Patent Abstract:
Various components may be used to construct an artificial anchor point having a number of support legs. The support legs may articulate with respect to a plate assembly, may slide through a leg holder, may be telescopic, and may be configurable to conform to a variety of terrains. The support legs may be positionable horizontally with respect to a plate assembly for spanning a gap.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/089,838 titled Configurable Anchor Point and Modular Kit for an Anchor Point and filed on Aug. 18, 2008, which is fully incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The field of the present disclosure relates to a configurable anchor point and a modular kit for an anchor point. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Artificial anchor points, typically used to attach ropes to, including running ropes through, when lifting or lowering an object, include gin poles, bi-pods, tri-pods, and other multi-legged pod configurations used when an elevated, or other, rigging anchor is needed for activities including mountain, military, and industrial rescue work, confined space entry, and caving. A conventional artificial anchor point may have a head secured to one or more legs and the head may have rigging anchors including holes for attachment points to attach ropes, carabiners, or other equipment. Devices such as pulleys may be attached to the holes using carabiners, and some heads may have a pulley attached directly to the head. Generally, a carabiner has a ring or D-shaped or C-shaped body including a gate that may be opened or closed. Using a carabiner to attach a pulley may reduce the height of the pulley above a surface and thus reduce the amount of clearance for lifting an object or injured person. Most conventional artificial anchor points have legs that are rigidly secured to the head, and some may provide one or a few articulated legs. But, conventional artificial anchor points do not provide articulation for all of the legs. 
         [0004]    An artificial anchor point is typically used for rigging activities that employ ropes with a load attached to one end. An artificial anchor point may change the direction a rope is positioned, or running, and thus must be able to bear the load the rope is attached to. Artificial anchor points are typically used when there are no existing natural, or man-made, anchor points available to assist securing or moving the load attached to the rope. Artificial anchor points may be used in a variety of settings and terrains, and may be used for a variety of purposes, including rescue work and other impromptu jobs that require the artificial anchor point to adapt to un-anticipated terrain and conditions. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In a preferred embodiment, an artificial anchor point includes a head and leg holders pivotally attached to the head. A support leg may be slidably retained in each leg holder, and may be locked into place with respect to the leg holder in a variety of positions with different amounts of the support leg protruding on either side of the leg holder. The leg holders may preferably be locked in place in a variety of positions throughout their arcs of travel, thus independently changing the angular relationship of each support leg with respect to the head. Apertures or pulleys or other structure for retaining and/or guiding ropes may be included as part of the head or may be attached to the support legs. 
         [0006]    Additional aspects and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1A  is a right side oblique view of a preferred construction of a monopod artificial anchor point. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1B  is a right side oblique view of a preferred construction of a bipod artificial anchor point. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1C  is a right side oblique view of a preferred construction of a tripod artificial anchor point. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1D  is a right side oblique view of a preferred construction of a quadpod artificial anchor point. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  is a right side view of a preferred main plate. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2B  is a left side rear oblique view of a preferred half plate. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2C  is a right side oblique view of a preferred offset leg holder. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2D  is a right side oblique view of a preferred centered leg holder. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2E  is a right side oblique view of a preferred lash ring. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2F  is a bottom oblique view of a preferred chain plate. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2G  is a right side view of a preferred foot. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2H  is a bottom oblique view of a preferred basket. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2I  is a right side view of a preferred support leg including a small leg tube and a large leg tube. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a left side view of a preferred half plate. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4A  is a top view of a preferred configuration for an artificial anchor point with the support legs in a horizontal position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4B  is a right side view of the preferred configuration for an artificial anchor point of  FIG. 4A  with the support legs in a horizontal position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5A  is a top view of another preferred configuration for an artificial anchor point with the support legs in a horizontal position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5B  is a right side view of the preferred configuration for an artificial anchor point of  FIG. 5A  with the support legs in a horizontal position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6A  is a front view of another preferred configuration for an artificial anchor point with the support legs in a non-horizontal position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6B  is a right side view of the preferred configuration for an artificial anchor point of  FIG. 6A  with the support legs in a non-horizontal position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7A  is a front view of another preferred configuration for an artificial anchor point with the support legs bypassing one another in a non-horizontal position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7B  is a right side view of the preferred configuration for an artificial anchor point of  FIG. 7A  with the support legs bypassing one another in a non-horizontal position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a right side view of a preferred embodiment of a pin used to construct preferred configurations for artificial anchor points. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9A  is a partially cut away right side view of a preferred pin installed in an aperture. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9B  is a partially cut away right side view of a preferred pin partially installed in an aperture. 
           [0032]      FIG. 10A  is a rear oblique left side view of another preferred configuration for an artificial anchor point with the support legs in a non-horizontal position. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10B  is a front view of the preferred configuration for an artificial anchor point of  FIG. 10A  with the support legs in a non-horizontal position. 
           [0034]      FIG. 11A  is a right side view of a preferred embodiment of a foot installed in a support leg. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11B  is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of a foot of  FIG. 11A  installed in a support leg. 
           [0036]      FIG. 11C  is an exploded right side view of the preferred embodiment of a foot of  FIG. 11A . 
           [0037]      FIG. 11D  is a right side view of a preferred embodiment of a foot installed and in alternate, rotated positions in a support leg. 
           [0038]      FIG. 12A  is a front view of another preferred configuration for an artificial anchor point with the support legs in another non-horizontal position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 12B  is a front view of the preferred configuration for an artificial anchor point of  FIG. 12A  with the support legs in another non-horizontal position. 
           [0040]      FIG. 12C  is a front view of the preferred configuration for an artificial anchor point of  FIG. 12A  with the support legs in another non-horizontal position. 
           [0041]      FIG. 12D  is a close-up right side oblique view of the preferred configuration for an artificial anchor point of  FIG. 12A  with the support legs in a non-horizontal position. 
           [0042]      FIG. 13A  is a right side view of a prior art placement for support legs. 
           [0043]      FIG. 13B  is a right side view of the artificial anchor point of  FIG. 1   3 A with the support legs holding a place to anchor a rope at approximately the same height above a surface as the main plate depicted in  FIG. 13A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0044]    Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. The preferred embodiments will be described in terms of an artificial anchor point and components for a kit for constructing artificial anchor points using preferred components. But, alternate components may be employed with artificial anchor points and kits for constructing artificial anchor points. 
