U.S. patent application number 10/709352 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-03 for climbing structure with secure climbing hold.
This patent application is currently assigned to BREWER'S LEDGE, INC.. Invention is credited to Brewer, George W., Brewer, W. Conant, Richardson, Howard B..
Application Number | 20050245355 10/709352 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35187824 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050245355 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brewer, George W. ; et
al. |
November 3, 2005 |
CLIMBING STRUCTURE WITH SECURE CLIMBING HOLD
Abstract
A climbing structure having a climbing surface with a removable
climbing hold is described. The climbing structure includes an
insert. The climbing hold includes a recess that is offset a
distance from an opening in the climbing hold. The recess in the
climbing hold is shaped to receive the insert. The climbing surface
includes an opening that is aligned with the opening in the
climbing hold. A threaded member that is inserted through the
opening in the climbing hold and into the opening in the climbing
surface secures the climbing hold to the climbing surface and
causes the insert to engage the recess in the climbing hold.
Inventors: |
Brewer, George W.; (Newton,
MA) ; Brewer, W. Conant; (Brookline, MA) ;
Richardson, Howard B.; (Halifax, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RAUSCHENBACH PATENT LAW GROUP, LLC
P.O. BOX 387
BEDFORD
MA
01730
US
|
Assignee: |
BREWER'S LEDGE, INC.
34 Brookley Road
Boston
MA
|
Family ID: |
35187824 |
Appl. No.: |
10/709352 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0048
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/037 |
International
Class: |
A63B 007/04; A63B
009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A climbing structure comprising: a) an insert; b) a climbing
hold that defines an opening, the climbing hold having a recess
that is offset a distance from the opening and that is shaped to
receive the insert; and c) a climbing surface that defines an
opening that is aligned with the opening in the climbing hold so
that a threaded member inserted through the opening in the climbing
hold and into the opening in the climbing surface secures the
climbing hold to the climbing surface and causes the insert to
engage the recess in the climbing hold.
2. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein the insert and the
threaded member substantially prevent the climbing hold from
rotating relative to the climbing surface.
3. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein the insert comprises a
molded protrusion that is formed on the climbing surface.
4. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein climbing surface
further comprises a recess that is shape to receive at least a
portion of the insert.
5. The climbing structure of claim 4 wherein at least one of the
recess in the climbing hold and the recess in the climbing surface
comprises a slot.
6. The climbing structure of claim 4 wherein the portion of the
insert is threaded in the recess in the climbing surface.
7. The climbing structure of claim 4 wherein the portion of the
insert is permanently mounted in the recess in the climbing
surface.
8. The climbing structure of claim 4 wherein at least one of the
climbing hold and the climbing surface comprises a plurality of
recesses.
9. The climbing structure of claim 8 wherein the plurality of
recesses allow the climbing hold to be secured in different
positions relative to the climbing surface.
10. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein the insert comprises
a bolt.
11. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein the insert comprises
a pin.
12. The climbing structure of claim 11 wherein the pin comprises a
mushroom-shaped head.
13. The climbing structure of claim 11 wherein the pin comprises a
cylindrical-shaped head.
14. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein the threaded member
comprises a threaded rod.
15. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein the threaded member
comprises a bolt.
16. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein the insert is
selected from the group comprising a sphere, a capsule, and a
block.
17. The climbing structure of claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of inserts.
18. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein the climbing hold
comprises at least one rock-like protrusion.
19. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein the insert is
selected from the group comprising a circular insert, a spherical
insert, a cylindrical insert, a rectangular insert, a triangular
insert, a trapezoidal insert, a hexagonal insert, an octagonal
insert, and an ellipsoidal insert.
20. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein a shape of the insert
is substantially staple-like.
21. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein the opening defined
by the climbing surface comprises a threaded opening.
22. The climbing structure of claim 1 further comprising a threaded
insert positioned at least partially within the opening in the
climbing surface, the threaded insert receiving the threaded member
inserted through the opening in the climbing hold.
23. The climbing structure of claim 1 further comprising a nut
positioned behind the climbing surface, the nut receiving the
threaded member inserted through the opening in the climbing
hold.
24. The climbing structure of claim 1 wherein the opening in the
climbing hold comprises a shouldered through-hole.
