U.S. patent application number 12/126672 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-27 for safety features of a climbing apparatus for use in a water environment.
Invention is credited to James Bellanca, Russell Moy.
Application Number | 20080293548 12/126672 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40072947 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080293548 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moy; Russell ; et
al. |
November 27, 2008 |
SAFETY FEATURES OF A CLIMBING APPARATUS FOR USE IN A WATER
ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
An aquatic climbing system having safety features. A climbing
apparatus having a climbing surface suitable for use in a body of
water in an aquatic environment; and a falling mitigation element
in cooperative arrangement with the climbing apparatus and one or
more user falling conditions, the one or more user falling
conditions having a potential adverse effect on user safety of a
user of the aquatic climbing system, wherein the falling mitigation
element mitigates at least one of the one or more user falling
conditions.
Inventors: |
Moy; Russell; (Frederick,
MD) ; Bellanca; James; (Frederick, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEVEQUE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW, P.C.
221 EAST CHURCH STREET
FREDERICK
MD
21701
US
|
Family ID: |
40072947 |
Appl. No.: |
12/126672 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60940133 |
May 25, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2009/006 20130101;
A63B 2225/60 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 69/0048
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/36 |
International
Class: |
A63B 9/00 20060101
A63B009/00 |
Claims
1. An aquatic climbing system having safety features, comprising: a
climbing apparatus having a climbing surface suitable for use in a
body of water in an aquatic environment; a falling mitigation
element in cooperative arrangement with the climbing apparatus and
one or more user falling conditions, the one or more user falling
conditions having a potential adverse effect on user safety of a
user of the aquatic climbing system, wherein the falling mitigation
element mitigates at least one of the one or more user falling
conditions.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the falling mitigation element
comprises at least one portion of the climbing surface of the
climbing apparatus being substantially vertical and having a
plurality of recessed climbing assist features.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the substantially vertical at
least one portion of the climbing surface is curved at the
sides.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the climbing apparatus further
comprises a plurality of shaped surfaces of the climbing apparatus
sufficient to encourage a user of the climbing apparatus to perform
at least one to stay to the climbing surface and to fall from the
climbing surface into the body of water.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the falling mitigation element
comprises at least one portion of the climbing surface of the
climbing apparatus having a substantially negative incline with
respect to vertical sufficient to minimize contact of a body
falling from the climbing surface with the climbing surface.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the climbing apparatus further
comprises a plurality of shaped surfaces of the climbing apparatus
sufficient to encourage a user of the climbing apparatus to perform
at least one to stay to the climbing surface and to fall from the
climbing surface into the body of water.
7. The system of claim 5, herein the at least one portion of the
climbing surface having the substantially negative incline with
respect to vertical comprises one or more of a three-dimensional
surface, a curved surface, a contoured surface, and an angled
surface.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the climbing surface further
comprises a second portion having an incline different from that of
the at least one portion of the climbing surface.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the second portion of the
climbing surface is contiguous the at least one portion.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein the climbing surface of the
climbing apparatus comprises at least a first climbing portion,
wherein the first climbing portion has a first angle relative to
vertical sufficient to minimize contact of a body falling from the
first climbing portion with the first climbing portion, wherein the
first angle of the first climbing portion is a first angle of
negative incline relative to vertical.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the climbing surface further
comprises a second climbing portion contiguous the first climbing
portion, wherein the second climbing portion has a second angle
relative to vertical that is different from the first angle of the
first climbing portion.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the second angle of the second
climbing portion is a larger angle of negative incline relative to
vertical than the first angle of the first climbing portion.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the second angle of the second
climbing portion is substantially zero.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein the climbing surface further
comprises a lower portion contiguous to and below the first
climbing portion.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the lower portion being at
least partially submerged into the body of water.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the lower portion is
substantially contiguous with respect to a pool wall proximate the
body of water in the aquatic environment.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the climbing apparatus further
comprises one or more non-climbable portions having surface
topology configured to discourage climbing by a user of the
system.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein a non-climbable portion of the
one or more non-climbable portions has a non-climbable surface
topology characterized as being different than a first surface
topology of the first climbing portion.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the non-climbable portion is
contiguous the first climbing portion.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the climbing apparatus further
comprises a rear surface configured to discourage climbing by the
user of the system.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the rear non-climbable surface
comprises one or more of a safety cover and a non-climbable
topology configured to discourage climbing by the user.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the climbing apparatus further
comprises the safety cover and a frame that supports the climbing
surface and the rear non-climbable surface and wherein the safety
cover of the rear non-climbable surface covers the frame.
23. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises an
entrapment mitigation element functional to mitigate one or more
entrapment user conditions.
24. The system of claim 1, wherein the climbing apparatus further
comprises one or more climbing features to assist the user stay
within the climbing surface of the climbing apparatus.
25. The system of claim 1, wherein the climbing surface is formed
of one or more sections removably coupled together to form the
climbing surface.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the climbing apparatus further
comprises a plurality of modular sections removably coupled
together to form the climbing surface and wherein modular sections
of the plurality of modular sections are interchangeable.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the plurality of modular
sections further comprise one or more corresponding frame supports
of a modular frame structure suitable to removably couple the
plurality of modular sections together and support the climbing
apparatus.
28. The system of claim 26, wherein the plurality of modular
sections are formed sections removably coupled together by a
coupling element.
29. The system of claim 25, wherein the climbing apparatus
comprises one or more non-modular sections removably coupled
together to form the climbing surface.
30. An aquatic climbing system having safety features, comprising:
a climbing apparatus having a climbing surface suitable for use in
a body of water in an aquatic environment; a plurality of falling
mitigation elements in cooperative arrangement with the climbing
apparatus and one or more user falling conditions, the one or more
user falling conditions having a potential adverse effect on user
safety of a user of the aquatic climbing system, wherein the
plurality of falling mitigation elements mitigate at least one of
the one or more user falling conditions and wherein the plurality
of falling mitigation elements further comprises: a first falling
mitigation element having at least at least a first portion of the
climbing surface of the climbing apparatus being substantially
vertical and having a plurality of recessed climbing assist
features; and a second falling mitigation element having at least a
second portion of the climbing surface of the climbing apparatus
with a substantially negative incline with respect to vertical
sufficient to minimize contact of a body falling from the climbing
surface with the climbing surface.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e) to the provisional U.S. patent application filed May
25, 2007 and identified by Application No. 60/940,133, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] The present is related to attorney's docket number
07-AQUA-01, SAFETY FEATURES OF A CLIMBING APPARATUS FOR USE IN A
WATER ENVIRONMENT, and to attorney's docket number 08-AQUA-01,
SAFETY FEATURES OF A CLIMBING APPARATUS FOR USE IN A WATER
ENVIRONMENT, both filed on even date herewith.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may
contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0004] With use of various aquatic devices and apparatus in or near
bodies of water, such as pools, lakes, the ocean, etc., there are
many safety issues that must be considered. Many devices and
apparatus suitable for use in bodies of water, such as slides,
diving boards, mechanized games, and the like must be concerned
with issues of user safety, such as user entrapment and user
falling for users of such devices, as well as for persons just in
proximity to such devices. The use of aquatic climbing walls and
apparatus carries similar concerns.
[0005] A falling user condition is a condition in which a user of a
climbing wall may be at increased exposure to falling from the
climbing surface of the climbing apparatus or other portions of the
climbing apparatus. For instance, a climber who seeks to stray from
the intended climbing portion of the climbing surface, such as
attempting to climb around the sides, top or bottom of the climbing
apparatus or attempting to access the climbing wall from the pool
deck or from the top is at increased risk of falling. Thus, a
condition in which the user may use the climbing apparatus in an
unintended manner, and thus increase his chances of falling, may be
considered a falling user condition.
[0006] An entrapment condition is another type of user condition
which, if unmitigated, may cause a user of a climbing apparatus or
a person in proximity to the climbing apparatus to be entrapped
while attempting to use or simply be in proximity to the climbing
apparatus. Entrapment conditions may be caused by pre-existing
physical properties of a body of water, like a pool, that become
dangerous when a climbing apparatus is used in the environs of the
body of water. Thus, an entrapment condition may be formed by the
position of the climbing apparatus proximate a support structure,
such as a pool deck and a pool wall, which provides support for the
climbing apparatus in or near the body of water. An entrapment
condition, then, may be formed by one or more of a gap between the
first substantially vertical lower portion and the pool wall, and a
gutter proximate the pool deck and the climbing surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The features of the invention believed to be novel are set
forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention
itself however, both as to organization and method of operation,
together with objects and advantages thereof, may be best
understood by reference to the following detailed description of
the invention, which describes certain exemplary embodiments of the
invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0008] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate front, side and top views of a
1.times.3 climbing apparatus, in accordance with various
embodiments.
[0009] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate various side views of a frame
suitable for use with 1.times.3 various climbing apparatus, in
accordance with various embodiments.
[0010] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate front and top views of a 2.times.3
climbing apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments.
[0011] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate front and top views of a 3.times.3
climbing apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments.
