Hello. I have been working for some time trying to add a friction device below the hitch that is midline attachable, and believe I finally have it. I call it a "Bulldog" ascender/descender OAR and it works with a hitch on either a SRT or DRT setup. When used DRT as pictured, you fully release the hitch by pulling it down, and then push the bottom arm on the Bulldog down with the heel of the hand. When used SRT, you pull down on the hitch only just like DRT, and both arms of the Bulldog provide most of the friction. It advances readily and the top attach point can be used to advance the hybrid hitch/Bulldog when used SRT.

Looks like a Unicender/Hitch combo. I would love to see some video of it in action.

I seem to remember this OAR some time ago... Wasn't there a version that Moss tested? Mid line attachable is very attractive to me. I want something like the Rope Wrench but don't like the idea of having to thread it... Would rather slip it on for descent.

Dan

Yes I would like to make a short video demonstration at some point. I have been working on the OAR (Offset Ascending Rack) concept for quite a long time, My hope was to make a durable tool with steel friction points. in fact Moss did a video demonstration of one of my prototypes of the OAR. This Bulldog OAR loads differently and uses larger pins and rollers, it also captures the rope very nicely once loaded and releases very well. I discovered yesterday that It works above the hitch also. The mechanics of the friction above the hitch is very hard to beat, but I like the simplicity of the Bulldog when used below the hitch.
I also have made a three arm Bulldog OAR that I believe would be perfect for crane work on a doubled rope, where durability of the ascender/descender is important. (The three arm Bulldog works without a hitch at all on a doubled rope)

Here is a video of a three arm Bulldog OAR on rope. I have played around with taking the bottom arm off and using it as a RW either above or below the hitch, the Bulldog alone seems best to me but it depends on the type of rope you climb with.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS6_SPSRwsw

Cool Video.

The device looks...

Familiar...



ETA:

Don't take that the wrong way. I'm not implying any kind of patent infringment. I just still vividly remember all of the heartache my good friend Swamp Fox went through when he came up with an invention that we all thought was legit only to be squashed by a patent holder that claimed infringment.

I truly hope that you have something unique because I am always supportive of inventors. Just don't be surprised if you end up in the same situation Swamp Fox did.

I also have no idea if this patent was ever awarded.

Yes the Unicender was an inspiration for the Offset Ascending Rack. I would love to meet and talk with Morgan about his most excellent design. It would be a shame if the attorneys quash the OAR as it should wear much longer due to the steel friction pins and rollers and has a built in braking friction on descent much like the Rope Wrench. Also it holds the rope even more securely between the pin, roller, and side plates and releases very smoothly.

First, I must state; I am not a patent attorney. However, I have several patents through companies I have contracted with. So, I have worked with several patent attorneys. They have emphatically summarized a patent as simply "a right to sue." It appears, IMHO, your OAR is a distinctly different 'enough' from to Unicender to be independently patentable. The attorneys have also stated; "you can't patent an idea ... only an implementation."

It would be a shame if you let the attorneys quash the OAR! They might try to intimidate you into submission. And, you might have to 'lawyer-up' to defend your rights to your implementation. It all depends on how tough you are and how deep your pockets are. Don't ever let them get you down.

You're on to something good, Surveyor -- Good Job!

Thanks for the encouragement and advice.

My pockets are only deep these days due to the holes!