25. A method for securing a climbing hold to a climbing surface,
the method comprising: a) aligning an opening that is defined by
the climbing hold with an opening that is defined by the climbing
surface; b) aligning an insert with a recess in the climbing hold,
the recess being offset a distance from the opening that is defined
by the climbing hold; and c) inserting a threaded member through
the opening in the climbing hold and into the opening in the
climbing surface to secure the climbing hold to the climbing
surface and to cause the insert to engage the recess in the
climbing hold.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein the inserting the threaded
member through the opening in the climbing hold and into the
opening in the climbing surface substantially prevents the climbing
hold from rotating relative to the climbing surface.
27. The method of claim 25 wherein the insert comprises a molded
protrusion that is formed on the climbing surface.
28. The method of claim 25 further comprising aligning at least a
portion of the insert with a recess in the climbing surface.
29. The method of claim 28 wherein at least one of the climbing
hold and the climbing surface comprises a plurality of
recesses.
30. The method of claim 25 further comprising securing the climbing
hold in different positions relative to the climbing surface.
31. The method of claim 25 further comprising threading the
threaded member into a threaded insert that is positioned at least
partially within the opening in the climbing surface.
32. The method of claim 25 further comprising threading the
threaded member into threads formed in the opening in the climbing
surface.
33. The method of claim 25 further comprising inserting the
threaded member through the opening in the climbing hold and into
the opening in the climbing surface and threading the threaded
member into a nut that is positioned behind the opening in the
climbing surface to secure the climbing hold to the climbing
surface.
34. The method of claim 25 further comprising threading at least a
portion of the insert into a recess in the climbing surface.
35. The method of claim 25 further comprising permanently mounting
at least a portion of the insert in a recess in the climbing
surface.
36. The method of claim 25 further comprising threading at least a
portion of the insert into a nut that is positioned behind a recess
in the climbing surface to secure the portion of the insert in the
recess in the climbing surface.
37. A climbing structure comprising: means for aligning an opening
that is defined by the climbing hold with an opening that is
defined by the climbing surface; means for aligning an insert with
a recess in the climbing hold, the recess being offset a distance
from the opening that is defined by the climbing hold; and means
for inserting a threaded member through the opening in the climbing
hold and into the opening in the climbing surface to secure the
climbing hold to the climbing surface and to cause the insert to
engage the recess in the climbing hold.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] The popularity of rock climbing has created a market for
artificial climbing walls. Many artificial climbing walls include
surfaces that have irregular shapes to simulate natural rock
formations. These artificial climbing walls can also include
climbing holds that a climber can grab with his hands or stand on
with his feet. The climbing holds allow the climber to ascend,
descend, or traverse the climbing wall. The climbing holds are
generally detachable and can be re-positioned in different
locations on the climbing surface to customize the climbing surface
for different climbing experiences. The climbing holds are
available in a variety of shapes and sizes to further modify the
climbing surface.
[0002] A metal bolt is generally used to mount the climbing hold to
the climbing surface. The metal bolt passes through a
shouldered-hole in the climbing hold and is threaded into a
threaded insert that is secured to the climbing wall. The
combination of the metal bolt and the threaded insert must be
strong enough to support the weight of the climber. Mounting a
climbing hold with more than one metal bolt can be difficult
because different climbing holds have irregular sizes and
shapes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] This invention is described with particularity in the
detailed description and the claims. The above and further
advantages of this invention may be better understood by referring
to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements
and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily
to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the
principles of the invention.
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a climbing structure
having a climbing surface and multiple climbing holds.
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the climbing
structure of FIG. 1 including a climbing hold that is mounted to a
climbing surface of the climbing structure with a bolt.
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a climbing
structure including a climbing hold that is mounted to a climbing
surface of the climbing structure with a first bolt and a second
bolt.
[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a climbing
structure including a climbing hold that is mounted to a climbing
surface of the climbing structure with a threaded member according
to the invention.
[0008] FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
climbing structure including a climbing hold that is mounted to a
climbing surface of the climbing structure with a threaded member
according to the invention.
[0009] FIG. 5B illustrates the rear surface of the climbing hold
described in connection with FIG. 5A according to the
invention.
[0010] FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view of yet another
climbing structure including a climbing hold that is mounted to a
climbing surface of the climbing structure with a threaded member
according to the invention.