[0012] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate front and top views of a 4.times.3
climbing apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments.
[0013] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate front and top views of a 1.times.4
climbing apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments.
[0014] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate front and top views of a 2.times.4
climbing apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments.
[0015] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate front and top views of a
three-dimensionally formed climbing apparatus, in accordance with
various embodiments.
[0016] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate perspective and top views of a
substantially vertical climbing apparatus with recessed climbing
assists or features, in accordance with various embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates a view from below a partially submerged
climbing apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments.
[0018] FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate perspective, side and top views of
a curved climbing apparatus, in accordance with various
embodiments.
[0019] FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate top and perspective views of a
curved climbing apparatus, in accordance with various
embodiments.
[0020] FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate front and rear views of a modular
framed climbing apparatus, in accordance with various
embodiments.
[0021] FIGS. 14A-14B illustrate front and side views of a climbing
apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 15 illustrates a coupling element for removably
coupling together sections of a climbing apparatus, in accordance
with various embodiments.
[0023] FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate rear perspective and top views of a
climbing apparatus having safety shields, in accordance with
various embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 17 illustrates a rear perspective view of a climbing
apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments.
[0025] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of
some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to
other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding
that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of
the principles of the invention and not intended to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the
description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the
same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the
drawings.
[0027] In this document, relational terms such as first and second,
top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one
entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily
requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between
such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or
any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive
inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that
comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by
"comprises . . . a" does not, without more constraints, preclude
the existence of additional identical elements in the process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
[0028] Reference throughout this document to "one embodiment",
"certain embodiments", "an embodiment" or similar terms means that
a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in
connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such
phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without
limitation.
[0029] The term "or" as used herein is to be interpreted as an
inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B
or C" means "any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and
C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition will occur only
when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in
some way inherently mutually exclusive.
[0030] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, an
aquatic climbing system having various safety features is disclosed
herein. The system is comprised of a climbing apparatus, or
climbing wall, having a climbing surface suitable for use in a body
of water in an aquatic environment and a mitigation element in
cooperative arrangement with the climbing apparatus and one or more
user conditions. The one or more user conditions have a potentially
adverse effect on user safety of a user of the aquatic climbing
system and the mitigation element serves to mitigate at least one
of the one or more user conditions to enhance user safety of the
user of the climbing apparatus. The term mitigation element as used
herein serves to mitigate at least a falling condition, an
entrapment condition, or a combination of the two types of
conditions. Mitigation elements serve to create a safe climbing
experience by mitigating potentially injurious conditions that
might arise. It is understood that a mitigation element may be an
element integral the climbing apparatus itself; in this case the
term "system" refers to the climbing apparatus with its climbing
surface, which may or may not have a discrete frame structure,
having integral or integrated mitigation elements or features.
Alternately, a mitigation element may be a feature that is
optionally or removably attached to the climbing apparatus; this
arrangement would also comprise the climbing system described
herein.
[0031] It will be seen that the use of shaped or rounded surfaces
and topologies, the selection of one or more negative inclines of
the climbing surface, the strategic placement of climbing assists
or features on the climbing surface relative to the top and sides
of the climbing surface, the user of different types of
surfaces/materials for climbable versus non-climbable surfaces, and
the arrangement of the climbing apparatus vis-a-vis a support
structure, such as a pool wall and deck, are all mitigation
elements that encourage a climber to stay within a safe zone of
climbing, discourage movement outside the safe zone and place the
climber in an optimal condition for safe release from the climbing
surface.
[0032] A falling user condition is a condition in which a user of a
climbing wall may be at increased exposure to falling from the
climbing surface of the climbing apparatus or other portions of the
climbing apparatus. For instance, a climber who seeks to stray from
the intended climbing portion of the climbing surface, such as
attempting to climb around the sides, top or bottom of the climbing
apparatus or attempting to access the climbing wall from the pool
deck or from the top is at increased risk of falling. Thus, a
condition in which the user may use the climbing apparatus in an
unintended manner, and thus increase his chances of falling, may be
considered a falling user condition. A falling mitigation element
operates to mitigate a falling condition for the user. An example
of this is design of the climbing apparatus so as to encourage a
climber to stay within a climbing zone and to also encourage
release from climbing zone portion of the climbing wall to provide
a safe fall away from the climbing wall into the body of water to
which the climbing apparatus is adjacent, and into which a portion
of the climbing apparatus may or may not be submerged. The type of
material used for the climbing surface may itself be a falling
mitigation element that discourages a user from falling; selective
use of non-abrasive or abrasive surfaces can be used to encourage
desired behavior of a user of the climbing apparatus. Another
example is design of the climbing apparatus to actually discourage
a user from improperly accessing the climbing surface, such as from
the top, rear or sides of the climbing surface. As will be shown
and described, various embodiments describe these and other types
of falling mitigation elements that may be employed.
[0033] An entrapment condition is another type of user condition
which, if unmitigated, may cause a user of a climbing apparatus to
be entrapped while attempting to use or simply be in proximity to
the climbing apparatus. Entrapment conditions may be caused by
pre-existing physical properties of a body of water, like a pool,
that become dangerous when a climbing apparatus is used in the
environs of the body of water. Thus, an entrapment condition is
formed by the position of the climbing apparatus proximate a
support structure, such as a pool deck and a pool wall, which
provides support for the climbing apparatus in or near the body of
water. An entrapment condition, then, may be formed by one or more
of a gap between the first substantially vertical lower portion and
the pool wall, and a gutter proximate the pool deck and the
climbing surface.
[0034] Consider, for example, the potential for a user to have
their hand or foot entrapped in a gutter of a pool while using a
climbing wall contiguous the side and deck of a pool, and thus
contiguous a pool gutter. Gutters or guttering systems create a
potential for the climber to fall and for his foot and other body
parts to get caught in the gutter. As used herein, it is understood
that the term pool deck may refer to a pool deck, a pier, a pontoon
boat, a cruise ship deck, a platform in the middle of a body of
water, etc. The term pool wall may refer to any substantially
vertical portion of the pool deck immediately adjacent the body of
water in which the climbing wall is used.
[0035] Or, consider the potential for a user to become entrapped
between a climbing wall and an adjacent or contiguous pool wall or
pool deck. Any large enough gaps between the climbing wall and the
pool deck or pool side wall may create so-called transition gaps
that can create entrapment conditions for climbers. Any large
enough gaps between the climbing apparatus and the pools guttering
system can create a condition for a user's hands, fingers, feet,
ankles, etc. to become entrapped, particularly if the user slips or
falls from the apparatus, is submerged or is otherwise in proximity
to the apparatus. As will be shown, submerging at least a portion
of the climbing apparatus in the body of water may greatly help to
mitigate entrapment and thus reduce risk of injury but care must be
taken that this does not introduce a gap large enough to itself
become an entrapment condition under water. Any unacceptably large
gap between the pool wall and submerged portion of the climbing
apparatus, however, is mitigated by ensuring that any gap is small
enough to prevent entrapment of a user's hands, fingers, feet, etc.
For example, fitting a substantially vertical and partially
submerged lower section of the climbing apparatus contiguous the
pool wall allows for the climbing apparatus, which may or may not
include a frame, to be fitted closely to the pool wall so as to
mitigate any gaps between the submerged section and the pool wall,
thereby reducing the potential of swimmer entrapment underwater.
This arrangement also allows the climbing apparatus to be fitted
close to the pool wall, reducing its "footprint" on the pool deck
and reducing the potential for swimmer to bump into the wall when
swimming in a lane in close proximity to the climbing apparatus.
Also, a substantially vertical lower portion allows for easier
placement of the climbing apparatus into a body of water. Moreover,
it can be seen that a closely fitted substantially vertical portion
of the climbing apparatus additionally serves to shield a user from
entrapment in the gutter or guttering system associated with the
body of water. An entrapment mitigation element thus serves to
mitigate one or more entrapment conditions for a user of the
climbing apparatus, thereby providing an important safety feature
of the climbing apparatus.
[0036] Entrapment mitigation need not require submersion of the
climbing apparatus. Rather, the climbing apparatus may be even with
or slightly above the support structure, such as level with or
above the pool deck. In this example, this may expose a user to
greater entrapment user conditions, such as a pool's guttering
system, but an entrapment mitigation element may be otherwise
provided. Referring now to FIGS. 14A-14B, climbing apparatus 1400
and its sections 1420 reside at or above the pool gutter, such as
level with the pool deck. This would cause an entrapment condition
for a user, but for the presence of safety shield 1450. Safety
shield is proximate the pool deck and pool wall in this embodiment
and is positioned proximate the gutter. Safety shield 1450 may be
any shape or of any material effective at mitigating the gutter
entrapment. For example, safety shield may be a short climbing
panel, a rubber block placed into and/or over the gutter, a low
profile plastic shield placed over the gutter and an acceptable
shield configuration may be somewhat influenced by the type, size,
and location of the particular gutter being mitigated.
[0037] Moreover, the use of shaped surfaces or topology for the
climbing apparatus is another safety features that mitigates a
potentially dangerous user condition when a user slips or falls.
