"CLIMBING APPARATUS"

Technical Field

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a climbing apparatus. Background to the Invention

[0002] There are numerous and varied reasons why a person may wish to ascend or descend a height and recreational mountain climbers, field researchers and scientists, technicians, riggers and emergency rescue workers for example each may have occasion to ascend or descend an elongate member in order to reach a desired position.

[0003] It is known to use automatic devices such as elevators, lifts, scaling ladders or winches for example, to assist persons working at high or low altitudes to ascend or descend a height however such devices are generally heavy, bulky and expensive making them suitable only for particular circumstances.

[0004] Known rope climbing devices currently exist in various forms. Known devices involve complex mechanisms with many working parts which can decrease the reliability of such devices and have the undesired effect of increasing the size and weight of the device.

[0005] The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages of previous climbing apparatus.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a useful alternative to current rope climbing devices. [0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a simple light weight and portable device for use in ascending or descending an elongate tendon.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide a climbing device that allows a controlled and continuous descent under gravity.

Summary of the Invention

[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a climbing apparatus for selective movement along an elongate tendon, the climbing apparatus comprising a handle member having upper clamping means and a first passage for receiving the tendon, and a platform member having lower clamping means and a second passage for receiving the tendon; characterized in that the handle member comprises a pair of arms pivotally connected to each other and movable between a first position wherein the upper clamping means engage the tendon, and a second position wherein the upper clamping means disengage the tendon; and, the platform member comprises a pair of legs pivotally connected to each other and movable between a first position wherein the lower clamping means engage the tendon and a second position wherein the lower clamping means disengage the tendon.

[0010] Preferably the handle member is movable to a third position wherein the tendon is received in a brake passage of a braking means, the braking means permitting selective movement between the handle member and the tendon for allowing a controlled and continuous movement along the tendon under gravity.

[0011 ] Preferably the respective arms are arranged to be generally parallel with the tendon when the handle member is in the third position. Preferably the braking means provide a braking effect on the tendon, the braking effect controllable by selectively varying a force applied to the arms. [0012] Preferably the handle member further comprises guide means adapted to receive and guide the tendon when the handle member is in the third position.

[0013] Preferably the platform member comprises biasing means for biasing the platform member in the first position. Preferably the biasing means comprises a spring member.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment the climbing apparatus comprises safety means for connecting with a harness. Preferably, the safety means is configured to move the handle member to the first position when an operator's weight is suspended from the safety means.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the handle member the arms are selectively attachable and detachable from one another for fitting the handle member to the tendon.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the platform member, the legs are selectively attachable and detachable from one another for fitting the platform member to the tendon.

Description of the Drawings

[0017] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a partial lower perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of a platform member in accordance with the climbing apparatus of present invention; Figure 2 is a full plan view from below of the invention of Figure 1 in a first position; Figure 3 is a full plan view from above of the invention of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a full side view of the invention of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is an upper perspective view of a handle member in accordance with the climbing apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a side view of the invention of Figure 5 in a first position;

Figure 7 is a plan view from below of the invention of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a side view of the invention of Figure 5 in a second position;

Figure 9 is a side view of the invention of Figure 5 in a third position;

Figure 10 (a) - (e) shows an operator using the climbing apparatus of the present invention to ascend a tendon;

Figure 11 (a) - (b) shows an operator using the climbing apparatus of Figure 10 with the handle member in the third position for descending a tendon;

Figure 12 shows an alternate embodiment of a handle member according to the present invention having a harness connected; and

Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the handle member of Figure 12 together with a corresponding platform member

Description of Embodiments

[0018] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a climbing apparatus 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in Figures 5-7 the climbing apparatus 10 comprises a weight bearing handle member 12. The handle member 12 comprises a first arm 14 and a second arm 16. As seen in Figure 6 the first arm 14 has a proximal end 18 and a distal end 20 and the second arm 16 has a proximal end 22 and a distal end 24. The arms 14, 16 are arranged to be physically held by the hands of an operator. The respective proximal ends 18, 22 have a pressure bearing wall 15, 17, and at least an orifice 27 (Figure 5) to receive a pin member 26. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the arms 14, 16 are pivotally connected by pin member 26 and are rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the pin member 26, typically the pin member 26 is made from stainless steel.