[0011] FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C illustrate rear surfaces of climbing
holds described in connection with FIG. 6A according to the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
climbing structure including a climbing hold that is mounted to a
climbing surface of the climbing structure with a threaded member
according to the invention.
[0013] FIG. 7B illustrates a rear surface of the climbing hold
described in connection with FIG. 7A according to the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a climbing structure 100
having a climbing surface 102 and multiple climbing holds 104. The
multiple climbing holds 104 have various shapes and sizes and are
secured to the climbing surface 102 at different locations in order
to customize the climbing route and the climbing difficulty. Each
of the multiple climbing holds 104 is typically secured to the
climbing surface 102 with a single fastener or bolt 106.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the climbing
structure 100 of FIG. 1 including a climbing hold 104 that is
mounted to the climbing surface 102 of the climbing structure 100
with a bolt 106. The climbing structure 100 includes a threaded
insert 108 that receives the bolt 106.
[0016] The threaded insert 108 can be attached to the climbing
structure 100 by various methods known in the art. Alternatively,
threads can be formed directly in the climbing surface 102 of the
climbing structure 100.
[0017] The climbing hold 104 includes a shouldered through-hole 110
that is sized to receive the bolt 106. The shouldered through-hole
110 has a depth that prevents the head 112 of the bolt 106 from
protruding past an outer surface 114 of the climbing hold 104 to
prohibit the head 112 of the bolt 106 from injuring a climber.
[0018] The shouldered through-hole 110 has a diameter that allows a
tool, such as a socket, to grip the head 112 of the bolt 106. The
tool is used to tighten the bolt 106 to secure the climbing hold
104 to the climbing surface 102 of the climbing structure 100. The
climbing hold 104 can rotate about an axis 116 of the bolt 106 when
a rotational force is applied to the climbing hold 104 even after
the bolt 106 is sufficiently tightened. This can occur particularly
when the rotational force is applied in a counter-clockwise
direction and the bolt 106 includes right-handed threads. Also, the
bolt 106 can become loose from repeated loading and stress on the
climbing structure 100. Loose bolts are dangerous because a climber
can lose his grip on the climbing hold 104 if the bolt 106 loosens
and the climbing hold 104 inadvertently rotates. Also, the climbing
hold 104 can mar or otherwise damage the surface 102 of the
climbing structure 100 during the unintentional rotation.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a climbing
structure 100' including a climbing hold 120 that is mounted to a
climbing surface 102' of the climbing structure 100' with a first
bolt 106 and a second bolt 122. The climbing hold 120 includes a
second shouldered through-hole 124. The first bolt 106 and the
second bolt 122 prevent the climbing hold 120 from unintentionally
rotating by securing the climbing hold 120 to the climbing surface
102' at two locations. The climbing structure 100' includes a
second threaded insert 126 that receives the second bolt 122.
[0020] Climbing holds are available in many shapes and sizes. Many
climbing holds are too small to accept more than one shouldered
through-hole. Also, mounting a climbing old 104 (FIG. 2) using one
bolt or fastener is more desirable than mounting a climbing hold
120 (FIG. 3) using multiple bolts. A climbing hold 104 mounted with
a single bolt 106 can be rotated about an axis 116 (FIG. 2) of the
bolt 106 and can be secured in many different angular positions
relative to the climbing surface 102 of the climbing structure 100.
Mounting the climbing hold 120 using multiple bolts requires a
pattern of matching threaded holes or threaded inserts formed in
the climbing surface 102' of the climbing structure 100' in order
to change the orientation of the climbing hold 120 relative to the
climbing surface 102'.
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a climbing
structure 150 including a climbing hold 152 that is mounted to a
climbing surface 154 of the climbing structure 150 with a threaded
member 156 according to the invention. The climbing hold 152 can be
a hand or a foot hold. The climbing hold 152 can include at least
one rock-like protrusion 157. The climbing hold 152 can also be
adapted to include hooks or carabineers for supporting a climbing
rope or a bungee cord. The threaded member 156 can be a socket-head
cap screw, a hexagonal headed bolt, a cylindrical headed bolt, a
conical headed bolt, or a threaded rod. The threaded rod can
include a nut on one or both ends.
