All the info I have right now on this new widget from Karver is what you see in these two photos. The concept is pretty self-explanatory. Presumably it was developed for dinghy racers who want to get a better grip on skinny control lines, but I find it’s not too hard to think of other things to do with it.
For example, I can see using it to help tie down gear real tight and in other situations where you want to pull real hard on something. But mostly I see it as a sort of instant rolling hitch that can be used in all sorts of ways. Like for hanging one of those Sunshower bags in the rig. Or for hanging an awning over a hot deck in the tropics. Or for hanging an anchor light in the foretriangle on a dark, dark night. Etc. etc. etc.
Can’t wait to get my hands on one. Only thing I’m afraid of is that they’ll be too expensive for me to buy in quantity.
Cool! What a great idea!
Clamcleat have been producing versions of this for years. And theirs have no moving parts.
http://www.clamcleat.com/cleats/pictorial_index.asp