Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/539,522 filed Jan. 27, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety herein. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   State of the Art 
   Carabiners are used for various applications in many different activities. Carabiners are typically associated with outdoor recreational activities, such as rock climbing, mountaineering, and mountain rescue work. However, carabiners are also employed in many other applications, such as rescue work in urban and industrial settings, safety restraints in urban and industrial settings, law enforcement work, military applications. 
   State of the Art: Carabiners are used for various applications in many different activities. Carabiners are typically associated with outdoor recreational activities, such as rock climbing, mountaineering, and mountain rescue work. However, carabiners are also employed in applications as rescue work in urban and industrial settings, safety restraints in urban and industrial settings, law enforcement work, military applications, among many other applications. 
   Generally, a carabiner includes a ring or C-shaped body having a gate which may be opened to insert a rope, sling, or a belay/rappel device (e.g., a figure eight device or another belay/rappel device). The gate is shut, typically, by a spring which urges the gate closed. Often times, the gate may be further secured in a closed position by a locking mechanism which locks the gate to prevent unintended opening thereof. 
   Typically, a carabiner having an elongated shape, such as an oval or a D-shape, exhibits different load carrying capacities in different directions.  FIG. 1  shows a carabiner  100  having a generally C-shaped body  102  and a gate  104  secured at one end region  110  of the C-shaped body  102 . The gate  104  may be pivoted to open as shown in  FIG. 1 . The load carrying capacity of the carabiner  100  is greatest along its major axis  106 , while exhibiting a reduced carrying capacity along its minor axis  108  (i.e., when cross-loaded). The carabiner  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is depicted having a screw locking mechanism  112  that may be used to lock the gate  104  when closed. 
   The carabiner  100  may rotate during use, causing loading to occur primarily along its weaker, minor axis  108 . Even worse, the gate  104  may be significantly loaded along the minor axis  108 , causing the gate  104  to break and the carabiner  100  to fail. Many potentially unsafe scenarios may arise when using a traditional carabiner, if care is not taken. For instance, with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , one potentially hazardous scenario is shown using the example of a climber rappelling with a figure eight device. Referring to  FIG. 2 , a climber wearing a climbing harness  114  having a waist belt  116  and leg loops  118  is illustrated. The leg loops  118  and the waist belt  116  are attached together with belay loop  119 . The conventional locking carabiner  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) having a figure eight device  122  attached thereto is attached to the belay loop  119 . A rope  124  is threaded through the figure eight device  122  in a manner to enable a controlled rappel by the climber. The proper use of the figure eight device  122  is depicted in  FIG. 2 , wherein the carabiner  100  is loaded during rappelling primarily along its major axis  106 . However, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the carabiner  100  may rotate in the belay loop  119  either during belaying or rappelling to cause the figure eight device  122  to not only load the carabiner  100  along its minor axis  108 , but to have the figure eight device  122  bear directly against the screw locking mechanism  112  and the gate  104 . The loading situations depicted in  FIG. 3  may cause the screw locking mechanism  112 , the gate  104 , or both to break, potentially having catastrophic consequences for the climber if the rope is disconnected from the carabiner  100 . At the very least, the carabiner  100  is oriented such that it is loaded along its weaker axis (i.e., the minor axis  108 ). 
   An attempt to prevent a conventional carabiner from being cross-loaded is disclosed in European Patent Application EP 0976936 assigned to DMM Engineering Limited of Great Britain. The carabiners disclosed in EP 0976936 are sold by DMM International and are called the DMM “Belay Master.” The DMM Belay Master carabiner is illustrated in  FIGS. 4A–4D . Referring to  FIG. 4A , a carabiner  126  having a generally C-shaped body  128 , a gate  130  with a locking mechanism  138 , and a lateral support member  132  is shown. A spring mechanism (not shown) urges the gate  130  to rotate in direction  136  about pin  134  to close. The gate  130  is shown closed in  FIG. 4B , wherein the locking mechanism  138  is moved upward in direction  140  and screwed in direction  142  to securely lock the locking mechanism  138 . As shown in  FIG. 4C , the lateral support member  132  is then rotated about a portion of the C-shaped body  128  and snapped over the gate  130  including the locking mechanism  138  to create a so-called “captive eye” opening  144  at the bottom of the carabiner  126  and an opening  150  at the top thereof. 