[0022] The climbing structure 150 also includes an opening 158 in
the climbing surface 154. The opening 158 can include a threaded
insert 160. The threaded insert 160 mates with the threaded member
156. In one embodiment, the opening 158 is a threaded opening in
the climbing surface 154 of the climbing structure 150 instead of
the threaded insert 160. The opening 158 can also be through-hole.
In this embodiment, a nut 161 is positioned on the back surface 162
of the climbing structure 150 to receive the threaded member 156 in
order to secure the climbing hold 152 to the climbing surface
154.
[0023] The climbing hold 152 includes a shouldered through-hole or
opening 164 in the climbing hold 152. The opening 164 is sized to
receive the threaded member 156. The head 166 of the threaded
member 156 is seated against the shouldered opening 164 to secure
the climbing hold 152 to the climbing surface 154 of the climbing
structure 50. The shouldered opening 164 has a depth that prevents
the head 166 of the threaded member 156 from protruding beyond an
outer surface 168 of the climbing hold 152. A plug 170 can be
inserted into the opening 164 in the climbing hold 152 to conceal
the head 166 of the threaded member 156.
[0024] The climbing hold 152 also includes a pocket or recess 172.
The recess 172 is offset a distance from the opening 164 in the
climbing hold 152 and is shaped to receive a first portion 174 of
an insert 176. In one embodiment, the first portion 174 of the
insert 176 is mushroom-shaped. The first portion 174 of the insert
176 can also be cylindrical in shape. The climbing surface 154 of
the climbing structure 150 includes a first recess 178 that is
shaped to receive a second portion 180 of the insert 176. In one
embodiment, the second portion 180 of the insert 176 is cylindrical
in shape. The first recess 178 is offset a distance (d) relative to
the opening 158 in the climbing surface 154.
[0025] The insert 176 can be in the shape of a bolt 181. A first
portion 174' of the insert 176 is the head of the bolt 181 and a
second portion 180' of the insert 176 is the threaded shaft of the
bolt 181. The head of the bolt 181 can be cylindrical in shape. The
second portion 180' of the insert 176 can be threaded into a recess
178' in the climbing surface 154.
[0026] The climbing surface 154 of the climbing structure 150 also
includes a second recess 182 that is located at a different
position in the climbing surface 154 than the first recess 178. The
second recess 182 is offset the same distance (d) relative to the
opening 158 in the climbing surface 154 as the first recess 178.
The second recess 182 is the same size and shape as the first
recess 178. The climbing surface 154 of the climbing structure 150
can include other recesses (not shown) that are the same size and
shape as the first 178 and the second recesses 182 but are located
at different radial positions relative to the opening 158. Each of
the other recesses is offset the same distance (d) from the opening
158 in the climbing surface 154 as the first 178 and the second
recesses 182.
[0027] In one embodiment, the second portion 180 of the insert 176
is removed from the first recess 178 and inserted into the second
recess 182 in the climbing surface 154. The climbing hold 152 can
then be re-oriented in a different position relative to the
climbing surface 154 so that the recess 172 in the climbing hold
152 engages the first portion 174 of the re-positioned insert
176.
[0028] The second portion 180 of the insert 176 can include a
threaded shaft that mates with threads in the first recess 178 so
that the second portion 180 of the insert 176 is secured in the
first recess 178. Alternatively, a nut 184 can be positioned on the
back surface 162 of the climbing structure 150 to receive the
threads on the second portion 180 of the insert 176. The second
portion 180 of the insert 176 can also be glued or otherwise
permanently mounted in the first recess 178.
[0029] The climbing hold 152 is secured to the climbing surface 154
by aligning the first portion 174 of the insert 176 with the recess
172 in the climbing hold 152. The second portion 180 of the insert
176 is aligned with the first recess 178 in the climbing surface
154. The threaded member 156 is then inserted through the opening
164 in the climbing hold 152 and into the opening 158 in the
climbing surface 154 to secure the climbing hold 152 to the
climbing surface 154. The threaded member 156 secures the climbing
hold 152 to the climbing surface 154 and causes the first 174 and
the second portions 180 of the insert 176 to engage the recess 172
in the climbing hold 152 and the first recess 178 in the climbing
surface 154.
[0030] Alternatively, the threaded member 156 can be inserted into
the opening 158 from the back surface 162 of the climbing structure
150. In this embodiment, the climbing hold 152 includes a threaded
insert (not shown) that receives the threaded member 156. The
threaded member 156 can be tightened from the back surface 162 of
the climbing structure 150 to secure the climbing hold 152 to the
climbing surface 154 of the climbing structure 150.