       Advantages And Features 
       [0045]    Certain embodiments may provide an artificial anchor point capable of quickly and easily adapting to virtually any terrain and a variety of conditions. Other embodiments may provide an anchor point system that is modular, allows components to be placed where needed, is lightweight, packable, and strong. Yet other embodiments may permit each leg supporting an artificial anchor point to be independently adjustable from the other support legs, including the angular relationship of each support leg to the head and the length of each support leg both above and below the head. Further embodiments may include the ability to adjust the height and the foot print of an artificial anchor point to maintain the head at a consistent height while having different foot prints spanned by the support legs; having feet on the support legs that may adapt to different terrain without requiring a number of separate feet; and the ability to span horizontal distances. 
         [0046]    The following detailed description of preferred embodiments describes preferred embodiments for an artificial anchor point that may address one or more of the above advantages or features, or may address different advantages or features. 
       Preferred Configurations 
       [0047]      FIGS. 1A-1D  illustrate preferred artificial anchor points having support leg configurations of one, two, three, and four support legs. A kit for an artificial anchor point may contain the components necessary to build any one of the anchor points illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1D , or any combination of the anchor points illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1D . Kits and details of the individual components are discussed below. 
         [0048]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a monopod, commonly referred to as a gin pole. The monopod configuration may include a support leg  5 , including one or more small leg tubes  10  and a large leg tube  15 , one or more lash rings  20 , a chain plate  25 , a basket  30 , and a foot  35 . Unlike existing gin poles that include only a few places to secure a rope at one end, embodiments of the monopod may include multiple lash rings  20 , and the lash rings  20  may be located anywhere along the length of the small leg tube  10  and/or the large leg tube  15 . Providing multiple lash rings  20 , and the ability to locate a lash ring  20  anywhere along the length of the small leg tube  10  and/or the large leg tube  15  may permit embodiments of the monopod to be more easily and robustly secured in place and may provide better places to attach ropes or other equipment than previous gin poles. Another monopod configuration may include one or more leg holders  40 ,  45  slidably retained on the upper small leg tube  10 . Alternatively, a half plate  50  may be pivotally attached to one of the leg holders  40 ,  45 . Including one or more leg holders  40 ,  45  and/or a half plate  50  for a monopod configuration may provide additional places to attach load bearing devices such as carabiners, ropes, pulleys, swivels, or other equipment, and may make the monopod more versatile. 
         [0049]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a bipod configuration, also referred to as an “A-frame.” The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1B  includes a preferred head that includes a main plate  60  pivotally attached to two offset leg holders  40 . Using two offset leg holders  40  may permit the support legs  5  and  55  to bypass one another, especially when the support legs  5  and/or  55  are in, or near, the horizontal position. Alternate embodiments may use two centered leg holders  45 , or one centered leg holder  45  and an offset leg holder  40 . Providing two pivotal support legs that may bypass one another and/or telescope may permit a bipod configuration to adapt to the terrain and permit a user to position the main plate  60  so that the main plate  60 , and/or pulleys, such as a high-directional pulley, apertures, or other suitable mounting structures of the main plate  60 , are placed in a load securing orientation. For example, a load securing orientation includes singularly or in any combination, an orientation that may prevent multiple ropes from interfering with one another, evenly balance loads on the main plate  60 , prevent side loading (for example, a force on a pulley that is not substantially orthogonal to the pulley axis), or evenly distribute forces transferred through ropes to the support legs. The bipod configuration may include one or more lash rings  20 , one or more chain plates  25 , one or more baskets  30 , and one or more feet  35  on the support legs  5  and  55 . As with the monopod configuration (and the tripod and quadpod discussed below), multiple lash rings  20  may be located at any desired place on the support legs  5  and  55 . In an alternate embodiment, a bipod may be constructed using two half plates  50  attached to one another instead of a main plate  60 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a tripod configuration. The tripod configuration may include one or more lash rings  20 , one or more chain plates  25 , one or more baskets  30 , and one or more feet  35  on the support legs  5 ,  55 , and  65 . Alternatively, the leg holders may be any combination of offset leg holders  40  and centered leg holders  45 . As with the monopod and bipod configurations discussed above, and the quadpod configuration discussed below, the feet  35  may be retained in either a large leg tube  15  or in a small leg tube  10 . Additionally, the feet  35  may be rotated to place a substantially smooth surface  70  or a spike  75  ( FIG. 11A ) on the surface supporting the tripod, depending on the characteristics of the surface supporting the tripod and the nature and orientation of the load being held by the tripod. In a preferred tripod configuration, the support legs  5 ,  55 , and  65  may be positioned to leave room for a litter containing an injured person and an attendant for the litter between the support legs  5 ,  55 , and  65 . Other configurations, including bipod and quadpod configurations, may also accommodate a litter containing an injured person and an attendant for the litter between the support legs. 
         [0051]      FIG. 1D  illustrates a quadpod embodiment, which is similar to the tripod embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1C , but includes an additional half plate  50  attached to the main plate  60 , an additional centered leg holder  45  pivotally attached to the additional half plate  50 , and an additional support leg  66  slidably retained in the additional centered leg holder  45 . The quadpod configuration may include one or more lash rings  20 , one or more chain plates  25 , one or more baskets  30 , and one or more feet  35  on the support legs  5 ,  55 ,  65 , and  66 . Alternatively, the leg holders may be any combination of offset leg holders  40  and centered leg holders  45 . Like the monopod, bipod, and tripod embodiments discussed above, providing a quadpod with support legs  5 ,  55 ,  65 , and  66  that may pivot, telescope, and/or bypass one another may permit a quadpod configuration to adapt to the terrain and permit a user to position the main plate  60  so that pulleys, apertures, and/or other mounting structures are placed in a load securing orientation. 
       Preferred Components 
       [0052]      FIGS. 2A-2I  illustrate ten preferred components that may be assembled in a variety of manners using one or more of each component to construct a monopod, bipod, tripod, quadpod, or other artificial anchor point. Not all of the components are needed to construct an artificial anchor point, and additional or different components may be used to construct an artificial anchor point. 
       Head 
       [0053]    A preferred head includes a main plate  60  illustrated in  FIG. 2A  that preferably includes two leg holder pivot apertures  80 . Each of the pivot apertures  80  may permit a leg holder ( 40  or  45 , discussed below) to be pivotally mounted to the main plate  60 . The main plate  60  may also include half plate assembly connection apertures  85  for securing a half plate assembly  50 , discussed below, to the main plate  60 . While a preferred head is illustrated as including a plate, such as main plate  60 , a head does not need to include a plate and may have other shapes suitable for supporting leg holders, such as leg holders  40  and  45  discussed below, or for supporting legs, such as legs  10  and  15 . For example, a head may be substantially spherical and include wings, such as wings  90  or  51  ( FIG. 2B ), or slots for inserting wings. 
