The Forrest Escape Line is an emergency escape device that works on a special 4.5 mm. Kevlar cord. It consists of a spool fastened between top and bottom plates with an eye bolt. The top plate has a rounded 1/2-inch (13 mm) hole to guide the rope. The bottom guide has a similar hole with an elongated slot on each side, and two small horns. Presumably these are to allow one to stop and enjoy the view while escaping from the Towering Inferno, since they make tying off easy. The eye bolt provides a place to clip in.
Kevlar cord is not the best material for general caving and mountaineering use, but this device wasn't intended for that purpose. As an escape device for bedrooms farther above ground level than mine, it would make a nice device.
The Forrest Escape Line is protected by U.S. Patent 4,550,801.
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©2007, Gary D. Storrick