[0019] The handle member 12 is further arranged such that when the pin member 26 is removed the first arm 14 and the second arm 16 are easily separated and can be moved apart from one another. Preferably the pin member 26 is arranged to have restraining means for holding the pin member 26 within the orifice 27 to avoid any inadvertent separation of the arms 14, 16. As seen in Figure 12 the restraining means for holding the pin member 26 may comprise any known means such a lock pin 66 as is known in the art.

[0020] The handle member 12 comprises upper clamping means for engaging with and clamping an elongate tendon 21. It is to be understood the tendon 21 may have a rigid or flexible configuration such as for example a rope, typically 8-11 mm diameter. As seen in Figure 7, the upper clamping means comprises a first passage 28 for receiving the tendon 21. The first passage 28 being defined at least in part by opposed pressure bearing walls 15, 17. Preferably the pressure bearing walls 15, 17 are contoured and complementary, at least in part, to an external surface of the tendon 21. It is to be understood that the first passage 28 is formed at least in part between adjacent contoured walls 15, 17 when the arms 14, 16 are connected together by the pin member 26.

[0021] As seen in Figure 7 preferably one arm 16 has a bifurcated configuration with two extending flanges 19 adapted to receive a portion of other arm 14 therebetween. In this position the respective walls 15, 17 are adjacent one another and disposed between the extending flanges 19 to form the first passage 28. The respective orifices

27 are aligned to receive the pin member 26 therein such that the arms 14, 16 can pivot about a longitudinal axis of the pin member 26.

[0022] Preferably, the pin member 26 acts as a fulcrum for the upper clamping means. In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 7 and Figure 13 the first passage

28 is disposed proximal to the pin member 26.

[0023] In use, a cross sectional dimension of the first passage 28 is adjustable by pivoting the handle member 12 arms 14, 16 between a first position wherein the upper clamping means engage the tendon 21 as shown in Figure 6, and a second position as shown in Figure 8 wherein the tendon 21 is disengaged. When the handle member 12 is in the first position the first passage 28 cross sectional dimension is arranged to be less than a cross sectional dimension of the elongate tendon 21, thereby urging the pressure bearing walls 15, 17 to engage with and clamp the elongate tendon 21. It is to be understood that in the first position the handle member 12 engages the tendon 21 and clamps with enough force to support at least an operator's weight with no slippage between the handle member 12 and the tendon 21. When the handle member 12 is in the second position the first passage 28 cross-sectional dimension is arranged to be at least equal to, and preferably greater than, the tendon 21 cross-sectional dimension thereby permitting the tendon 21 to pass through the first passage 28 with little or no hindrance from the pressure bearing walls 15, 17.

[0024] As shown in Figure 6 in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the handle member 12 is arranged to be in the first position at a point where the distal ends 20, 24 are spaced substantially apart and the arms 14, 16 are generally parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tendon 21. This is an important feature of the invention as the handle member 12 in that the first position is arranged such that in use an operator's weight is utilised as a downward force on the arms 14, 16 to engage and clamp the tendon 21.

[0025] Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the arms 14, 16 are arranged to be pivoted about pin member 26 in an upward direction with respect to an operator to move the handle member 12 from the first position to the second position to increase the cross-sectional dimension of the first passage 28 for disengaging the tendon 21 and allowing the handle member 12 to move relative to the tendon 21.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment the handle member 12 further comprises braking means operable when the handle member 12 is arranged in a third position as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 11. The third position is achieved when the respective arms 14, 16 of handle member 12 are pivoted completely and distal ends 20, 24 are brought into close proximity. In this position the arms 14, 16 are generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tendon 21. An operator descending a tendon 21 can selectively activate the braking means to achieve a braking effect upon the tendon 21 by squeezing the arms 14, 16 together as illustrated in Figure 11.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the braking means comprises a brake passage 29 formed when the handle member 12 is in the third position as shown in Figure 9. Preferably the brake passage 29 is defined by complementary brake members 45, 46 located on the respective arms 14, 16. It is to be understood that the brake passage 29 is formed when the respective brake members 45, 46 are brought into close proximity to one another as the handle member 12 is pivoted about the pin member 26 into the third position. The brake passage 29 is arranged to have a cross sectional area which varies depending on the relative positions of the arms 14, 16. In use an operator may activate and vary a braking effect upon the tendon 21 to control a rate of descent by selectively squeezing together and relaxing the arms 14, 16 thereby varying a compressive force on the tendon 21 via the brake members 45, 46. This has the effect of controlling a rate at which the tendon 21 can pass through the brake passage 29 when the climbing apparatus 10 is being used to descend down the tendon 21 under gravity.