         [0054]    The main plate  60  may also include two wings  90  protruding from opposite ends of the main plate  60 . While the wings  90  are illustrated as directly opposed to one another, that is, in line with one another, the wings  90  may be secured to the main plate  60  at any angular relationship. Alternate embodiments may include a number of wings  90  other than two, for example, one, three, four, five, or more wings  90  may be included. The wings  90  may be formed as part of the main plate  60 , for example, by machining the main plate  60  from a single piece of metal, by casting, or by forging, or the wings  90  may be secured by welding, bolts, or other suitable securement. Each wing  90  preferably includes a plurality of leg holder angle adjustment apertures  91 , which are preferably arranged along an arc. One or more of the angle adjustment apertures  91  may be used to lock a leg holder ( 40 / 45 ) in a variety of positions throughout each leg holder&#39;s ( 40 / 45 ) arc of travel, as discussed below. 
         [0055]    The main plate  60  may also include one or more leg divots  95 . As discussed below, the leg divot  95  may act as a clearance or rest to provide space for a support leg to overly the wing  90  without contacting the wing  90 , or to provide an additional brace for a support leg  10 / 15  (for example, one leg divot  95  may act as a clearance while another leg divot  95  acts as a rest) when a support leg is in a horizontal position and overlies or contacts the leg divot  95 . 
         [0056]    Recesses  100  may be included in the main plate  60 . In certain configurations, the recesses  100  may be approximately 5 to 10 thousandths of an inch deep, and may serve as places to include writing such as instructions for assembling and using an artificial attachment point, logos, drawings, or other information. Written information may be engraved, stamped, or etched into the recesses  100 , printed in the recesses  100 , applied through a sticker, or other suitable manner for providing written information. Apertures  86  may be included in the main plate  60  to serve as places to attach load bearing devices such as carabiners, ropes, pulleys, swivels, or other suitable equipment. Preferably, a load bearing device transfers weight associated with a load, such as a patient in a litter or a person rappelling down the side of a structure, to an anchor point, such as the anchor point illustrated in  FIG. 1C , and helps facilitate movement of such a load. 
         [0057]    The preferred embodiment of the main plate  60  illustrated in  FIG. 2A  is approximately 16 inches long, 6 inches high, and ½ inch thick. The main plate  60  is preferably manufactured by Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining a solid block of metal to the desired shape. The preferred material for the main plate  60  is 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. Other suitable dimensions, materials, and manufacturing techniques, such as casting or forging, may be used to construct alternate embodiments of the main plate  60 . A preferred material and manufacturing technique is provided for the following preferred components. As with the preferred main plate  60 , described above, the following preferred components may be made with other suitable dimensions, materials, and/or manufacturing techniques. 
       Half Plate 
       [0058]    A half plate assembly  50  illustrated in  FIG. 2B  preferably includes one leg holder pivot aperture  80 . The pivot aperture  80  may permit a leg holder ( 40  or  45 , discussed below) to be pivotally mounted to the half plate  50 . The half plate  50  may also include a bolt plate  105  that includes main plate assembly connection apertures  110 . Countersinking the main plate assembly connection apertures  110  in the bolt plate  105  may prevent ropes or other equipment from rubbing against or snagging bolts ( 115 ,  FIG. 12D ) or rivets secured in the main plate assembly connection apertures  110 . In a preferred embodiment, one or two half plates  50  may be bolted to a main plate  60  using the half plate assembly connection apertures  85  ( FIG. 2A ) and the main plate assembly connection apertures  110 . In other embodiments, one or more half plates  50  may be riveted or welded to the main plate  60 . 
         [0059]    The half plate  50  may also include one wing  51  protruding from the bolt plate  105 . While the wing  51  is illustrated as orthogonal to the bolt plate  105 , the wing  51  and the bolt plate  105  may be at any angular relationship. In alternate embodiments, more than one wing  51  may be included on the half plate  50 . In a preferred embodiment, the wing  51  slides into a slot  115  in the bolt plate  105 , preferably with a slip fit. The wing  51  is bolted in place in a preferred embodiment, but may be riveted, welded, or secured in another suitable manner. In alternate embodiments, the wing  51  may be formed as part of the half plate  50 , for example, by machining the half plate  50  from a single piece of metal, by casting, or by forging. The wing  51  preferably includes a plurality of leg holder angle adjustment apertures  91 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the angle adjustment apertures  91  (on both the half plate  50  and on the main plate  60 ) may be oval shaped to facilitate inserting a pin (such as pin  165 ,  FIG. 8 ), bolt, rod, or other suitable element. One or more of the angle adjustment apertures  91  may be used to lock a leg holder ( 40 / 45 ) in a variety of positions throughout each leg holder&#39;s ( 40 / 45 ) arc of travel, as discussed below. Making the angle adjustment apertures  91  oval shaped may permit easier alignment between the angle adjustment apertures  91  and the locking apertures  120 ,  173  in the offset and centered leg holders  40 ,  45 . Making the angle adjustment apertures  91  oval shaped may also permit the centered leg holder  45  and/or the offset leg holder  40  to lock in place without permitting substantial movement between a centered or offset leg holder  45 ,  40  and a main plate  60  or a half plate  50 . 
         [0060]    The half plate  50  may also include one or more leg divots  52 . As discussed below, the leg divot  52  may provide clearance for a support leg to overly the wing  51  without contacting the wing  51 , or may provide an additional brace for a support leg  10 / 15  when a support leg is in a horizontal position and overlies or contacts the wing  51 . 
         [0061]    The half plate  50  may include a recess  125 , which is preferably 5 to 10 thousandths of an inch deep. In certain configurations, the recess  125  may serve as a place to include writing such as instructions for assembling and using an artificial attachment point, logos, drawings, or other information. Written information may be engraved, stamped, or etched into the recesses  125 , printed in the recesses  125 , applied through a sticker, or other suitable manner for providing written information. The half plate  50  may also include an aperture  86  to serve as a place to attach carabiners, ropes, or other equipment. 
         [0062]    The half plate  50  may also include an integral attachment structure  130 . In a preferred embodiment, the integral attachment structure  130  may include a first flange  134 , a second flange  135 , and a third flange  136 . In other embodiments, only one or two of the flanges  134 ,  135 , and  136  may be included on the half plate  50 . Each flange  134 ,  135 , and  136  preferably has an aperture therethrough, and each aperture is preferably aligned so that a pin  140  may pass through each flange  134 ,  135 , and  136 . The pin  140  may have an enlarged head  145  to prevent one end of the pin  140  from passing through the flanges  134 ,  135 , and  136 . The pin  140  may also be threaded on the end opposite of the enlarged head  145 , and a cap nut  146  may be threaded into place after the pin  140  is passed through the flanges  134 ,  135 , and  136  to prevent the pin  140  from withdrawing through the flanges  134 ,  135 , and  136 . The pin  140  may be used as an axel for a pulley (not shown) located between the flanges  134  and  135 . Alternatively, one or more pulleys may be located between the flanges  135  and  136 . The pin  140  may also be used to attach carabiners, ropes or other equipment. 