Sharp, overly angled, or straight edges or surfaces can injury a
user when falling. Shaped, contoured, sculpted, rounded or smoothed
surfaces or topologies can greatly enhance user safety. As will be
described, such surfaces may be used in the climbing surface, the
sides, the top, the bottom and the rear portions or sections of the
climbing apparatus. It is envisioned in certain embodiments that
shaped surfaces or topologies have large diameter curves sufficient
to encourage a user to stay to the climbing surface or to fall from
the climbing surface into the body of water; they may also be
configured to discourage the user from attempting to climb out of
the climbing zone of the climbing apparatus or from attempting to
access the climbing apparatus improperly, such as from the top,
rear or sides. Properly shaping surfaces of the climbing apparatus
circumvents the climber's natural inclination to grab the edges and
thus mitigates the potential risk of a climber getting too close to
the pool deck located on either side of the climbing apparatus. It
naturally encourages climbers to climb within the zone of safe
activity, referred to as a safe zone, of the climbing
apparatus.
[0038] Consider for purposes of illustration, and not limitation, a
large rounded surface or edge being characterized by a range of
approximately 2.5'' to 6'' in diameter, sufficient to prevent a
climber from easily grasping an edge. Consider further, an example,
rounded bumpers, such as in tubular or flanged form, may be
attached or integral to the sides and be of sufficient surface area
to discourage most climbers from being able to improperly climb to
or from the climbing zone. Rounded, tubular sides of the climbing
apparatus may be large enough in area and circumference to
discourage grabbing by a climber trying to gain access to the sides
of the climbing wall surface or to the pool deck directly from the
climbing wall. By way of example and not limitation, a 31/2 inch
tube is operable to prevent most climbers from grasping with the
foot or hand and using the tube as a climbing aid.
[0039] As a further example, shaped, rounded sides of the climbing
apparatus provide a safety feature that may be augmented by the
introduction of tapered, rounded edges that tapers or increases to
be larger in diameter and/or surface area at the bottom of the mid
section, closest to the pool deck is approached. This tapering may
start at the bottom of mid-section of the climbing surface and
extend up to a desired distance above the pool deck, such as one
meter. It is noted that the tapering of the sides to provide an
area of increased diameter and/or circumference may be integral to
a frame of the climbing apparatus, meaning that it is all an
integral piece of material such as might be achieved with
roto-molding, short for rotationally molded, or it may be provided
by a discrete, tapered section of material operable to be fixedly
attached to the sides.
[0040] The material of shaped, rounded surfaces, such as tubular
sides, is of a quality as to discourage grasping or climbing and
thus may be characterized as shiny, slick, smooth, non-grip-able,
lacking in texture and other features thought to discourage
assisting in climbing. Shaped surfaces, such as at the bottom of
the climbing apparatus, in the example of a partially submerged
portion of the climbing surface, also mitigate the possibility of a
swimmer or submerged user from becoming entrapped between the
submerged portion and the pool deck/pool side, or entrapped in the
pool guttering.
[0041] Shaped surfaces may be formed by discrete portions, panels
or sections, or they may optionally be formed as one or more
integrally formed sections. Sections of the climbing apparatus may
be made of fiberglass, plastic, rubber, shaped concrete or other
suitable materials. As will be shown, shaped surfaces and
topologies may be integral to main sections of the apparatus, or
they may be optionally added, as is the case of adding bumpers or
the like to the side, bottom, top, etc. to further enhance user
safety.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1B, an exemplary climbing system
15, comprised of apparatus 20 and one or more mitigation elements,
is illustrated. In this example, it can be seen that climbing
apparatus 20 is comprised of three vertically arranged section or
panels 60, 65, 70, the lowermost of which, 70, is partially
submerged in the body of water, as indicated by water line 12. A
climbing zone 24, indicated by dashed lines, resides in sections
60, 65, 670, and the strategic placement of climbing assists or
features, such as climbing holds, hand holds, climbable features,
pockets, ledges, grips, grabs, climbing rocks, rock-like features,
etc. referenced interchangeably as climbing features, and the
incline of the various panels themselves, are falling mitigation
elements that encourage a climber user to stay within climbing zone
24 and not attempt to exit or enter climbing surface 26 improperly,
such as by attempting to enter or exit from the sides, rear or top;
another example of a climbing zone is climbing zone 315 of FIG. 3A,
indicated by dashed lines. The decision to not place climbing
assists or climbing features above a certain area of the climbing
surface ensures that the climber cannot grab anything above a
certain height on the top section, safety zone 22. Thus, a climber
may be able to tap the top section but not hang on it. Safety zone
22 is provided by a section or panel that discourages a climber
from climbing over the top of the apparatus. As shown, the system
is comprised of four, vertically arranged sections or panels but it
is understood and it will be shown that the climbing system may be
horizontally or vertically expanded to have any number of sections
or panels or to be of any desired shape or configuration without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0043] In accordance with various embodiments, a falling mitigation
element comprises at least one portion or section of the climbing
surface of the climbing apparatus having a sufficiently negative
incline with respect to vertical sufficient to minimize contact of
a body falling from the climbing surface with the climbing surface.
