DMM announced a new double axle cam – dubbed the ‘Dragon’. They are clearly inspired by the BD Camalots, however they are meant to be lighter and also have extender slings. Since the patent on the double axle design expired in 2005, DMM are the first company to make use of the design.
Image from DMM
There has been some confusion in the past on when the double axle patent expired. The patent is US 4,643,377 titled ‘Mechanically expanding climbing aid’. A US patent lasts 20 years from the filing or priority date (whichever is earlier) or 17 years from the date the patent was granted – so long as the patent in question was in force in 1995, the longer of these two options applies. US 4,643,377 was filed in 1985 and granted in 1987 – therefore the 20 year term from 1985 is the lifetime that applies, meaning the patent expired in 2005.
Dragon Cam (Note the different handle)
These look like the shizniz!!!!
Image seems incorrect…. .the handles don’t have a loop as depicted here.
The image is off the DMM website, it could be because the ones in the photos are Demos?
Image source: http://www.dmmclimbing.com/news.asp?nid=216&ngroup=1
I have also added another image in the article above –>
You got a link you can post with a different image?
tx
“DMM announced”? i saw these at the OR trade show in June last year. they looked marvellous. but knowing DMM the price will be marvellous too.
Yes, its somewhat old news, although its new to me.
Have a look above, I put a another photo in (with the different handle end).
Will be interesting to see how they compare to the BD Cams (in price and design)
They are selling in the UK for fifty pounds (aprox. R600). Cheaper than the Uk price of Camalots.