The LoopAlien (R) makes attaching and adjusting cords a snap. Use it on tents, tarps, canopies, cargo, backpacks, strollers and more!
LoopAlien (R) – Rapid Cord Attachment – Patent Pending
Below is the story of the LoopAlien. It was an active project on Kickstarter from Mar 11, 2013 – Apr 10, 2013 (30 days).
Hi, my name is David, and this is the LoopAlien. The LoopAlien is an ultra small, ultra lightweight cord attachment and tensioning device. It allows you to connect and adjust rope or cord to just about anything, quickly and easily.
I’m an IT guy by trade but designing, creating and inventing are also shared passions. I developed LoopAlien over several months, starting first with a much larger and heavier design that eventually transformed into the flyweight you see today. It’s only 1.25 by 0.9 inches small, but don’t let the small size fool you.
Offered in high quality 6061-T6 aluminum and weighing a scant ~2.5 grams each, you can carry a pocket full of them and not even notice. The stainless steel (316L) weighs ~7.5 grams and the titanium (Grade 5) versions weighs ~4.4 grams.
The LoopAlien is very easy to use as shown in the video and pictures. To adjust, simply release the tension on the cord and reposition. Once the tension is reapplied the LoopAlien will hold fast. This small, efficient design has been tested to well over 100 pounds using a 1.75 mm cord with no slipping. In fact, the more tension you put on the rope, the more the LoopAlien grips it. The LoopAlien works with cords all the way up to paracord size. The 1.75 mm cord is easier to adjust than the larger paracord sized cords.
** NOTICE **
*** The LoopAlien is not designed to support human weight. It must not be used as a life saving device, fall protection or in any manner where failure could cause property damage, injury or loss of life. ***
The LoopAlien can be used in virtually hundreds of ways. You don’t even have to tie a knot to use it.
If you’re curious how the LoopAlien name came about, here’s how. Not having a name for it yet, I asked a panel of experts (my kids) what it looked like. The first comment was “an alien”. Then my wife said it needs to have loop in the name because it has so many loops on it. So there you have it. Amazing, I know 😉 So the first LoopAlien was born (or landed rather).
I’ll be using a company here in the south to cut the parts. I’ll have to grind the mounting tabs off, tumble and wash all the little aliens. I’ll be setting up shop in my garage. I’m very excited about the possibilities of bringing this design to you.
If you’d like to see my homemade CNC machine cutting out some of the first prototype LoopAliens then click the video below.