| Accession Number: | 2024.05.002 |
| Name: | KONG-BONAITI (D) |
| Sub Item: | (offset gate opening) |
| Category: | non-locking |
| Shape: | D |
| Material: | aluminum |
| Profile: | trapezoid |
| Nose: | notch & pin |
| Nose Guard: | offset gate |
| Rivets: | domed: rounded or flush edges |
| Gate Shield: | none |
| Weight: | 63.9 g |
| Dimensions: | Length: 110.50 mm Width: 52.64 mm Depth (basket end): 10.36 mm Depth (runner end): 10.51 mm Gate Opening: 29.42 mm Basket Size: 20 mm |
| Strength Ratings: |  3000 KG |  800 KG |
| Other Markings: | Recessed: KONG-BONAITI-ITALY | KG.↔3000↕800 UIAA |
| Collection Criteria: | ★ Manufacturing, Engineering, or Design |
| Summary: | offset gate results in huge gate opening |
| Description & Commentary: | Kong D has a similer body style as the very common symmetric D's Kong/Bonaiti produced in this era, but with an uncommon offset gate. The gate opens to the side of the spine, resulting in a massive 29mm gate opening. As a practical matter, this is of limited benefit - the basket itself is smaller in width (little over 28mm), and can only fit a cylinder of 19mm and still close the gate. When fully opened, the gate "cams over" and will remain in the open position. It is unclear if this is by design or if use has caused the gate to develop enough play for the nose-end rivet to pass by the spine and reach this cammed over position. Interestingly, Royal Robbins comments on offset gates in this 1995 interview with John Martin Meek at the ACC Annual meeting. |