This is illustrated in various figures, such as FIGS. 1B, 2A-2D,
6B, 8B, 11A-11B, 12B-12C, 13A-13B, 14B, 16A. It is also envisioned
in accordance with certain embodiments that more than one portion
or section of the climbing surface may also be of negative incline
with respect to vertical but of a different angle of incline, such
as a greater decline with respect to vertical; this is illustrated
in FIG. 6B, for instance, in which a portion of the climbing
surface, section or panel 630, has a greater angle of negative
incline than section or panel 635. Having two portions of the
climbing surface with different inclines with respect to vertical
further enhance safety and mitigate a falling user condition. In
the example of FIG. 6B, the greater negative incline of portion 625
adds to the difficulty of the climb as well as further encourages
fall of the user away from the climbing wall and into the safe body
of water.
[0044] A sufficiently negative incline with respect to vertical
ensures that the climber of the climbing wall, upon releasing his
grip and/or contact with the climbing wall, falls backwards away
from the climbing surface and safely into the water below. One
optimal angle for this is 12 degrees; however, some pool decks
slope away from the pool as much as 5 degrees therefore making the
wall angle of negative include from vertical 7 degrees. It is
envisioned that a climbable surface may be the range of between
approximately 3 to 35 degrees from vertical for the negative
incline, although it is known that the difficulty of climbing the
climbing wall is affects by a range of factors, including angle of
negative incline and the characteristics of the climbing surface
itself. It is further noted that the negative incline of one or
more portions of the climbing surface also deters climbers from
trying to access the climbing surface from the pool deck, which if
attempted could create a potential safety risk of slipping and
falling onto the pool deck.
[0045] Referring back to FIG. 1, the side view of FIG. 1B
illustrates that in this particular embodiment the climbing surface
is comprised of various sections or portions, shown as panels 60,
65, 70. Section 70 is shown as partially submerged in the body of
water and the submerged portion is contiguous and snuggly fitted to
pool wall 45, thereby providing an entrapment mitigation element of
the system that mitigates the opportunity for trapped user fingers,
hands, legs, etc. between panel 70 and pool wall 45. It can be seen
that the arrangement of the partially submerged panel section 70
further helps to mitigation entrapment with respect to the gutter
or guttering system 40. In this particular figure, as well as in
drawings FIGS. 2C and 16A, the guttering system 40 is recessed
inside pool wall 45 and visible on the pool deck 10. Any number of
guttering systems or gutters may be used in connection with a pool,
such as a pool guttering system recessed into the pool wall 45 and
exposed to the user in the upper portion of pool wall 45 and
certainly an entrapment condition for a user of a climbing wall;
this type of pool gutter 245 is illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D, 6B, 8B,
9B, 11B, 12B-12C, and 14A-14B.
[0046] Also shown in FIG. 1B and top view FIG. 1C is a frame
structure 30 having bracing 32, 36 and base 34. The framing serves
to attach the climbing apparatus to pool deck by attachment
elements, such as bolts 35. Such a framing structure may or may not
be covered by a cover as shown as rear portion 840 of FIG. 8B, or
rear safety covering 1720 of FIG. 17; if a cover is used to cover a
frame structure, such covering provides a further safety feature by
covering a framing structure with softly shaped or non-hard edge
surfaces. There are of course many ways envisioned to secure the
climbing apparatus to the pool deck so that it is secured to
support user climbing and they are incorporated herein. A shaped
base, such as that illustrated in FIG. 9A (base 930), FIG. 11A-11C
(base 1150), and FIG. 16A-16B (base 1625) may be used. Moreover, an
integrally formed base of sufficient weight to help secure the
climbing apparatus may be employed; this is illustrated as the rear
surface in FIGS. 12A-12C.