[0028] It should be understood that the brake passage 29 may be arranged in a 'S' or 'C shaped configuration requiring the tendon 21 to undergo a bending as it passes therethrough. This can assist the braking effect depending on the stiffness of the tendon 21. In such an embodiment at least one side of the brake passage 29 is configured to have a concave and/or convex portion with an opposed side configured to have a complementary portion. It should be understood that the brake members 45, 46 may be spaced anywhere along the brake passage 29 and may be integral with the abovementioned convex/concave portions.

[0029] The handle member 12 of the present invention may be arranged to be releasably restrained in the third position by known means such as a clip (not shown). It is to be understood such a clip may be used in use when descending a tendon 21 or simply for compact storage of the handle member 12.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one brake member 45 is arranged to be contoured complementary to the tendon 21. As seen in Figure 5 at least one brake member 46 comprises two walls 49 spaced apart by a surface 44 and arranged to receive both the tendon 21 and the complementary and opposed brake member 45. In use the walls 49 act to guide the tendon 21 thereby positioning it between the brake member 45 and the surface 44 which abut and engage the tendon 21 upon a selective application force to the arms 14, 16 by the operator. The pin member 26 acts as a fulcrum permitting the squeezing of arms 14, 16 together for applying a compressive and restrictive force upon the tendon 21 via the brake member 45 and the surface 44. In alternate embodiments the surface 44 may be recessed into the arm 16 with the walls of the recess acting to guide the tendon 21.

[0031 ] In a preferred embodiment of the climbing apparatus 10 of the present invention as seen in Figure 6 the handle member 12 may further comprise a guide means. In a preferred embodiment the guide means comprises two spaced apart and upstanding flanges 48. When the handle member 12 is in the third position the guide means flanges 48 are arranged to flank the tendon 21 at a distal portion 20, 24 of arms 14, 16. In use, the guide means give the handle member 12 increased stability when in the third position and may also add to the braking effect on the tendon 21 when the braking means are activated.

[0032] In an alternate embodiment shown in Figure 12, the guide means comprises an upstanding flange 48 disposed on the respective distal ends 20, 24. It is to be understood that the flanges 48 still act to flank and guide the tendon 21 when the handle member 12 is moved to the third position.

[0033] The respective arms 14, 16 further comprise a hand grip portion 60 and a safety means. Preferably the hand grip portion 60 may further comprise an ergonomically contoured and/or elastomeric gripping pad 62 as seen in Figure 12. [0034] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the first passage 28 is disposed above the hand grip portion 60 when viewed by an operator in use. It is found to advantageously improve the stability of the handle member 12 to have the upper clamping means disposed above the hand grip portion 60 and/or the safety means when, the handle member 12 is in the first position.

[0035] In order to provide this advantage the proximal ends 18, 22 of arms 14, 16 may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the respective hand grip portion 60 which are generally horizontally disposed when the handle member 12 is in the first position as can be seen in Figure 13, with the respective arms 14, 16 having a dog leg configuration.

[0036] The safety means of the present invention comprises at least one harness attachment member 62. Preferably, the safety means further comprises an attachment means such as for example an orifice 63, 64 as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 12.

[0037] In use a harness worn by the operator may be secured to the safety means by known means such as for example fitting a carabiner clip to the handle member 12 via the orifice 63, 64.

[0038] The orifice 63, 64 is especially useful when descending a tendon 21 and the handle member 12 is in the third position as shown in Figure 9. It is to be understood that in the third position an operator's weight may be suspended from the handle member 12 via a harness 65 secured to the handle member 12 thereby allowing the operator to use both hands to activate the braking means.

