The “grid bunny” is a device for holding fiber rope. It utilizes a toothed cam which presses against the rope, tightening further under increasing load. Excess rope is cleat-hitched around the bunny ears and tied off to the grid. This design builds upon a previous design often called “rabbit ears,” which is documented in The Theatre Riggers’ Handbook by Hall and Sickels. Unlike typical rabbit ears, the grid bunny has an open side-plate design, which allows the rope to be inserted and removed easily without passing the end of the rope through the device.
The grid bunnies were designed for use in the theaters of Krannert Center, where leg masking is often dead-hung from the grid to preserve counterweight line sets. Destructive tests showed the cams were able to withstand loads around 800lbs. A design factor of 8 was applied, resulting in a WLL of approximately 90lbs per bunny. The rope used was a 1/2″ spun polyester double braid with a 26,000lbs MBS, manufactured by Hartford Cordage (no longer in business). The design uses a combination of 3/4 and 1/2 inch plywood, reinforced with 1-1/2 x 1/8″ L-angle. The plywood used for the cams was 3/4″ Premium ACX sourced from Menards. The bunnies were painted safety yellow with a typical oil-based enamel paint. Each bunny was equipped with a safety cable to secure it to the grid.
Disclaimer
The information shared about this project is incomplete and not intended to be instructional. Attempting to replicate this project could result in serious injury.