         [0063]    In a preferred embodiment, the wing  51  connects to the bolt plate  105  by a press fit, interlocking tabs, and 3¼ inch diameter flat head bolts. The bolt plate  105  preferably connects to the main plate  5  by 4½ inch diameter socket head bolts. The bolt plate  105  is preferably approximately 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 1¼ inches thick. The preferred bolt plate  105  is manufactured by CNC machining a block of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy to the desired shape. 
         [0064]    The preferred embodiment for a wing  51  measures approximately 8 inches long, 6 inches wide, and ½ inch thick. The preferred wing  51  is manufactured by CNC machining a block of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy to the desired shape. 
       Offset Leg Holder 
       [0065]    An offset leg holder  40  illustrated in  FIG. 2C  has a leg tube  150  and first and second flanges  154 ,  155 . The leg tube  150  has an inner surface  160  sized to receive a support leg  10 / 15 . One or more leg securing apertures  161  may be formed in the leg tube  150 , and preferably traverses through both walls of the leg tube  150  on opposite ends of a diameter. The leg tube  150  is illustrated as having a circular cross-section, but may be configured of any suitable shape (for example, square, hexagonal, etc.) to mate with a support leg  10 / 15 . 
         [0066]    The first flange  154  and a second flange  155  are preferably attached to the leg tube  150 . Preferably, each of the flanges  154  and  155  are at an angle with respect to the leg tube  150  so that a plane extending between the flanges  154  and  155 , and parallel to planes defined by the flanges  154  and  155 , does not intersect the midpoint of the leg tube  150 . A purpose of offsetting the flanges  154  and  155  as previously described may be to permit a support leg  10 / 15  to be set off to the side of a wing  90  or a wing  51  instead of being positioned in a plane defined by the wing  90  or the wing  51 . 
         [0067]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2C , the flanges  154  and  155  are preferably spaced apart to accommodate either a wing  90  or a wing  51  between the flanges  154  and  155 . One of the flanges  154  or  155  may contact a wing  90  or a wing  51  when a wing  90  or a wing  51  is placed between the flanges  154  and  155 , or neither flange  154  or flange  155  may contact the wing  90  or the wing  51 , or both the flange  154  and the flange  155  may contact the wing  90  or the wing  51 . The flanges  154  and  155  may include apertures  156  to reduce the weight of the offset leg holder  40 , permit viewing of written material in a recess  100 ,  125 , or secure a carabiner. 
         [0068]    Both of the flanges  154  and  155  preferably include a pivot aperture  162 , and the pivot aperture  162  is preferably approximately the same size as the leg holder pivot aperture  80  formed in the wing  90  or in the wing  51 . The offset leg holder  40  may be pivotally secured to a main plate  60  or to a half plate  50  by a pin (such as pins  165 ,  FIG. 4A ), bolt, or rivet passing through the pivot apertures  162  and the leg holder pivot aperture  80 . A pin or bolt may permit the offset leg holder  40  to be releasably, pivotally secured to a main plate  60  or to a half plate  50 , whereas a rivet may fixedly, pivotally secure an offset leg holder  40  to a main plate  60  or to a half plate  50 . 
         [0069]    When an offset leg holder  40  is pivotally secured to a wing  90  or to a wing  51 , an arc of travel for the offset leg holder  40  is defined by the wing  90  or the wing  51 . Locking apertures  120  in the flange  154  and in the flange  155  may be included and spaced to align with the leg holder angle adjustment apertures  91  at various points along the arc of travel for the offset leg holder  40 . One or more pins (such as pin  165 ,  FIG. 8 ), bolts, or rods may pass through the locking apertures  120  and the leg holder angle adjustment apertures  91  to lock the offset leg holder  40  in a position along its arc of travel. Withdrawing the one or more pins, bolts, or rods from locking apertures  120  in one flange (for example, flange  155 ) and from the angle adjustment apertures  91  may permit the offset leg holder  40  to be pivoted to a new position along its arc of travel. In a preferred embodiment, one or more pins ( 165 ,  FIG. 8 ), which are retained in the locking apertures  120  in the flange  154  as discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , may be reinserted through the leg holder angle adjustment apertures  91  and the locking apertures  120  in the flange  155  to lock the offset leg holder  40  in the new position. 
         [0070]    A preferred embodiment of an offset leg holder  40  is a two part welded assembly. An approximately 2½ inch diameter tube  150  that is 5½ inches long is welded onto an approximately 5½ inch long by 5 inch wide by 1¼ inch thick slotted triangular member. The tube  150  is manufactured by sawing to a desired length and drilling the leg securing aperture  161  with an overhead drill press. The flanges  154  and  155  are formed by CNC machining the slotted triangular member. The preferred material for the offset leg holder  40  is 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. 
       Centered Leg Holder 
       [0071]    A centered leg holder  45  illustrated in  FIG. 2D  has a leg tube  170  and first and second flanges  171 , 172 . The leg tube  170  has an inner surface  168  sized to receive a support leg  10 / 15 . One or more leg securing apertures  167  may be formed in the leg tube  170 , and preferably traverses through both walls of the leg tube  170  on opposite ends of a diameter. The leg tube  170  is illustrated as having a circular cross-section, but may be configured of any suitable shape (for example, square, hexagonal, etc.) to mate with a support leg  10 / 15 . 
         [0072]    The first flange  171  and a second flange  172  are preferably attached to the leg tube  170 . Preferably, each of the flanges  171  and  172  are at an angle with respect to the leg tube  170  so that a plane extending between the flanges  171  and  172 , and parallel to planes defined by the flanges  171  and  172 , intersects the midpoint of the leg tube  170 . A purpose of aligning the flanges  171  and  172  as previously described may be to permit a support leg  10 / 15  (singularly or in combination) to be positioned in a plane defined by the wing  90  or the wing  51 . 