[0039] As seen in Figure 6, in a preferred embodiment the harness attachment member 62 is positioned at an arm 14, 16 distal end 20, 24. Preferably the harness attachment member 62 comprises an orifice 64 arranged to secure an operator's harness 65. It is to be understood that a harness 65 may be secured to the orifice 64 by known means such as for example using a carabiner clip thereby connecting the operator to the handle member 12 for at least safety reasons. It is to be understood this arrangement can have the effect of transferring an operator's weight to the handle member 12 thereby urging the arms 14, 16 to pivot downwardly about the pin member 26 and biasing the handle member 12 in the first position without the need to be held manually by the operator.

[0040] It is to be understood that alternative embodiments may comprise a handle member 12 having safety means disposed at any point along the arms 14, 16 an example of which is shown in Figure 12.

[0041] In the embodiment shown in Figure 12 the safety means comprises two harness attachment members 62 having an orifice 64. It should be understood that the safety means is designed to move the handle member 12 to the first position if the operator's weight is suspended from the harness attachment members 62. The orifice 64 is configured such that when the handle member 12 is in the third position the harness members 65 are closer to the tendon 21 thereby reducing a bending moment urging the handle member 12 into the first position and allowing the operator to hold the handle member 12 in the third position.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1-4 the climbing apparatus 10 further comprises, a platform member 30 having a first leg 32 and a second leg 34. Each leg 32, 34 having a respective distal end 36, 37 and a respective proximal end 38, 39. Legs 32, 34 are further arranged to provide at least a respective pressure bearing wall 52, 54. As seen in Figure 3, the respective proximal ends 38, 39 each have a respective and complementary orifice 42 arranged to receive a pin member 40 therethrough fixing the legs 32, 34 to one another in a pivotal relationship. In this arrangement the legs 32, 34 can pivot at least in part about a longitudinal axis of the pin member 40. It is to be understood pin member 40 has provision of restraining means for holding the pin member 40 in position similar to the lock pin 66. [0043] As seen in Figure 1 , the platform member 30 comprises a lower clamping means. The lower clamping means comprising a second passage 51 defined in part by the pressure bearing walls 52, 54. Preferably the pressure bearing walls 52, 54 are arranged to be contoured at least in part complementary to the tendon 21.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1-4, the platform member 30 is arranged to receive the tendon 21 within the second passage 51. The platform member 30 being movable between a first position as seen in Figures 2 and 3 wherein the pressure bearing walls 52, 54 engage with and provide a gripping force to clamp the tendon 21, and a second position as seen in Figure 1 wherein the pressure bearing walls 52, 54 disengage the tendon 21 and do not provide any substantial gripping force or clamping on the tendon 21. It is to be understood that pin member 40 acts as a fulcrum permitting pressure bearing walls 52, 54 to engage with and clamp the tendon 21 when the platform member 30 is in the first position and in use utilizing an operator's weight to activate the lower clamping means when they stand on the platform member 30.

[0045] It is to be understood that each leg 32, 34 is a load bearing member and as clearly seen in Figures 2 and 3 has provision of a respective footrest 70 arranged to receive a user's foot (not shown). Preferably, the footrest 70 has a strap 72 arranged to restrain an operator's foot in position on the footrest 70, however other means to restrain an operator's foot in position may be used including fittings to receive a footwear cleat as is known in the art of bicycle riding. In a preferred embodiment the footrest 70 may pivot with respect to the leg 32, 34 such that the footrest 70 can move relative to the platform member 30 to maintain a good contact between the operator's foot and the platform member 30.

[0046] It is to be understood that when in the first position a clamping force is applied to the tendon 21 such that the platform member 30 can support, at least, the operator's weight with no slippage along the tendon 21. [0047] The platform member 30 is arranged to be pivoted in an upward direction with respect to the operator in use to move the platform member 30 from the first position to the second position to increase a dimension of the second passage 51 for disengaging the tendon 21 and allowing the platform member 30 to move relative to the tendon 21.

[0048] As with the handle member 12 the proximal end 38 first leg 32 of the platform member 30 preferably comprises a bifurcated configuration having two extending flanges 50 which are adapted to receive the proximal end 39 of the second leg 34 therebetween. In position the respective walls 52, 54 are adjacent one another to form the second passage 51 and the respective orifices 42, 43 are aligned to receive the pin member 40 therein.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the platform member 30 has provision of a biasing means such as spring member 74 or spring biased pin abutting a rounded shaped surface such as the extending flange 50 for example and arranged in use to provide a spring force to the legs 32, 34 for biasing the platform member 30 in the first position. It is to be understood that the spring force is overcome by the operator lifting their feet and pivoting the legs 32, 34 about the pin member 40. In use, this allows an operator ascending a tendon 21 to hold the handle member 12 to support their own weight and then lift their feet to pivot the platform member 30 about the pin member 40 and moving it to the second position, to disengage the tendon 21 and allow the platform member 30 to be moved along the tendon 21 before moving the platform member 30 to the first position to engage the tendon 21 again.