[0031] FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
climbing structure 200 including a climbing hold 202 that is
mounted to a climbing surface 204 of the climbing structure 200
with a threaded member 156 according to the invention. The climbing
structure 200 includes an opening 206 in the climbing surface 204.
The opening 206 can include a threaded insert 208. The threaded
insert 208 mates with the threaded member 156. The climbing hold
202 includes a shouldered opening 210 in the climbing hold 202. The
opening 210 in the climbing hold 202 is sized to receive the
threaded member 156. The head 166 of the threaded member 156 is
seated against the shouldered opening 210 to secure the climbing
hold 202 to the climbing surface 204 of the climbing structure
200.
[0032] The climbing hold 202 also includes at least one recess 212
located in the rear surface 214 of the climbing hold 202. The
recess 212 can be a slot in the rear surface 214 of the climbing
hold 202. The recess 212 can extend in a radial direction from the
opening 210 in the climbing hold 202. The recess 212 is offset a
distance from the opening 210 and is shaped to receive a first
portion 216 of an insert 218 that is substantially formed in the
shape of a staple. The staple-shaped insert 218 includes first 220
and second leg portions 222 that are substantially perpendicular to
the first portion 216 of the insert 218.
[0033] The climbing surface 204 of the climbing structure 200
includes a first recess 224 that is shaped to receive the first leg
portion 220 of the insert 218. The climbing surface 204 of the
climbing structure 200 also includes a second recess 226 that is
shaped to receive the second leg portion 222 of the insert 218. The
first recess 224 is offset a distance from the opening 206. The
second recess 226 is offset a distance from the first recess 224
corresponding to a length of the first portion 216 of the insert
218.
[0034] The climbing surface 204 of the climbing structure 200 also
includes third 228 and fourth recesses 230 that are located at
different radial positions than the first 224 and the second
recesses 226. The climbing surface 204 of the climbing structure
200 can include other recesses (not shown) that are the same size
and shape as the first 224 and the second recesses 226 but are
located at different radial positions relative to the opening 206
in the climbing surface 204.
[0035] In one embodiment, an insert 234 that is formed in the shape
of a pin can be used with the climbing structure 200 of FIG. 5A. A
first portion 236 of the insert 234 can engage the slot-like recess
212 in the climbing hold 202. A second portion 238 of the insert
234 can engage a recess 240 in the climbing surface 204. The second
portion 238 of the insert 234 can also engage the other recesses
224, 226, 228, 230 in the climbing surface 204 when the climbing
hold 202 is suitably positioned.
[0036] The climbing hold 202 is secured to the climbing surface 204
by aligning the first 220 and the second leg portions 222 of the
insert 218 with the first 224 and the second recesses 226 in the
climbing surface 204. The first 220 and the second leg portions 222
of the insert 218 can be inserted into the first 224 and the second
recesses 226 in the climbing surface 204. The first portion 216 of
the insert 218 is aligned with the recess 212 in the climbing hold
202. The threaded member 156 is then inserted through the opening
210 in the climbing hold 202 and into the opening 206 in the
climbing surface 204 to secure the climbing hold 202 to the
climbing surface 204. The threaded member 156 secures the climbing
hold 202 to the climbing surface 204 and causes the first portion
216 of the insert 218 to engage the recess 212 in the climbing hold
202 and the first 220 and the second leg portions 222 of the insert
218 to engage the first 224 and the second recesses 226 in the
climbing surface 204.
[0037] The staple-shaped insert 218 can be fabricated from a metal
rod or any other suitable material. The slot-shaped recess 212 in
the rear surface 214 of the climbing hold 202 can be formed by
routing techniques or molded into the climbing hold 202 during
manufacturing. Other known techniques can be utilized to form the
slot-shaped recesses 212 in the rear surface 214 of the climbing
hold 202.
[0038] FIG. 5B illustrates the rear surface 214 of the climbing
hold 202 described in connection with FIG. 5A according to the
invention. The climbing hold 202 defines an opening 210 that is
used to mount the climbing hold 202 to the climbing surface 204
(FIG. 5A). The opening 210 can be a shouldered opening as
previously described.