   The lateral support member  132  assists with preventing the carabiner  126  from rotating when it is secured to another object.  FIG. 4D  illustrates the captive eye opening  144  of carabiner  126  attached to a belay loop  146  of a climbing harness and a rope  148  threaded through the opening  150  of the carabiner  126  and a belay/rappel device  152 . The lateral support member  132  prevents the carabiner  126  from rotating in the belay loop  146  to an orientation such that it may be cross-loaded along its minor axis. Furthermore, because the lateral support member  132  covers the gate  130 , it is difficult for another object (e.g., another carabiner,figure eight device, etc.) to bear directly against the gate  130 . While the lateral support member  132  of the DMM Belay Master carabiner reduces the ability of the carabiner to become cross-loaded during use, the gate  130  cannot be opened unless the lateral support member  132  is disengaged. If the user has to open the gate  130 , he or she must disengage the lateral support member  132  and unscrew the locking mechanism  138 . This takes valuable additional time for the user and eliminates the beneficial captive eye opening  144 . Another disadvantage with the DMM Belay Master carabiner is the lateral support member  132  is formed from a weaker, plastic-type of material. 
   Another attempt to prevent cross-loading of a carabiner is disclosed in United States Patent Application Publication US2003/0167608 assigned to Zedel of Crolles, France (hereinafter “the &#39;608 Application”). Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the carabiner  154  disclosed in the &#39;608 Application is shown. In  FIG. 5A , the carabiner  154  is depicted having a generally C-shaped body  156  and a gate  158  that may pivot about pin  164 . The locking mechanism  160  has a lateral support member  162  extending therefrom to bear against an opposing portion  174  of the C-shaped body  156 . When the gate  158  is closed and the lateral support member  162  is engaged, a captive eye opening  172  is created at the bottom of the carabiner  154 . Referring to  FIG. 5B , in order to open the carabiner  154 , the locking mechanism  160  must be released and rotated in direction  170 . However, as with the DMM Belay Master (shown in  FIGS. 4A–4D ), in order to open the gate of the carabiner  154 , the lateral support member  162  must be disengaged, thus, eliminating the captive eye opening  172 . Furthermore, there is a potential danger that a climber may inadvertently sandwich the belay loop of a climbing harness between the body  156  of the carabiner  154  and the lateral support member  162 , having potentially disastrous consequences. 
   Accordingly, there is a need for a carabiner having a captive eye opening and, optionally, wherein the gate of the carabiner may be opened without eliminating the captive eye opening. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention, in a number of embodiments, includes carabiners having a captive eye opening which prevents the carabiner from becoming cross-loaded during use. In addition, methods of making and using the carabiners are also disclosed. 
   In an exemplary embodiment, a carabiner is disclosed. The carabiner may have a generally C-shaped body including a first end region, a second end region, and an elongated section therebetween. A gate is mounted at the second end region and is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The carabiner further includes an arm rotatable about the elongated section. The arm avoids interference with the gate in the open position when the arm is positioned to extend laterally from a portion of the elongated section to a location at least proximate the second end region of the generally C-shaped body. 
   In another exemplary embodiment, a carabiner is disclosed. The carabiner may have a generally C-shaped body having a first end region, a second end region, and an elongated section therebetween. A gate is mounted at the second end region and is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The carabiner further includes an arm having a female structure that receives the elongated section and laterally extends from a portion of the elongated section to a location at least proximate the second end region. The arm and the generally C-shaped body define a major opening and a captive eye opening. The positioning of the arm avoids interference with the gate in its open position. 
   In another exemplary embodiment, a carabiner is disclosed. The carabiner may have a generally C-shaped body having a first end region, a second end region, and an elongated section therebetween. A gate is mounted at the second end region and is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The carabiner further includes an arm rotatable about the elongated section between a first rotational position and at least a second rotational position. In the first rotational position, the arm extends laterally from the elongated section until a surface thereof lies at least proximate an interior portion of the gate opposing the elongated section. 
   In yet another exemplary embodiment, a carabiner is disclosed. The carabiner may have a generally C-shaped body having a first end region, a second end region, and an elongated section therebetween. A gate is mounted at the second end region and is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The carabiner further includes a rotatable arm mounted at the second end region, wherein the arm is rotatable to be situated within the interior of the generally C-shaped body to define a top opening and a bottom opening with the generally C-shaped body. 
   These features, advantages, and alternative aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in combination with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings, which illustrate what is currently considered to be the best mode for carrying out the invention: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a conventional locking carabiner; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a climber employing the carabiner of  FIG. 1  for rappelling in conjunction with a figure eight device; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a figure eight device cross-loading the carabiner of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIGS. 4A–4D  illustrate the DMM Belay Master carabiner; 
       FIGS. 5A–5B  illustrate another carabiner which employs a lateral support member extending from the gate locking mechanism; 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates an exemplary carabiner of the present invention depicted with its lateral support member and gate in its closed position; 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates the body of the carabiner of  FIG. 6A  without the lateral support member and the gate for clarity; 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates the carabiner of  FIG. 6A  with the lateral support member rotated to an open position; 
       FIG. 6D  illustrates the lateral support member having a generally C-shaped channel to be fitted on the body of the carabiner as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6C ; 
       FIG. 6E  illustrates a two piece lateral support member that may be assembled around the elongated section of the carabiner of  FIG. 6B ; 
       FIGS. 6F and 6G  illustrate a lateral support member having a generally U-shaped channel to be fitted onto the body of the carabiner; 
       FIG. 6H  illustrates a sectional view of the generally C-shaped channel of the lateral support member shown in  FIG. 6D  having a spacer between the channel and the elongated section of the carabiner to provide a close fit; 
       FIG. 7  illustrates another carabiner of the present invention having a fixed lateral support member; 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate another exemplary carabiner of the present invention having a lateral support member that prevents opening of the gate; 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate yet another exemplary carabiner of the present invention having a captive eye forming member that defines a captive eye opening with the body of the carabiner; 
       FIG. 9C  illustrates an exemplary carabiner of the present invention having a captive eye forming member and a captive eye locking mechanism; 
       FIG. 10A  illustrates yet another exemplary carabiner of the present invention having a captive eye forming member; and 
       FIG. 10B  illustrates a retaining mechanism for use with the carabiner of  FIG. 10A . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention, in a number of embodiments, includes carabiners having a captive eye opening which prevents the carabiner from becoming cross-loaded during use. As known in the art, the body of the carabiners of the present invention may be formed from a variety of metals and alloys, such as aluminum alloys and steel. The body of the carabiners may be shaped by bending into the desired shape, followed by stamping or machining to impart a desired cross-section configuration, and heat treating, if necessary or desired, to increase the strength or alter other properties thereof. In the detailed description which follows, like features and elements in the several embodiments are identified in the drawings with the same or similar reference numerals for the convenience of the reader. 