[0050] Preferably the second passage 51 is disposed above the footrest 70 with respect to the tendon 21. It is found to advantageously improve the stability of the platform member 30 to have the lower clamping means above the height of the footrest 70 when viewed by an operator's in use.

[0051] In order to provide this advantage the proximal ends 28, 39 of legs 32, 34 may be arranged to be angled upwardly with respect to the footrest 70 which is generally horizontally disposed when the platform member 30 is in the first position as shown in Figure 13 (b).

[0052] Preferably the climbing apparatus 10 will be substantially made from a strong and resilient material. Preferably the material will be a light weight material as is typically used in climbing such as for example aluminum alloy. It should be understood that when descending a tendon 21 substantial heat may be generated through friction and the material must be substantially heat resistant, particularly the braking members 45, 46 and brake passage 29. The climbing apparatus 10 may also have other weight reduction means such as for example holes 44 or a honeycomb configuration along the arms 14, 16 and/or legs 32, 34 as seen in Figure 2. Preferably the climbing apparatus 10 material may have a surface coating to minimize scratching, degradation or corrosion of the material as is known in the art.

[0053] It is to be understood that a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be fitted to and/or removed from a tendon 21 , such as a rope for example, at any point along the tendon 21. The unique configuration of the present invention does not require a free end of the tendon 21 in order to be fitted to or removed from a tendon 21.

[0054] In use an operator will fit the climbing apparatus 10 upon a tendon 21. With respect to the handle member 12, the pin member 26 is removed and the arms 14, 16 are placed on opposite sides of the tendon 21 so that the tendon 21 is adjacent the respective pressure bearing walls 15, 17. Once in position the pin member 26 is refitted to connect the arms 14, 16 with the tendon 21 passing through the first passage 28 and the handle member 12 is ready for use.

[0055] A similar assembly is required for the platform member 30. The pin member 40 is removed and legs 32, 34 are placed on opposite sides of the tendon 21. The legs 32, 34 are arranged to have respective pressure bearing walls 52, 54 adjacent the tendon 21 before re-fitting the pin member 40 to connect the legs 32, 34 with the tendon 21 passing through the second passage 51. The biasing means ensure the platform member 30 is biased towards the first position wherein the tendon 21 is engaged.

[0056] It should be understood that the present invention can be used to move up or down along the tendon 21 as required.

[0057] The present invention works by supporting an operator's weight alternatively between the handle member 12 and the platform member 30.

[0058] As seen in Figures 10 (a) and (b) the platform member 30 is in the first position supporting the operator's weight. This allows the operator to move the handle member 12 to the second position by pivoting the arms 14, 16 upwardly about the pin member 26 and sliding the handle member 12 along the tendon 21.

[0059] As seen in Figures 10 (c) and (d) once in a suitable position the operator moves the handle member 12 to the first position to engage the tendon 21. The operator's weight can now be transferred to the handle member 12 and the platform member 30 moved to the second position to disengage the tendon 21 and slide along the tendon 21 to a desired position before moving to the first position to engage the tendon 21 again.

[0060] As seen in Figures 11 (a) and (b) the present invention also allows an operator a continuous descent. By supporting the operator's weight on the platform member 30 as seen in Figure 11 (a), and moving the handle member 12 to the third position by pivoting the arms 14, 16 the tendon 21 is received in the brake passage 29.

[0061] The operator can then control the braking effect on the tendon 21 by selectively squeezing together or relaxing the arms 14, 16. By moving the platform member 30 to the third position the operator can slide down the tendon 21 continuously. As the operator reaches a desired position the braking effect is increased by squeezing the arms 14, 16 tightly thereby halting the downward motion. The operator can then move the platform member 30 to the first position to engage the tendon 21 and transfer their weight to the platform member 30.

[0062] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.