         [0073]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2D , the flanges  171  and  172  are preferably spaced apart to accommodate either a wing  90  or a wing  51  between the flanges  171  and  172 . One of the flanges  171  and  172  may contact a wing  90  or a wing  51  when a wing  90  or a wing  51  is placed between the flanges  171  and  172 , or neither flange  171  or flange  172  may contact the wing  90  or the wing  51 , or both the flange  171  and the flange  172  may contact the wing  90  or the wing  51 . Apertures  174  may be included in the flanges  171  and  172  to reduce the weight of the centered leg holder  45 , permit viewing of written material in a recess  100 ,  125 , or secure a carabiner. 
         [0074]    Both of the flanges  171  and  172  preferably include a pivot aperture  176 , and the pivot aperture  176  is preferably approximately the same size as the leg holder pivot aperture  80  formed in the wing  90  or in the wing  51 . The centered leg holder  45  may be pivotally secured to a main plate  60  or to a half plate  50  by a pin, bolt, or rivet passing through the pivot apertures  176  and the leg holder pivot aperture  80 . A pin or bolt may permit the centered leg holder  45  to be releasably, pivotally secured to a main plate  60  or to a half plate  50 , whereas a rivet may fixedly, pivotally secure a centered leg holder  45  to a main plate  60  or to a half plate  50 . 
         [0075]    When a centered leg holder  45  is pivotally secured to a wing  90  or to a wing  51 , an arc of travel for the centered leg holder  45  is defined by the wing  90  or the wing  51 . Locking apertures  173  in the flange  171  and in the flange  172  may be included and spaced to align with the leg holder angle adjustment apertures  91  at various points along the arc of travel for the centered leg holder  45 . One or more pins, bolts, or rods may pass through the locking apertures  173  and the leg holder angle adjustment apertures  91  to lock the centered leg holder  45  in a position along its arc of travel. Withdrawing the one or more pins, bolts, or rods from locking apertures  173  in one flange (for example, flange  171 ) and from the angle adjustment apertures  91  may permit the centered leg holder  45  to be pivoted to a new position along its arc of travel. In a preferred embodiment, one or more pins  165  ( FIG. 8 ) are retained in the locking apertures  173  in the flange  172  as discussed above with reference to an offset leg holder  40 . 
         [0076]    A preferred embodiment of a centered leg holder  45  is a two part welded assembly. An approximately 2½ inch diameter tube  170  that is 5½ inches long is welded onto an approximately 5½ inch long by 5 inch wide by 1¼ inch thick slotted triangular member. The tube  170  is manufactured by sawing to a desired length and drilling the leg securing aperture  167  with an overhead drill press. The flanges  171  and  172  are formed by CNC machining the slotted triangular member. The preferred material for the centered leg holder  45  is 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. 
       Lash Ring 
       [0077]    A lash ring  20  illustrated in  FIG. 2E  has a tubular portion  21  and a flange portion  22 . The tubular portion  21  is illustrated with a circular cross-section, but may be configured of any suitable shape (for example, square, hexagonal, etc.) to mate with a support leg  10 / 15 . A lash ring locking aperture  23  preferably traverses both walls of the tubular portion  21  at opposite ends of a diameter. The lash ring locking aperture  23  is preferably approximately the size of support leg locking apertures  11  and  16 , which are preferably approximately the same size. 
         [0078]    The lash ring  20  is preferably hollow, thus permitting the lash ring  20  to be placed anywhere along the length of a support leg  10 / 15  (for example, see  FIG. 10A ). Lash rings  20  may be sized to fit on either the small leg tube  10 , the large leg tube  15 , or both. A pin (such as pin  180 ,  FIG. 3 ), bolt, or rod may pass through the lash ring locking aperture  23  and a support leg locking aperture  11  or  16  to lock the lash ring  20  in place on a support leg  10 / 15 . 
         [0079]    The flange  22  may include one or more lashing apertures  24 . The lashing apertures  24  may be elongate, circular, or another shape. The lashing apertures may assist with stabilizing and/or securing an artificial anchor point, and/or may be used as a place to attach carabiners, ropes, or other equipment. 
         [0080]    A preferred embodiment of a lash ring  20  is a two part welded assembly. An approximately 2½ inch diameter and 4 inch long tube  21  is welded onto an approximately 4½ inch diameter and ⅜ inch thick perforated circular flange  22 . The tube  21  is manufactured by sawing a longer piece of tubing to length and drilling the lash ring locking aperture  23  with an overhead drill press. The perforated circular flange  22  is manufactured by CNC machining a disc of solid metal to the desired shape. The preferred material for the lash ring  20  is 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. 
       Chain Plate 
       [0081]    A chain plate  25  illustrated in  FIG. 2F  has a central aperture  26 , a chain flange  27 , and a chain aperture  28 . Preferably, the central aperture  26  is sized to pass over a leg engaging section  185  of a foot  35 . When a chain plate  25  is located on a foot  35 , the chain plate  25  is preferably permitted to freely spin, and is not locked into position. Including a chain plate  25  on each foot  35 , or alternatively on each support leg  10 / 15 , and attaching a chain, rope, webbing, or other suitable element to each of the chain apertures  28  may assist preventing the support legs from spreading apart. Permitting the chain plates  25  to freely spin may allow each of the chain flanges  27  to point generally in the direction of a main plate  60  and/or a half plate  50 , and may prevent torsional stress from being imparted to the support legs by the chain, rope, webbing, or other suitable element secured in the chain apertures  28 . 
         [0082]    A preferred embodiment for the chain plate  25  measures approximately 4 inches by 3 inches and is ⅛ inch thick. The preferred chain plate  25  is manufactured by CNC machining a disc of 4130 annealed steel alloy to the desired shape and dimensions. 
       Foot 
       [0083]    A foot  35  illustrated in  FIG. 2G  has a support leg engaging section  185  and a surface engaging section  190 . The surface engaging surface  190  preferably includes a plurality of surface engaging features, such as relatively smooth foot surface  70  and spike  75  ( FIG. 11A ). The support leg engaging section  185  may be sized to fit within a support leg  10 / 15  or over a support leg  10 / 15 . The support leg engaging section  185  does not need to be circular, and is preferably shaped and sized to mate internally with a support leg  10 / 15 . A foot locking aperture  186  is preferably located in the support leg engaging section  185 , and preferably traverses both walls of the support leg engaging section  185  on opposite ends of a diameter. The foot locking aperture  186  is preferably approximately the size of support leg locking apertures  11  and  16 , which are preferably approximately the same size. A pin (such as pin  180 ,  FIG. 3 ), bolt, or rod may pass through the foot locking aperture  1960  and a support leg locking aperture  11  or  16  to lock the foot  35  in place on a support leg  10 / 15 . 
