property

Two US
patents (No. 7,757,812, 8,316,989) has been issued from the US Patent and
Trademark Office.

Inventors

Dr. Eberhard Bamberg,
Ph.D., Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah

Nathanial Young,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Utah

This new technology
is available on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis.