Source: {"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"}

The background of the invention will be discussed in two parts.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a rope management device and in particular to a device for ascending and descending a rope without the assistance of a belayer and that can be changed from a clamping device to an unclamping device under load.
2. Related Art
In U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,203 issued on 31 May 2005 to Perry L. Everett et al., and in U.S. Pat. No. 7,533,871 issued on 19 May 2009 to Perry L. Everett et al., there is shown and described rope climbing apparatus that provides a simple and convenient way to ascend and descend a rope without using a belayer. The present invention provides an easier and smoother transition from a rope clamping position to a rope unclamping position, thus conveniently providing an even more effective rope climbing device.