Climbing rope protector device and method of using same

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a device for protecting a climbing rope comprising a flexible sheath comprising a first edge, a second edge generally opposing the first edge, a first end, and a second end generally opposing the first end, a sheath connector assembly attached at the second end of the flexible sheath, and a primary rope connector assembly attached to the sheath connector assembly. Methods of making and using the device also are described.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for protecting a climbing rope comprising:
 a flexible sheath comprising a first edge, a second edge generally opposing the first edge, a first end, and a second end generally opposing the first end;   a sheath connector assembly attached at the second end of the flexible sheath; and   a primary rope connector assembly attached to the sheath connector assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible sheath further comprises a handle positioned proximate said first end. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the flexible sheath further comprises at least two grommets proximate said second end. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the flexible sheath further comprises a fastener disposed along at least a portion of said first and second edges for detachably attaching said first and second edges together. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the fastener comprises fastening tape. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the sheath connector assembly further comprises at least one sheath connecting strap connecting the sheath to a ring. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein each sheath connecting strap is connected to the sheath through a grommet formed on the sheath. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the primary rope connector assembly comprises a device positioner connected to the sheath connector assembly. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the primary rope connector assembly comprises a first gate clip, a rope connecting strap connecting the gate clip to the ring, and a rope gripping device connected to the gate clip and being configured to grip a primary rope. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the sheath connector assembly further comprises at least two ropes and at least two gate dips, each rope passing through one of the at least two grommets formed on the sheath and also passing through one of the at least two gate clips. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible sheath further comprises a grommet positioned proximate the second end and the sheath connector assembly further comprises a rope and a gate clip, the rope passing through the grommet formed on the sheath and also passing through the gate clip. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the primary rope connector assembly comprises at least one rope, one end of the rope passing through the gate clip of the sheath connector assembly and knotted to secure it to the first gate clip, the other end of the rope knotted securely to form a loop. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the primary rope connector assembly comprises at least one rope, knotted in such a way so as to produce a loop in the center of the rope, one end of the rope passing through the first gate clip of said sheath connector assembly and knotted to secure it to the first gate clip, the other end of the rope passing through a second gate clip and knotted so as to secure it to the sheath connector assembly. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the sheath connector assembly comprises at least one strap and a ring, the strap securely attached to the sheath so as to form a loop that passes through the ring. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the flexible sheath further comprises a fastener disposed along at least a portion of said first and second edges for detachably attaching said first and second edges together. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the fastener comprises fastening tape. 
     
     
         17 . An assembly comprising a load-bearing rope and the device of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         18 . A method comprising:
 obtaining a device for protecting a climbing rope comprising:
 a flexible sheath comprising a first edge, a second edge generally opposing the first edge, a first end, and a second end generally opposing the first end; 
 a sheath connector assembly attached at the second end of the flexible sheath; and 
 a primary rope connector assembly attached to the sheath connector assembly, 
   obtaining a load-bearing rope, and   mounting the device on a load-bearing rope in order that the device is secured between the load-bearing rope and an edge when the load-bearing rope bears a load.   
     
     
         19 . A method of making the device of  claim 1 .