[0039] The climbing hold 202 includes one or more recesses 212 that
are formed in the rear surface 214 of the climbing hold 202. The
recesses 212 are slot-like in shape and extend radially outward
from the opening 210 in the climbing hold 202. The recesses 212 are
sized to receive the first portion 216 of the insert 218 (FIG. 5A).
The locations of the recesses 212 allow the climbing hold 202 to
engage the first portion 216 of the insert 218 while in various
orientations relative to the climbing surface 204. The recess 212
in the climbing hold 202 that is aligned with he first portion 216
of the insert 218 prevents the climbing hold 202 from inadvertently
rotating when it is mounted to the climbing surface 204.
[0040] The recesses 212 can be formed in the rear surface 214 of
the climbing hold by various techniques. For example, the recesses
212 can be formed in the rear surface 214 by routing or cutting
material from the rear surface 214. This technique can be used with
pre-fabricated climbing holds that are manufactured by a variety of
climbing hold manufacturers. Alternatively, the one or more
recesses 212 can be formed in the rear surface 214 during the
process of manufacturing the climbing hold 202. Many fabrication
techniques for producing artificial climbing holds are known in the
art.
[0041] FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view of yet another
climbing structure 250 including a climbing hold 252 that is
mounted to a climbing surface 254 of the climbing structure 250
with a threaded member 156 according to the invention. The climbing
structure 250 includes an opening 256 in the climbing surface 254.
The opening 256 can include a threaded insert 260.
[0042] The climbing hold 252 includes an opening 264 in the
climbing hold 252. The opening 264 is sized to receive the threaded
member 156. The climbing hold 252 also includes a recess 272. The
recess 272 is offset a distance from the opening 264 in the
climbing hold 252 and is shaped to receive a first portion 274 of
an insert 276. The first portion 274 of the insert 276 can be
cylindrical in shape. The insert 276 can be a pin, a sphere, a
capsule, or a block. Alternatively, the insert can be a circular
insert, a spherical insert, a cylindrical insert, a rectangular
insert, a triangular insert, a trapezoidal insert, a hexagonal
insert, an octagonal insert, or an ellipsoidal insert.
[0043] The climbing surface 254 of the climbing structure 250
includes a recess 280 that is shaped to receive a second portion
282 of the insert 276. The recess 280 is offset a distance relative
to the opening 256 in the climbing surface 254. The climbing
surface 254 of the climbing structure 250 can also include other
recesses 284, 286, 288, 290, and 292 that are located at various
different positions in the climbing structure 250. Each of the
other recesses 284, 286, 288, 290, and 292 is sized to receive the
second portion 282 of the insert 276.
[0044] The recesses 280, 284, 286, 288, 290, and 292 can be
positioned at different distances from the opening 256 in the
climbing structure 250. This allows climbing holds having different
sizes and shapes to be used with the climbing structure 250. For
example, a recess in a small climbing hold might align with the
recess 288 in the climbing surface 254, whereas a recess in a large
climbing hold might align with the recess 286 in the climbing
surface 254. The rotational force or torque exerted on the climbing
hold generally increases as the size of the climbing hold
increases. In one embodiment, the outermost recess that is
reachable in the climbing surface 254 for a particular climbing
hold is used to minimize the rotational force or torque.
[0045] The climbing hold 252 is secured to the climbing surface 254
by aligning the first portion 274 of the insert 276 with the recess
272 in the climbing hold 252. The second portion 282 of the insert
276 is aligned with the recess 280 in the climbing surface 254. The
second portion 282 of the insert 276 can then be inserted into the
recess 280 in the climbing surface 254. The opening 264 in the
climbing hold 252 is aligned with the opening 256 in the climbing
surface 254.
[0046] The threaded member 156 is then inserted through the opening
264 in the climbing hold 252 and into the opening 256 in the
climbing surface 254 to secure the climbing hold 252 to the
climbing surface 254. The threaded member 156 secures the climbing
hold 252 to the climbing surface 254 and causes the first 274 and
the second portions 282 of the insert 276 to engage the recess 272
in the climbing hold 252 and the recess 280 in the climbing surface
254. This secures the climbing hold 252 to the climbing surface 254
and prevents the climbing hold 252 from inadvertently rotating.