[0047] It is envisioned that any number and arrangement of climbing
surface sections may be employed. While FIGS. 1A-1C demonstrate a
three-vertical and one-horizontal panel arrangement, the invention
is not so limited. FIG. 3A illustrates a three-vertical,
two-horizontal arrangement; FIG. 4A illustrates a three-vertical,
three-horizontal arrangement; FIG. 5A illustrates a three-vertical,
four-horizontal arrangement; and FIG. 7A illustrates a
four-vertical, two-horizontal arrangement, for example. The panels
or sections in these examples may be considered to be modular,
meaning they can be removably coupled together to form the climbing
surface and be interchangeable if desired. As shown in their
corresponding side and top view drawings, FIGS. 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B-6C,
7B, demonstrate a frame structure comprised of sections to support
their climbing surface sections or panels. In FIG. 3B, frame 350 is
comprised of two frame assemblies 320, 330, one for each vertical
arrangement of panels 320, 330 of climbing surface 325. FIG. 4B
illustrates that the frame structure 430 is comprised of right,
middle, and left frame assemblies 435, 440, and 445, respectively,
to support sections or panels 420 of climbing surface 425. Frame
530 of FIG. 5B has four frame assemblies 535, 540, and 545 to
support four vertical columns of climbing surface panels/sections
520 of climbing surface 525. Climbing surface 725 in FIG. 7B is
supported by frame 730, comprised of right and left frame
assemblies 735, 740, respectively.
[0048] The sections may be removably coupled together by means of
the frame structures as shown. Reference to climbing apparatus 1300
of FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate front and rear views 1305 and 1350,
respectively, of a modular frame 1330 used to removably couple
modular panels or sections 1320 of climbing surface 1325 together.
The various sections are bolted together but may be otherwise
removably coupled, such as by clips, etc.
[0049] While these drawings indicate a 1:1 relationship between
frame support and the climbing surface being supported, this need
not be the case. For example, a unitary support structure may be
used to support the climbing walls of FIGS. 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B-6C, 7B
or fewer or more frame support structure may be used than is shown.
The frame structure 530 could be comprised of just three or even
two frame assemblies if so desired. If a framing structure is
employed, it may change according to the size of the climbing
apparatus. The frame structure of a climbing apparatus may change
to support the expanded section arrangement.
[0050] The modular sections making up a climbing apparatus need not
be supported by a frame structure at all. Rather, a plurality of
modular sections may be removably coupled together to form the
climbing surface of the climbing apparatus by means of a coupling
element, such as the exemplary one illustrated in FIG. 15, in which
two sections 1550 may be bolted together by a bolt 1520 at a
section connection point 1510, accessed by recessed cavities 1530,
1540, as shown. The climbing apparatus of FIG. 10 is formed of
modular sections or panels 1020 that together form climbing surface
1025. The various panels 1020 are removably coupled together such
that they may be interchanged as desired to change the climbing
experience. No frame structure is used; the base 1030 supports the
climbing wall when assembled. Or, consider the curved climbing
apparatus system 1100 of FIG. 11. Climbing surface 1125 is formed
of two curved section panels 1120 and 1130 that, if certain
tapering changes were made, could be symmetrically formed and could
therefore be interchangeable in the sense that the positions of
section 1130 could be swapped with that of section 1120, assuming
that side 1140 is not integrally formed with section 1130. The
flared side portions 1140 further enhance safety by preventing
entrapment in the gutter and thus are an entrapment mitigation
element. In FIG. 12C, it can be seen that when climbing apparatus
1250 is formed by vertical sections 1255, 1260, rather than by
horizontal sections (as shown in FIG. 12B), these sections 1255,
1260 are modular in the broadest sense.
[0051] Modular sections not supported by a support frame may be
formed sections that are rotationally molded, made of fiberglass,
thermally formed or of plastic, by way of example and not
limitation. They may be of such a weight and shape when coupled
together so as not to require the use of a discrete support
frame.
[0052] As previously mentioned, portions of the climbing surface
may be formed of modular panels or sections that are
interchangeable, such as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, but this is not
required. It is envisioned that the one or more sections may be in
fact non-modular in nature, meaning that they do not easily lend
themselves to being interchanged. Such might be the case, for
instance, where the overall climbing apparatus shape is non
symmetrical, such a having a left side that differs from a right
side, or having top, middle and bottom sections with different
shapes. Such asymmetrical sections are illustrated in sections
1225, 1230, 1235 1240 that form the climbing surface of climbing
apparatus 1220 of FIG. 12B. In FIGS. 8A, 8B, the use of solid and
dashed lines indicates the make-up of various sections, such as
Sections 810, 820, 830, in which each section, delineated by solid
lines; the dashed lines indicate the topology or contours of the
section. The three-dimensional sections could be three-sided
triangularly shaped or trapezoidally shaped if desired. The surface
effect of climbing surface 825 is clearly three-dimensional, i.e.
