The Zip-Line Grapple was a gadget used by Batman during his encounters with Catwoman and the Penguin. The tool was used to create zip-lines and vertically cross gaps.
Functionality
The Zip-Line Grapple shared its functionality with the Foefie Gauntlet, which Batman had used during an encounter with the Joker. Upon activations, it would fire two grappling hooks from both ends, creating a zipline between the two objects it made contact with. The grapple would then allow Batman to travel down the line from by holding or hanging from the device's grip. The zip-line grapple could be stored on or within the utility belt, and apparently was reusable.
Usage History
Batman Returns
Relighting of the Tree Ceremony
Batman made use of the zip-line grapple whilst searching for the kidnapped Ice Princess. After noticing her held in an abandoned building, he used the device to traverse from the rooftop he was standing from to an entryway near her.
Battle at the Old Zoo
Batman later used the zip-line at the Old Zoo. After noticing Catwoman attacking Max Shreck, he used the gadget to create a way down to them. Hanging himself from the grip with a cord attached to his back, Batman then rode down the zipline to attract Catwoman's attention.
Batman '89
Tracking Catwoman
Batman used the zip-line once again whilst tracking Catwoman. After locating her at the rooftops where they'd first fought, he used fired the gadget to create a zipline between the rooftops. Like at the Old Zoo, Batman hung from the grip with a cord attached to his back, allowing him to throw a roped-Batarang to safely ensnare her whilst he rode to her location.
Attack on the Gotham Police Headquarters
Robin was later given a zip-line grapple when he joined forces with Batman. During the battle between the GCPD and Two-Face's goons, he used to travel between a fire escape and a sniper's location.
Behind the Scenes
Dean Williams photo
This prop was designed Jacques Rey under direction from Bo Welch, who wanted it to be compact and have the feel of brass knuckles. Rick Heinrichs supervised the construction of the prop, it was later photographed on red velvet by Dean Williams for publicist Michael Singer to distribute to the press. The zipline was referred to in Waters and Strick's screenplays as simply "the grapple". This was to distinguish it from the Spring-Action Reel, which was referred to as a "speargun grapple". Batman Returns: The Official Movie Book refers to it as "Double Grappling Hook."
Legacy
The zip-line grapple, along with the Foefie Gauntlet, would inspire the Line Launcher in Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham games. Like the gadgets, the Launcher creates a zipline between two areas and will pull Batman towards the target area. Fan has also referred to the zip-line grapple as the "Line Launcher" due to the similar functionality of the two gadgets.