         [0084]    Removing the pin, bolt, or rod from the foot locking aperture  186  and a support leg locking aperture  11  or  16  may permit the foot  35  to be rotated (see  FIG. 11D ). Rotating the foot  35  may permit a user to selectively engage the surface the artificial anchor point rests on with a surface engaging feature, such as a relatively smooth foot surface  70  or a spike  75 . Replacing the pin, bolt, or rod into the foot locking aperture  186  and a support leg locking aperture  11  or  16  after rotating the foot  35  may lock the foot  35  in place with the selected surface engaging feature, such as the relatively smooth foot surface  70  or the spike  75 , engaging the surface the artificial anchor point rests on. 
         [0085]    The ground engaging section  190  may be made from a relatively soft material, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The relatively smooth foot surface  70  is preferably made from the same material as the ground engaging section  190 . The ground engaging section  190  may also include a threaded aperture  71 . A spike  75  ( FIG. 11A ) may have threads that engage the threaded aperture  71 . Including the spike  75  on the foot  35  may allow the foot  35  to have traction on surfaces, or grip surfaces, where the relatively smooth foot surface  70  does not provide satisfactory stability on, or engagement with, a surface. Alternate feet may be used in place of foot  35 , and some embodiments may not require a foot at all. 
         [0086]    A preferred embodiment for the foot  35  has an approximately 2½ inch diameter and 6 inch long support leg engaging section  185 . The preferred embodiment is manufactured by CNC machining to form the lip  195  ( FIG. 11C ) and other features. The preferred material is 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. The preferred spike  75  measures approximately 9/16 inch wide and 2 inches long, and is manufactured by CNC machining a piece of heat treated 4130 steel alloy to the desired shape. 
       Basket 
       [0087]    When an artificial anchor point is used on a soft surface, for example, mud, sand, snow, or tundra, a basket  30  illustrated in  FIG. 2H  may be attached to one or more feet  35  or to support legs  10 / 15 . Attaching a basket  30  to a foot  35  or to a support leg resting on a soft surface may decrease the distance the foot  35  and/or the support leg sinks into the soft surface. 
         [0088]    The basket  30  preferably has a central aperture  31  sized to fit around the leg engaging section  185  of a foot  35 . In a preferred embodiment, the basket  30  is retained on a leg  10 / 15  by a lip  195  on the foot  35  and the end of the support leg (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The chain plate  25  is also preferably retained on a support leg by the lip  195  on the foot  35  and the end of the support leg (see  FIGS. 11A-11C ). 
         [0089]    A preferred embodiment for the basket  30  measures approximately 6 inches in diameter and 3/16 inches thick. The preferred basket  30  is manufactured by CNC machining a sheet of general purpose nylon. 
       Large &amp; Small Leg Tubes 
       [0090]    The support legs illustrated in  FIG. 21  may include a large leg tube  15 , a small leg tube  10 , or a combination of large and small leg tubes  15 / 10 . Preferably the small leg tube  10  slidably fits within the large leg tube  15 , thus permitting support legs to telescopically extend and retract. The support legs may also slide through an offset leg holder  40  and/or a centered leg holder  45 . An additional, preferred feature is that large leg tubes  15  and small leg tubes  10  may be assembled in any manner, and in any number as needed. For example, a large leg tube  15 , a small leg tube  10 , or both, may be slidably engaged with either a small leg tube  10  or a large leg tube  15 , respectively, that protrudes through an offset leg holder  40  or a centered leg holder  45 . Additionally, a large leg tube  15  or a small leg tube  10  may be slidably engaged on either side of an offset leg holder  40  or a centered leg holder  45 . 
         [0091]    As discussed below, telescoping the support legs and/or sliding the support legs through an offset leg holder  40  and/or a centered leg holder  45  may permit the height and/or orientation of a main plate  60  and/or a half plate  50  to be adjusted with respect to the surface an artificial anchor point rests on. 
         [0092]    The large leg tube  15  may include support leg locking apertures  16 . The small leg tube  10  may include support leg locking apertures  11 . The number and position of the support leg locking apertures  11  and  16  is illustrated in a preferred configuration in  FIG. 21 , but the number and position of the support leg locking apertures  11  and  16  may vary. The support leg locking apertures  11  and  16  may be used to lock the large leg tube  15  in place with respect to the small leg tube  10  by inserting pins, bolts, rods, or other suitable elements through the support leg locking apertures  11  and  16 . The support leg locking apertures  11  and  16  may also be used to retain the large leg tube  15  and the small leg tube  10  in either an offset leg holder  40  or a centered leg holder  45  as described above. The support leg locking apertures  11  and  16  may also be used to retain various components on the large leg tube  15  and the small leg tube  10  as described above. 
         [0093]    Preferred embodiments of the large leg tube  15  and the small leg tube  10  are approximately 4 feet long with a 2½ inch diameter for the large leg tube  15  and a 2¼ inch diameter for the small leg tube  10 . The large leg tube  15  and the small leg tube  10  are manufactured by sawing longer tubes to length and drilling the support leg locking apertures  11  and  16  with an overhead drill press. Both the large leg tube  15  and the small leg tube  10  are preferably made from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. 
       Additional Preferred Configurations 
       [0094]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate an artificial anchor point constructed using a main plate  60  with two offset leg holders  40  pivotally attached to the main plate  60 , and a half plate  50  secured to the main plate  60  with one centered leg holder  45  pivotally attached to the half plate  50 . The offset leg holders  40  are attached to the main plate  60  so that they are both offset on the same side of the main plate  60 . Offsetting the two offset leg holders  40  on the same side of the main plate  60  permits a support leg  5 , including a small leg tube  10  and a large leg tube  15 , to be retained in each of the offset leg holders  40 . One support leg  55  is secured in the centered leg holder  45  that is pivotally attached to the half plate  50 . The support legs  5  and  55  are both in a horizontal position, that is, with the three leg holders  40 ,  45  pivoted to their uppermost position. The configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  may be useful for spanning an open gap and providing an anchor point above the open gap. Including one support leg  5  in both of the offset leg holders  40  pivotally attached to the main plate  60  may provide a strong anchor point. Hardware, for example a ¾″ pulley, carabiners, a rope, or other equipment, may be attached to the pin  140 , and may be used as rigging for lowering an object into the gap or raising an object out of the gap. 