   An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIGS. 6A–6H . A carabiner  176  having a generally C-shaped body  178 , a gate  182  including a locking mechanism  188 , and a lateral support member  194  is shown in  FIG. 6A . The gate  182  is secured to end region  184  of the body  178  by a pin  200  (e.g., a rivet, screw, etc.). The gate  182  is rotatable about pin  200  to enable the gate  182  to open and close manually along the general arc  189 . In the closed position depicted in  FIG. 6A , a slot in the gate  182  receives an end region  186  of the body  178 . Various configurations for the end regions  184  and  186  of the body  178  may be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. One exemplary configuration for the end regions  184  and  186  is illustrated in  FIG. 6B , where the body  178  is shown for clarity without the lateral support member  194  and the gate  182 . 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 6A , the locking mechanism  188  may comprise a screw locking mechanism which is secured to the gate  182  by threading thereon to fit snugly around the end region  186  encompassed by a portion of the gate  182 . However, the locking mechanism  188  may also comprise a spring mechanism which urges the locking mechanism upwardly toward the end region  186  and which may be secured in place by a pin in the gate  182  being received by a slot in the locking mechanism  188 . Other types of suitable locking mechanisms  188  may be used to lock the gate  182  to prevent inadvertent opening during use. A carabiner  176  without a locking mechanism  188  is within the scope of the present invention. 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 6A , the lateral support member  194  has a generally C-shaped channel  208  (shown in  FIGS. 6D and 6E ) that is closely fitted around an elongated section  212  of the body  178 . The lateral support member  194  may be formed from a material such as, for example, a machined aluminum alloy, a plastic (e.g., injection molded nylon), or a composite (e.g., injection molded fiber reinforced plastic). The lateral support member  194  is secured against the elongated section  212  by a manually operated detent mechanism  198  inserted into the hole  199  (shown in  FIGS. 6D–6H ), such as a button that releases a biasing mechanism that bears against the elongated section  212 . Another suitable type of detent mechanism is described in more detail with respect to the biasing mechanism  220  illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A–6H , the lateral support member  194  extends laterally across the interior of the carabiner  176  to bear against the end region  184  just below the gate  182 . When extended in its closed position, the lateral support member  194  divides the interior of the carabiner  176  into two sections: a captive eye opening  190  and a major opening  192 . The major opening  192  may be accessed by the gate  182 . While the captive eye opening  190  is shown as having a smaller size than the major opening  192 , the two openings may be of about the same size, if desired. Furthermore, the gate  182  may still be opened to its full extent along the general arc  189  when the lateral support member  194  is in the closed position shown in  FIG. 6A  (i.e., the lateral support member  194  does not interfere with the opening of the gate  182 ). 
   The lateral support member  194  includes a female recess  210  (shown in  FIGS. 6C-6G ), which is sized and configured to mate with and engage a portion of the end region  184  (serving as the male member) to provide additional structural support to prevent the lateral support member  194  from inadvertently moving out of its closed position. The lateral support member  194  is movable in an axial direction  206  along the length of the elongated section  212  that it is fitted to and rotatable in a direction  204  about the elongated section  212 . The extent of the allowable axial movement in axial direction  206  is restricted by the securing element  196  which is sized to fit in the L-shaped slot  202  of the lateral support member  194 . The securing element  196  may be a pin, a screw, a rivet, etc., fixed to the elongated section  212  of the body  178 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6C , the ability of the lateral support member  194  to rotate about the elongated section  212  is shown. The lateral support member  194  is urged upward in axial direction  206  along the elongated section  212  until the securing element  196  bears against base of lateral slot segment  203  of the L-shaped slot  202 . The dimensions of the lateral support member  194  are such that when it is moved upward it does not interfere with the gate  182  in the closed position. The lateral support member  194  may then be rotated in the direction  204  within an arc provided by the lateral slot segment  203 . The extent of the angular rotation about elongated section  212  is determined by length of lateral slot segment  203 . 
   The lateral support member  194  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 6D . The lateral support member  194  includes a generally C-shaped channel  208  that is sized to fit around the elongated section  212  of the body  178 . The cross-section that defines the generally C-shaped channel  208  includes the L-shaped slot  202  comprised of the lateral slot segment  203  and the longitudinal slot segment  205  configured to receive the securing element  196  (shown in  FIG. 6A ). The opposing end of the lateral support member  194  includes the female recess  210  which mates with the end region  184  of the body  178 . The female recess  210  is configured such that the end region  184 , defining a male member, may be closely fitted within the female recess  210 . 