[0047] Alternatively, the second portion 282 of the insert 276 can
be permanently mounted into the recess 280 in the climbing surface
254. For example, the second portion 282 of the insert 276 can be
glued into the recess 280, threaded into the recess 280, press-fit
into the recess, or welded into the recess.
[0048] In one embodiment, an insert 294 is a molded protrusion 296
that is positioned on the climbing surface 254. At least a portion
of the molded protrusion 296 is sized to engage the recess 272 in
the climbing hold 252. The molded protrusion 296 can be fabricated
during the process of manufacturing the climbing surface 254. The
molded protrusion 296 can also be attached to the climbing surface
254. The climbing surface 254 can include a plurality of molded
protrusions 296 that are positioned in different locations on the
climbing surface 254. Each of the molded protrusions 296 are sized
to engage the recess 272 in the climbing hold 252.
[0049] The climbing hold 252 is secured to the climbing surface 254
by aligning the opening 264 in the climbing hold 252 to the opening
256 in the climbing surface 254. The molded protrusion 296 on the
climbing surface 254 is aligned with the recess 272 in the climbing
hold 252. The threaded member 156 is then inserted through the
opening 264 in the climbing hold 252 and into the opening 256 in
the climbing surface 254 to secure the climbing hold 252 to the
climbing surface 254 and to cause the molded protrusion 296 to
engage the recess 272 in the climbing hold 252. Securing the
climbing hold 252 to the climbing surface 254 substantially
prevents the climbing hold 252 from rotating relative to the
climbing surface 254.
[0050] FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C illustrate rear surfaces 295, 295' of
climbing holds 252, 252' described in connection with FIG. 6A
according to the invention. The climbing holds 252, 252' both
define an opening 264 that is used to mount the climbing holds 252,
252' to the climbing surface 254 (FIG. 6A). The opening 264 can be
a shouldered opening as previously described. The climbing hold 252
of FIG. 6B is larger than the climbing hold 252' of FIG. 6C.
[0051] The climbing holds 252, 252' each include a ring of recesses
272, 272' that are formed in the rear surface 295, 295' of each of
the climbing holds 252, 252'. In some embodiments, the recesses
272, 272' in the climbing holds 252, 252' are formed into other
hole patterns (not shown) instead of rings.
[0052] The ring of recesses 272 in the climbing hold 252 has a
different diameter than the ring of recesses 272' in the climbing
hold 252'. Engaging an insert 276 (FIG. 6A) in one of the recesses
272 in the large diameter ring of recesses 272 in the climbing hold
252 can prevent a large rotational force applied to the edge 297 of
the climbing hold 252 from rotating the climbing hold 252. Engaging
an insert 276 in one of the recesses 272' in the smaller climbing
hold 252' can prevent a smaller rotational force applied to the
edge 297' of the climbing hold 252' from rotating the climbing hold
252'. The rotational force applied to the edge 297 of the climbing
hold 252 is larger than a similar rotational force applied to the
edge 297' of the climbing hold 252' because of the difference in
the length of the moment arms between the opening 264 and the edges
297, 297' of the two climbing holds 252, 252'. The diameter of the
ring of recesses 272 in the larger climbing hold 252 is large
enough to prevent damage to the climbing hold 252 and the climbing
surface 254 (FIG. 6A) when a large rotational force is applied to
the edge 297 of the climbing hold 252.
[0053] The ring of recesses 272, 272' in the climbing holds 252,
252' allows the climbing holds 252, 252' to be oriented in
different positions relative to the climbing surface 254 (FIG. 6A).
In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the climbing hold 252 can be
oriented in at least nineteen different positions corresponding to
the nineteen recesses 272 in the rear surface 295 of the climbing
hold 252. The climbing hold 252 can be oriented in additional
positions depending on the position and number of additional
recesses in the climbing surface 254 (FIG. 6A). In the example
shown in FIG. 6C, the climbing hold 252' can be oriented in at
least eleven different positions corresponding to the eleven
recesses 272' in the rear surface 295' of the climbing hold 252'.
The climbing hold 252' can be oriented in additional positions
depending on the position and number of additional recesses in the
climbing surface 254 (FIG. 6A).
[0054] FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
climbing structure 300 including a climbing hold 302 that is
mounted to a climbing surface 304 of the climbing structure 300
with a threaded member 156 according to the invention. The climbing
structure 300 includes an opening 306 in the climbing surface
304.
