#2236: FallSpring

Climbing rope has to be pretty springy stuff to be able to withstand the sudden loading caused when a mountaineer loses his/her footing.

Too elastic, though, and no-one will use it because of a perceived lack of security.

springknot

Today’s invention allows climbing rope to be less elastic (ie perceived as stronger) and yet also helps avoid jarring injuries to anyone who slips while climbing.

It consists of a simple, helical, spring-steel sleeve through which the rope is threaded.

This would remain above a climber (held by internal friction) so that in the event of a fall, the rope’s straightening would be resisted by the spring so as to to smooth out the shock loading, reducing injuries.

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