The Gripley Sprocket was a loft-ladder safety device, invented in 1859 by Sir Augustus Gripley and manufactured in Sowerby Bridge by Gripley's "Loft Egress Company" throughout the 1860's and 70's.

Following the foundation of the Rumny Attic Access Company by Sir Augustus' bitter rival, Dr Hans Geirschaft, the Gripley Sprocket was largely superceded by the Rumny Sprocket.

Bankrupted in 1882 by legal fees incurred during his long and ultimately unsuccessful campaign to prove Dr Geirschaft had stolen his original design, Sir Augustus became a recluse.

He died in a tragic accident in 1883 when, ironically, he was trapped in an attic of the now derilict Loft Egress Company factory by a malfunctioning loft ladder.