[0055] The climbing hold 302 defines an opening 308 for mounting
the climbing hold 302 to the climbing surface 304. The opening 308
receives the threaded member 156.
[0056] The climbing hold 302 also includes recesses 310, 312, 314,
316, and 318. The recesses 310, 312, 314, 316, and 318 are each
offset a distance from the opening 308 in the climbing hold 302 and
are shaped to receive a first portion 320 of an insert 322.
[0057] The climbing surface 304 of the climbing structure 300
includes a recess 324 that receives a second portion 326 of the
insert 322. The recess 324 is offset a distance relative to the
opening 306 in the climbing surface 304. The climbing surface 304
of the climbing structure 300 can also include another recess 328
that is located at a different position in the climbing surface
304. The other recess 328 is sized to receive the second portion
326 of the insert 322.
[0058] The climbing hold 302 is secured to the climbing surface 304
by aligning the first portion 320 of the insert 322 with the recess
314 in the climbing hold 302. The first portion 320 of the insert
322 can then be inserted into the recess 314 in the climbing hold
302. The second portion 326 of the insert 322 is aligned with the
recess 324 in the climbing surface 304. The opening 308 in the
climbing hold 302 is aligned with the opening 306 in the climbing
surface 304.
[0059] The threaded member 156 is then inserted through the opening
308 in the climbing hold 302 and into the opening 306 in the
climbing surface 304 to secure the climbing hold 302 to the
climbing surface 306. The threaded member 156 secures the climbing
hold 302 to the climbing surface 304 and causes the first 320 and
the second portions 326 of the insert 322 to engage the recess 314
in the climbing hold 302 and the recess 324 in the climbing surface
304. This secures the climbing hold 302 to the climbing surface 304
and prevents the climbing hold 302 from rotating relative to the
climbing surface 304.
[0060] Alternatively, the first portion 320 of the insert 322 can
be permanently mounted into the recess 314 in the climbing hold
302. However, permanent mounting can limit flexibility in the
positioning of the climbing hold 302, since the insert 322 can not
be easily removed and there may be a limited number of
corresponding recesses in the climbing surface 304 to which the
second portion 326 of the insert 322 can be aligned.
[0061] FIG. 7B illustrates a rear surface 330 of the climbing hold
302 described in connection with FIG. 7A according to the
invention. The rear surface 330 of the climbing hold 302 includes
the recesses 310, 312, 314, 316, and 318. Each recess 310, 312,
314, 316, 318 can be positioned in rings of recesses 332, 334, and
336 that are located at different distances from the opening 308 in
the climbing hold 302. For example, the recesses 310, 312 can be
located in a ring of recesses 332 that is positioned a
predetermined radial distance from the opening 308. The number of
recesses and the position of the recesses on the rear surface 330
of the climbing hold 302 can be changed to increase the mounting
flexibility of the climbing hold 302.
[0062] The climbing holds can be fabricated by a variety of
climbing hold manufacturers and can be modified to include one or
more recesses for receiving an insert using the techniques
described herein. This allows existing climbing holds to be
modified to include one or more recesses according to the
invention. An existing climbing hold can still be utilized without
the insert even after the rear surface has been modified. However,
utilizing the existing climbing hold without the insert will not
prevent the climbing hold from rotating when sufficient torque is
applied to it.
[0063] The rings of recesses 332, 334, 336 can be formed in the
rear surface 330 of the climbing hold 302 by using a suitable jig
or a vise (not shown) and a drill press (not shown). The climbing
hold 302 can be mounted in the jig such that the rear surface 330
is facing a suitably-sized drill bit that is loaded into the drill
press. The drill press is then preset to drill a recess having the
appropriate depth into the rear surface 330 of the climbing hold
302. The jig is then rotated by a desired angle and another recess
is drilled into the rear surface 330. This operation continues
until a desired number of recesses are formed in the rear surface
330 of the climbing hold 302. The jig can then be translated
relative to the drill press so that rings of recesses having
differing diameters can be formed in the rear surface 330 of the
climbing hold 302. Other known techniques can be utilized to form
recesses in the rear surface 330 of the climbing hold 302.
[0064] Equivalents
[0065] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it
should be understood by those skilled in the art that various
changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined herein.
* * * * *