         [0095]    Alternate embodiments may use all centered leg holders  45 , may eliminate the half plate  50 , or may include a second half plate  50  attached to the main plate  60  with a fourth leg holder  40  or  45  pivotally attached to the second half plate  50 . A third support leg may be retained in the fourth leg holder  40  or  45  in the horizontal, or other, position. Yet another alternate embodiment may include a separate support leg slidably retained in each of the three leg holders  40 ,  45  illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
         [0096]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate another artificial anchor point constructed using a main plate  60  with two offset leg holders  40  pivotally attached to the main plate  60 , and a half plate  50  secured to the main plate  60  with one centered leg holder  45  pivotally attached to the half plate  50 . In contrast to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4A  and  4 B, the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  includes the two offset leg holders  40  offset on opposite sides of the main plate  60 . A support leg  5  and a support leg  55 , both including a small leg tube  10  and a large leg tube  15 , is retained in each of the offset leg holders  40 . One support leg  65  is secured in the centered leg holder  45 . The three support legs  5 ,  55 , and  65  are in a horizontal position, that is, with the centered leg holder  45  and the two offset leg holders  40  pivoted to their uppermost position. The configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  may be useful for spanning an open gap and providing an anchor point above the open gap. 
         [0097]    By using offset leg holders  40  offset on either side of the main plate  60 , the support legs  5  and  55  are permitted to bypass one another, as illustrated in  FIG. 5A . The configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  may provide an artificial anchor point that is stronger than the anchor point illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  because two support legs, in other words, the two side-by-side support legs  5  and  55 , may span a gap instead of only one. The support leg  55  includes an end of the small leg tube  10  that extends through the offset leg holder  40  towards and past the centered leg holder  45 . Where the support leg  55  overlies the half plate  50 , the support leg  55  may rest in the leg divot  52  ( FIG. 2B ) in certain embodiments, or may not contact the leg divot  52  ( FIG. 2B ) in other embodiments. The leg divot  52  ( FIG. 2B ) may provide bracing, in addition to the two pins  165 , to prevent the support leg  55  from pivoting when the support leg  55  contacts the leg divot  52  ( FIG. 2B ). Alternatively, the leg divot  52  ( FIG. 2B ) may prevent unwanted interference or contact between the half plate  50  and the support leg  55  when the support leg  55  does not contact the leg divot  52  ( FIG. 2B ). 
         [0098]    Hardware, for example a ¾″ pulley, carabiners, a rope, or other equipment, may be attached to the pin  140 , and may be used as rigging for lowering an object into the gap or raising an object out of the gap. 
         [0099]    Alternate embodiments may include a second half plate  50  attached to the main plate  60  and a second centered leg holder  45  pivotally attached to the second half plate  50 . A fourth support leg may be retained in the second centered leg holder  45  in the horizontal, or other, position. If a second half plate  50  is attached to the main plate  60 , both of the support legs  5  and  55  attached to the offset leg holders  40  may have a leg divot  52  ( FIG. 2B ) available. 
         [0100]      FIGS. 6A ,  6 B,  7 A, and  7 B depict an embodiment for a tripod configuration with the support legs  5 ,  55 , and  65  in positions other than horizontal. The support legs  5 ,  55 , and  65  are capable of being placed in horizontal positions, for example, similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . As illustrated in  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B,  7 A, and  7 B, the support legs  5 ,  55 , and  65  may all bypass one another. The ability of the support legs  5 ,  55 , and  65  to bypass one another above the main plate  60  and the half plate  50  may provide the anchor point with configuration features that permit the anchor point to be adapted to a variety of terrain and space limitations. For example, permitting the support legs  5 ,  55 , and  65  to bypass one another may permit a user to extend the support legs  5 ,  55 , and/or  65  above the main plate  60  and the half plate  50  to match surrounding terrain instead of removing sections, or potentially needing to cut portions, from the support legs  5 ,  55 , or  65 . 
         [0101]    The support legs  5 ,  55 , and  65  may also telescopically extend and retract. Permitting the support legs  5 ,  55 , and  65  to both bypass one another above the main plate  60  and the half plate  50  and/or to telescope may permit the artificial anchor point to have increased flexibility regarding the height of the main plate  60  and the half plate  50  above a surface and to have increased flexibility regarding where the ends of the support legs  5 ,  55 , and  65  are located on a surface. An anchor point having legs that bypass one another, telescope, and/or pivot may also permit a user to orient the main plate  60  and/or the half plate  50  in a desired direction. For example, a user may keep the main plate  60  and/or the half plate  50  substantially level (as illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-12D ) by adjusting the support legs  5 ,  55 , and/or  65  to fit the terrain. Keeping the main plate  60  and/or the half plate  50  substantially level may prevent ropes from interfering with one another, may prevent unwanted or dangerous side loading, may evenly distribute a load to the support legs, and/or may direct the forces from loads attached to ropes between the legs of the anchor point. A user may also place the main plate  60  and/or the half plate  50  in load securing orientations other than substantially level depending on the terrain, space limitations, or rigging or other needs. 
       Preferred Pin 
       [0102]      FIGS. 8 ,  9 A and  9 B illustrate a preferred embodiment for a pin  165  used when constructing an artificial anchor point with the preferred components. In a preferred embodiment, the pin  165  is used as the pivot pin for both centered and offset leg holders  45 ,  40  and as the pin used to lock both centered and offset leg holders  45 ,  40  into position along their arc of travel. A different pin having a constant diameter is preferably used for locking a small leg tube  10  in place in a large leg tube  15 , locking a foot  35  to a support leg  10  or  15 , locking a lash ring  20  to a support leg  10  or  15 , and as the pin to lock a support leg in an offset leg holder  40  or a centered leg holder  45 . In other embodiments, the pin  165  may be used anywhere in the system where a pin, bolt, rod, or other suitable element is needed, including, but not limited to, locking an offset leg holder  40  or a centered leg holder  45  in a position along its arc of travel, locking a small leg tube  10  in place in a large leg tube  15 , locking a foot  35  to a support leg  10  or  15 , locking a lash ring  20  to a support leg  10  or  15 , as the pivot point for an offset leg holder  40  or for a centered leg holder  45 , and in place of the pin  180  ( FIG. 3 ) to lock a support leg in an offset leg holder  40  or a centered leg holder  45 . 
         [0103]    The pin  165  is preferably 2¼ inches long and includes a grasping region  210  with a major diameter of ⅞ inch. A preferred embodiment of the pin  165  has a first pin diameter  215  that is approximately ⅝ inch in diameter, and a second pin diameter  220 , which is smaller than the first pin diameter  215 , preferably by 2 to 6 thousandths of an inch. A detent  255  is preferably formed in the first pin diameter  215 , and a second detent  230  is preferably formed in the second pin diameter  220 . The preferred embodiment is manufactured by CNC machining a rod of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy to the desired shape and dimensions. 