   The exemplary carabiner  176  depicted in  FIGS. 6A–6C  enables having a captive eye opening  190  while still allowing the user to be able to open the gate  182  to its fall extent. Thus, the carabiner  176  is well suited for use in belaying and rappelling. The belay loop of a climber&#39;s harness may simply be looped through the captive eye Qpening  190 , while the rope and the belay/rappel device are looped through the major opening  192 . The lateral support member  194  keeps the carabiner  176  oriented such that it is loaded predominately along its major axis during use. The carabiner  176  is also well suited for rescue situations. A pulley or other hauling device may be looped through the captive eye opening  190 , while the major opening  192  is attached to an anchor such as, a tripod or a fixed anchor (e.g., bolts or other type of protection). Also, in some situations, the rope or sling may be looped through the captive eye opening  190  and, thus, cannot accidentally fall out. This is particularly useful when the user is clipping the carabiner  176  into an awkward or out-of-sight position such as, for example, clipping into the dorsal attachment on a fall protection harness. By employing the carabiner  176 , it is difficult for it to rotate during use, reducing the chance of cross-loading and, thus, failure. 
   The lateral support member  194  may be installed on the body  178  by inserting the reduced cross-section portion  180  of the elongated section  212  into the generally C-shaped channel  208 . The dimensions of the reduced cross-section portion  180  are such that it may be received by the generally C-shaped channel  208 . Once the reduced cross-section portion  180  is received by the generally C-shaped channel  208 , the lateral support member  194  is moved in the downward axial direction  206  to the thicker portion of the elongated section  212 . The dimensions of the generally C-shaped channel  208  are such that the thicker portion of the elongated section  212  cannot be removed from the C-shaped channel  208  once the lateral support member  194  is installed. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6D , the lateral support member  194  may only be removed by sliding it upward around the reduced cross-section portion  180 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , when the lateral support member  194  is in its secured position, the securing element  196  bears against the top portion of the longitudinal slot segment  205 . Therefore, after the securing element  196  has been attached, the lateral support member  194  may not be uninstalled from the body  178  unless the securing element  196  has been detached. 
   In another exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6E , the lateral support member  194  may be formed from two pieces,  194 A and  194 B, that may be assembled around the elongated section  212  of the carabiner  176  and fixed together using a connection element  195  such as, a screw, rivet, pin, etc. In another exemplary embodiment, the lateral support member may be installed on an elongated member, such as a rod, prior to bending the elongated member into the desired C-shape. The shaping of the elongated member may be performed by bending the rod around a die to obtain the desired C-shape. 
   In another exemplary method of installing a lateral support member on the body of a carabiner illustrated in  FIGS. 6F and 6G , a lateral support member  197  may have a generally U-shaped channel  208 ′. As shown in  FIG. 6F , the dimensions of the U-shaped channel  208 ′ are such that the elongated section  212  of the body  178  may be received by U-shaped channel  208 ′. The lateral support member  197  may be securely fastened to the elongated section  212  by bending the ears of the U-shaped channel  208 ′ inward to form a generally C-shaped channel as with C-shaped channel  208  shown in  FIG. 6D . Referring to  FIG. 6G , the lateral support member  197  may also be securely fastened to the elongated section  212  by using a fastening element  209  such as, a pin, a screw, or a rivet, etc. that extends between the ears of the U-shaped channel  208 ′. 
   In yet another exemplary embodiment for installing the lateral support member  194  illustrated in  FIG. 6H , the C-shaped channel  208 , either being generally C-shaped or a full circle, may be dimensioned large enough to be able to be slipped over a fully formed body of a carabiner such as, the generally C-shaped body  178 . As shown in the sectional view of  FIG. 6H , when the elongated section  212  of the body  178  is inserted inside the C-shaped channel  208 , a spacer, insert, or pin  213  may be placed between the C-shaped channel  208  and the elongated section  212  to take up the additional volume and provide a close fit. 
   Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 7 . A carabiner  214  having a body  178  and a lateral support member  194 ′ is shown in  FIG. 7 . Although the carabiner  214  is shown in  FIG. 7  without a gate, it should be understood that a gate (e.g., a locking or non-locking gate) is to be attached to the end region  184  by a pin or other securing element enabling rotation thereof. The lateral support member  194 ′ extends from the elongated section  212  of the body  178  to bear against the end region  184  just below the gate to define the captive eye opening  190  and the major opening  192 . The lateral support member  194 ′, being positioned to abut the end region  184  just below the gate, does not interfere with the opening of the gate. The gate is, thus, capable of opening to its full extent with lateral support member  194 ′ in place. As with the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 6A–6H , the lateral support member  194 ′ has a female recess  210  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) that receives the end region  184 . However, unlike the exemplary embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 6A–6H , the lateral support member  194 ′ is fixed in place by a securing element  215 , such as a flat head screw, a rivet, pin, etc., that bears against the elongated section  212 . Alternatively, lateral support member  194 ′ may be formed in two mating halves and clamped about the elongated section  212  using the securing element  215 . The lateral support member  194 ′ may be manufactured and installed on the body  178  using one of the methods and materials employed in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 6A–6H . 
   The carabiner  214  depicted in  FIG. 7  is well suited for use in an indoor climbing gym. Because the lateral support member  194 ′ is fixed by the securing element  215 , such that removal of it requires deliberately removing the securing element  215 , if a sling or runner having another carabiner are looped through the captive eye opening  190  (i.e., as with a quickdraw), it is difficult to remove. Thus, it is difficult for a person to steal the other climbing gear looped through the captive eye opening  190  of the carabiner  214 . Equipment manufacturers may also sell the carabiner  214  having a sling or lanyard looped through the captive eye opening  190 . When the sling or lanyard wears out, the user may simply remove the lateral support member  194 ′ and replace the sling or lanyard. A user may also keep the carabiner  214  semi-permanently attached to the belay loop of his or her climbing harness. When the harness wears out, the carabiner  214  may be removed and placed on a new harness. 
   Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . Referring to  FIG. 8A , carabiner  216  having a body  178  comprising a lateral support member  194 ″ and a wire gate  218  is shown. The lateral support member  194 ″ may be fitted onto the elongated section  212  of the body  178  by a generally C-shaped channel of the lateral support member  194 ″ receiving the elongated section  212  in a similar manner as the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 6A–6H  and  FIG. 7 . The lateral support member  194 ″ may be formed from a material such as, for example, a machined aluminum alloy, a plastic (e.g., injection molded nylon), or a composite (e.g., injection molded fiber reinforced plastic). In the closed position shown in  FIG. 8A , the lateral support member  194 ″ extends from the elongated section  212  of the body  178  laterally across to cover the wire gate  218  along a substantial portion of its length and to define the captive eye opening  190  and the major opening  192 . A surface  193  of the lateral support member  194 ″ lies proximate an interior portion  217  of the gate wire  218 . The lateral support member  194 ″ does not need to abut against the wire gate  218 . Instead, there may be a small standoff between the lateral support member  194 ″ and the wire gate  218 . However, the lateral support member  194 ″ is situated close enough to the wire gate  218  to prevent wire gate  218  from opening. 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 8A , the lateral support member  194 ″ is rotatable about the elongated section  212  in a direction  207  and movable to a certain extent along the elongated section  212  in an axial direction  206 . A biasing mechanism  220  is depicted, such as a pin urged against the elongated section  212  by a spring, to bear against the elongated section  212  to restrain the lateral support member  194 ″ from being able to rotate or move along the length of the elongated section  212 . To rotate the lateral support member  194 ″, the biasing mechanism  220  is manually released so it does not bear against the elongated section  212 , enabling the user to manually rotate it in the direction  207 . Once the lateral support member  194 ″ is rotated, the wire gate  218  may be opened. 
