Early Mechanical Ascenders
Posted: Dec 7, 2013 1:35 am
I just finished reading Chevalier's Subterranean Climbers, and wondered if any examples or photos of Henri Brenot's "monkeys" survive.
"These are metal claws which grip the rope in a pinching squeeze when borne upon by the body weight. Three are used for climbing the rope: one for each foot, and one on the trunk; turn by turn you advance the body "monkey" by standing upright on your feet, and the the foot "monkeys" by by burdening the body "monkey" with your whole weight."
Does anyone know exactly what method is being described here? How the foot and body ascenders were attached and so on? Chevelier and Petzl both lived until the 2000's, so I'm sure that there are plenty of people who are very familiar with their Dent de Crolles expeditions and techniques.
"These are metal claws which grip the rope in a pinching squeeze when borne upon by the body weight. Three are used for climbing the rope: one for each foot, and one on the trunk; turn by turn you advance the body "monkey" by standing upright on your feet, and the the foot "monkeys" by by burdening the body "monkey" with your whole weight."
Does anyone know exactly what method is being described here? How the foot and body ascenders were attached and so on? Chevelier and Petzl both lived until the 2000's, so I'm sure that there are plenty of people who are very familiar with their Dent de Crolles expeditions and techniques.