         [0104]    The following discussion refers to an offset leg holder  40 , but applies equally to a centered leg holder  45 . In a preferred embodiment, an internal portion of the flange  154  (alternatively on the flange  155 ) proximate the pivot aperture  162  and the locking apertures  120  on the offset leg holder  40  ( FIG. 2C ) contains a pin retaining mechanism, such as a spring  240  secured to a stop  245  and a follower  235 , that communicates with the pivot aperture  162 . When the pin  165  is inserted into the pivot aperture  162  (or the locking apertures  120 ), the end of the pin  165  pushes the follower  235  towards the stop  245 . When the detent  230  aligns with the follower  235 , the spring  240  forces the follower  235  into the detent  230  ( FIG. 9B ), which retains the pin  165  in the pivot aperture  162  (or the locking apertures  120 ) in a “parked” position, that is, with a reduced risk that the pin  165  will fall out of the pivot aperture  162  (or the locking apertures  120 ). Providing the pin  165  with a “parked” position may allow the leg holder  40  to be stored with the pins  165  in a ready position, that is, not loose in a bag, but in a position where a user simply needs to push the pin  165  through an aperture when the pivot aperture  162  or locking aperture  120  is aligned with another aperture. As the pin  165  is further inserted into the pivot aperture  162  (or locking aperture  120 ), the surface of the pin  165  again pushes the follower  235  towards the stop  245 . When the detent  225  aligns with the follower  235 , the spring  240  forces the follower  235  into the detent  225  ( FIG. 9A ), again retaining the pin  165  in the pivot aperture  162  (or locking aperture  120 ) with a reduced risk that the pin  165  will fall out of the pivot aperture  162  (or locking aperture  120 ). 
         [0105]    When a load is applied to the pin  165  while the pin  165  is in an aperture, for example the pivot aperture  162 , the end of the pin  165  opposite the grasping region  210  may be slightly moved with respect to the end proximate the grasping region  210  because of the smaller second pin diameter  220 . Such a slight movement may misalign the pin  165  from the central axis of the aperture and apply a differential force at the opposite ends of the pin  165  sufficient to “lock” the pin  165  in place. Thus, the smaller second pin diameter  220  may help retain the pin  165  in place when the pin  165  is inserted into an aperture and a load is applied to the pin  165 . 
         [0106]    The pin  165  may also include a cotter key hole  250  to permit a cotter key, or other suitable element, to assist retain the pin  165  in place. 
       Footprint 
       [0107]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate various footprints.  FIG. 13A  is an illustration of a prior art configuration where three legs come together at a common point and used to lift a load. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13B , the footprint or working area, that is, the space between the legs  500 ,  505 , and  510  is preferably large enough to accommodate a litter bearing an injured person as well as an attendant for the litter. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13B  is capable of suspending ropes and other equipment at the same height as the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 13A . However, the embodiment of  FIG. 13B  may be modified to have a footprint or working area between the legs  500 ,  505 , and  510  similar to the footprint illustrated in  FIG. 13A  to fit into a confined area. Thus, one advantage certain embodiments may provide over the prior art is adjustability for both footprint and working height to provide an enlarged work area underneath an artificial anchor point, a constant working height for an artificial anchor point, or both. 
       Kits 
       [0108]    A kit may include several components that may be assembled to construct an artificial anchor point, or to construct several artificial anchor points. The number and types of components in a kit may vary depending on the artificial anchor points to be built, the weight of the kit, and other factors. 
         [0109]    In a preferred embodiment, a kit for an artificial anchor point includes in a main bag: (1) a head and accessory bag, (2) a single leg bag, and (3) a double leg bag. The head and accessory bag preferably contains a main plate  60 , a half plate  50 , one offset leg holder  40 , two centered leg holders  45 , and a chain or rope for running through chain plates  25 . The offset leg holder  40  and the centered leg holders  45  may each have three pins  165  ( FIG. 8 ) that are in a “parked” position, that is, the pins  165  may be partially inserted in the leg holders  40 ,  45  so that detents  230  cooperate with followers  235  to retain the pins in the leg holders  40 ,  45  instead of the pins being loose in the head and accessory bag. A number of loose pins (similar to pin  180 ,  FIG. 3 ) having a substantially constant diameter shaft may be contained in the head and accessory bag, and may be used to pin components other than the leg holders  40 ,  45  to the main plate  60  and/or the half plate  50 , for example, to pin a lash ring to a support leg. 
         [0110]    The single leg bag preferably contains a large leg tube  15  and two small leg tubes  10 . A foot  35 , a basket  30 , and a chain plate  25  are preferably pinned in place on one of the small leg tubes  10 . A centered leg holder  45  is preferably pinned in place on the small leg tube  10  that bears the foot  35 . The centered leg holder  45  preferably contains three pins  165  ( FIG. 8 ) that are in a “parked” position, that is, the pins  165  may be partially inserted in the leg holder  45  so that detents  230  cooperate with followers  235  to retain the pins in the pivot aperture  176  and the locking apertures  173  instead of the pins being loose in the single leg bag. Additional pins for locking the small leg tubes  10  in the large leg tube  15  may also be included in the single leg bag. 
         [0111]    The double leg bag preferably contains two large leg tubes  15  and four small leg tubes  10 . A foot  35 , a basket  30 , and a chain plate  25  are preferably pinned in place on two of the small leg tubes  10 . An offset leg holder  40  is preferably pinned in place on the two small leg tubes  10  that bear the feet  35 . The offset leg holders  40  preferably contain three pins  165  ( FIG. 8 ) that are in a “parked” position, that is, the pins  165  may be partially inserted in the leg holder  40  so that detents  230  cooperate with followers  235  to retain the pins in the pivot apertures  162  and the locking apertures  120  instead of the pins being loose in the double leg bag. Additional pins for locking the small leg tubes  10  in the large leg tube  15  may also be included in the single leg bag. More or fewer small leg tubes  10  and large leg tubes  15  may be supplied for each of the single and double leg bags. 
         [0112]    If a tripod anchor point is needed, a user may grab the main bag and transport it to the site where the tripod anchor point will be used. However, if only a bipod anchor point is needed, a user may grab the head and accessory bag and the double leg bag out of the main bag and transport them to the site where the bipod anchor point will be used. Or, if a gin pole is needed, a user may grab the head and accessory bag and the single leg bag out of the main bag and transport them to the site where the gin pole will be used. By compartmentalizing the components into several gear bags, it is possible for users to grab only the components needed for a particular job, which may reduce the amount of weight that needs to be transported to a job site, and may assist users to more quickly assemble the desired anchor point configuration by reducing the number of parts that need to be sorted through. Alternate kits may contain different component distributions and/or a different number of bags. 
         [0113]    It will be obvious to those having skill in the art that many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5