     FIG. 8B  illustrates an exemplary embodiment similar to that of  FIG. 8A . A carabiner  216 ′ is illustrated having a more conventional circular cross-section gate  222 , instead of a wire gate  218 , pivotably fixed by pin  200  at the end region  184  of the body  178 . The cross-section gate  222  may have a flat portion  224  that opposes the lateral support member  194 ″. The surface  193  of the lateral support member  194 ″ lies proximate an interior portion  225  of the cross-section gate  222 . The standoff  223 , or space, between the lateral support member  194 ″ and the cross-section gate  222  is shown in  FIG. 8B . The lateral support member  194 ″ functions in the same manner as described with respect to  FIG. 8A . The lateral support member  194 ″ may be installed using one of the many manufacturing and installation methods mentioned with respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 6A–6H  and  FIG. 7 . 
   The carabiners  216  and  216 ′ do not require a separate manual operation by the user to lock the gate. The lateral support member  194 ″ must simply be rotated into the closed position shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  for the gate to be locked. Thus, a locking mechanism, such as a sleeve or the like, is not necessary for the gate. Without a locking mechanism, the gate may have a larger gate opening. Alternatively, the carabiners  216  and  216 ′ may include a locking mechanism such as a sleeve for redundancy, which may be desirable. Because the lateral support member  194 ″ covers a substantial portion of the length of the gate, it is nearly impossible for a rappel device, such as a figure eight device, to bear directly against the gate to cause failure. Furthermore, with respect to the carabiner  216  shown in  FIG. 8A , it has the added benefit of employing a light weight wire gate  218  with a wider gate opening in conjunction with the lateral support member  194 ″ to create the beneficial captive eye opening  190 . 
   Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is disclosed in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . In  FIG. 9A , a carabiner  226  having a body  178 , a gate  182 ′ pivotably attached to the end region  184 , and a captive eye forming member  227  is shown. Although  FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict a non-locking gate  182 ′, a locking gate may be employed if desired for the particular application. The captive eye forming member  227  shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , is a wire that is bent to define a hollow rectangular shape, wherein its ends are attached to recesses  230  on the end region  184  of the body  178 . The captive eye forming member  227  is manually rotatable along an arc in the direction  232 . In  FIG. 9B , the captive eye forming member  227  is shown in its open position. When in the closed position, as depicted in  FIG. 9A , the captive eye forming member  227  and the body  178  define a captive eye opening  190  and a major opening  192 . The captive eye forming member  227  is manually rotatable toward the major opening  192  to reach the open position as shown in  FIG. 9B . 
   The captive eye forming member  227  is not a structural member, in that it is not designed to increase the load carrying capacity of the carabiner  226 . Instead, the captive eye forming member  227  forms the captive eye opening  190  so that objects, such as a sling or runner  228 , may be looped therethrough. The captive eye forming member  227  keeps the runner  228  hanging vertically when the carabiner  226  is clipped into an anchor or other piece of rock protection gear. The carabiner  226  is ideally suited for “sport climbing,” where the climber clips carabiner  226  into pre-placed bolts installed along the rock climbing route. The captive eye forming member  227  keeps the runner  228  hanging vertically to make clipping the climbing rope into another carabiner attached to the runner  228  easier for the climber. Although the captive eye forming member  227  is shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  being formed from a wire, it may be formed to have other types of geometries as long as it forms the captive eye opening  190  and does not substantially interfere with the opening of the gate  182 ′. Additionally, the captive eye forming member  227  may be curved as it extends from the end region  184  of the body  178  to the elongated section  212  of the body  178 . A curved captive eye forming member  227  may form a captive eye opening  190  of a greater or lesser dimension, and may more securely engage the runner  228  with less chance of unintentionally rotating open. 
   Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is disclosed in  FIG. 9C . A carabiner  236  having a body  178 , a captive eye forming member  227 ′ ,and a captive eye locking mechanism  240  is shown. The captive eye forming member  227 ′, shown in a closed, locked position, is attached to the end region  184  of the body  178  and manually rotable thereabout along an arc in direction  232 . The captive eye locking mechanism  240  may be fitted onto the elongated section  212  of the body  178  by a generally C-shaped channel receiving the elongated section  212  in a similar manner as the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 6A–6H  and  FIG. 7 . Alternatively, the captive eye locking mechanism  240  may encircle the elongated section  212  of the body  178 . The captive eye locking mechanism  240  includes an opening  250  configured for receiving the captive eye forming member  227 ′. The opening  250  comprises a restricted portion  255 , configured to engage a distal end  229  of the captive eye forming member  227 ′ therewithin and prevent rotation thereof. The opening  250  further comprises a non-restrictive portion  257 , configured to enable the captive eye forming member  227 ′ to rotate between an open and a closed position. The captive eye locking mechanism  240  may be twisted about the alongated section  212  of the body  178  between a locking position, with the distal end  229  of the captive eye forming member  227 ′ engaged within the restricted portion  255  as shown, and an unlocking position, with the non-restrictive portion  257  of the opening  250  housing the distal end  229  of the captive eye forming member  227 ′, enabling rotation thereof. 
   Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is disclosed in  FIG. 10A . A portion of a carabiner  336  having a body  178  and a captive eye forming member  327  is shown. The captive eye forming member  327  comprises an elongated member, such as a pin. The illustrated captive eye forming member  327  has a round cross-section, however a cross-section of any shape, such as triangular or square, is within the scope of the invention. A first distal end  328  of the captive eye forming member  327  may be secured within a cavity  345  of the elongated section  212  of the carabiner body  178 . A second, distal end  329  of the captive eye forming member  327  may be housed within an access aperture  340  through the end region  184  of the carabiner body  178 . The captive eye forming member  327  may be inserted through the access aperture  340  to form a captive eye opening  370 . The captive eye forming member  327  may additionally be removed through the access aperture  340 . The end region  184  of the carabiner body  178  may include a retaining aperture  350 , positioned approximately orthogonal to the access aperture  340 . A retaining mechanism, such as a screw, or setscrew  360  ( FIG. 10B ) may be placed within the retaining aperture  350  to engage the second distal end  329  of the captive eye forming member  327  and prevent removal thereof. The setscrew  360  may be loosened or detached to allow the captive eye forming member  327  to be removed. The captive eye forming member  327  may thus be reusable. 
   Alternatively, the access aperture  340  may be at least partially threaded, and a retaining mechanism such as the screw or setscrew  360  may be received therein, thereby retaining the captive eye forming member  327 . The retaining aperture  350  is not required with a threaded access aperture  340 . The captive eye forming member  327  described hereinabove may be a simple, unthreaded pin, which may be inexpensive and reusable. In yet another alternative, the captive eye forming member  327  may include threads on the second distal end  329  thereof. The captive eye forming member  327  may be twisted to engage the threaded access aperture  340 , retaining the captive eye forming member  327  therewithin. The captive eye forming member  327  may be twisted in the opposite direction for removal. The captive eye forming member  327  may be manually twisted by gripping a central portion thereof, which may include a textured surface, or detents for easier handling. The second distal end  329  of the captive eye forming member  327  may include a slot or other engagement feature, enabling a simple tool, such as a screwdriver or hex wrench to be employed in twisting the captive eye forming member  327  for insertion or removal thereof. 
   Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing certain exemplary embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. For example, captive eye forming members which extend from the elongated section of the body to the first end region, adjacent the nose, of the body of the carabiner are within the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions, and modifications to the invention, as disclosed herein, which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are encompassed by the present invention.

Technology Category: 4