3D, and may be considered to be a shaped surface.
[0053] Of course, a climbing apparatus having only one section may
or not be modular when matched with other sections. Non-modular
section or sections may be thermally formed, of fiberglass,
rotationally molded, etc. Examples of a climbing apparatus having a
climbing section formed of only one section may be understood by
reference to FIGS. 8, 9, 11 and 12 and visualizing that the
climbing surfaces are not formed by sections but rather made up of
one piece or section. In FIGS. 8A, 8B, for instance, it can be
seen, particularly from the side view of FIG. 8B, that climbing
surface 825 could be configured differently to be formed of a
single, formed section with three-dimensional aspect if desired.
Also, climbing surface 252, a continuous climbing surface is shown
formed as a single section, as is continuous climbing surface 262
of FIG. 2C and continuous climbing surface 272 of FIG. 2D.
[0054] In accordance with various other embodiments, a falling
mitigation element may be provided by at least one section or
portion of the climbing surface of the climbing apparatus being
substantially vertical and having a plurality of recessing climbing
features or assists, such as recessed holds, ledges, pockets,
grips, grabs, rock-like features, etc; as used herein, these terms
are interchangeable and referenced generically as recessing
climbing features. This is illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9B. Climbing
apparatus 900 features recessed climbing assists or features 920,
which are recessed into the climbing surface. Strategic placement
of recessed climbing features 920 defines a climbing zone 925 for a
climber and thus provide an example of a falling mitigation
element. When a user falls from climbing zone 925, he will not make
contact with the wall or any of the climbing assists. This is a
significant falling mitigation element for the climber. The
climbing apparatus with recessed climbing features of FIG. 9 is
shown with a lower portion submerged as a an entrapment mitigation
element; alternately the apparatus may be placed at or above the
level of the pool deck and another entrapment mitigation element
used, such as the shielding over the gutter as shown in FIGS.
14A-B. Further, the substantially vertical climbing surface may be
curved in shape at the sides, similar to the curved sections
illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C, whilst still maintaining the
substantially vertical nature of the climbing surface.
[0055] With regard to FIG. 10, the partially submerged lower
portion of climbing surface 1025 snug against the surface wall of
the pool is an entrapment mitigation element, as is its covering a
portion of the gutter entrapment condition. The use of rounded
sides 1040 further adds to safety for the user.
[0056] FIG. 11 is another example of a partially submerged climbing
surface 1125 which is an entrapment mitigation element. Further,
the curved aspect of the climbing surface 1125 itself is a falling
mitigation element in that it encourages climbers to stay to the
climbing surface since the curved form of the sections 1120, 1130
make it more difficult to circumvent the intended climbing zone.
Additionally, it can be seen that at least one of sections 1120,
1130 has a negative incline with respect to vertical, to encourage
a user to fall from the climbing surface 1125 back into the water
and also discouraging improper exit or entry of the climbing
surface 1125 from the sides or top. The curved form of section 1130
may be continued to the bottom of the climbing apparatus as
indicated or it may optionally terminate in a flat surface snug to
the side of the pool. The sides 1140 may be shaped so as to prevent
entrapment of a climber in the pool gutter and also rounded or
otherwise shaped to mitigate harm from falling from above. In this
embodiment, it can be seen that the curved nature of the apparatus
is reflected in the curved portion 1115 of safety zone 1110 at the
top of the apparatus, shown in FIGS. 11A-11C.
[0057] The concept of rounded, shaped, contoured or sculpted
surfaces of the climbing apparatus is further illustrated by
rounded bottom 940 of FIGS. 9A and 9B; rounded sides 1040 of FIG.
10; and rounded sides and edges of FIGS. 12A-12C, including rounded
edges 1265. Refer to FIG. 12, in which a curved climbing apparatus
1200 is shown. As previously discussed, the curved apparatus may be
formed by various sections 1225, 1230, 1235, 1240 (not modular) of
FIG. 12B or sections 1255, 1260 (modular) of FIG. 12C. It can be
seen that rounded surfaces or edges are used, such as rounded edges
1265 of FIG. 12C and also the rounded edges of FIG. 12A. Again, the
partially submerged section 1240 in FIG. 12B and the partially
submerged sections 1255 and 1260 in FIG. 12C provide an entrapment
mitigation element in that the submerged panels cover the gutter of
the pool, effectively minimizing the potential for entrapment in
it. Placement of the submerged section(s) snug enough to the pool
wall to minimize any gap between the climbing wall and the pool
wall is another entrapment mitigation element.
[0058] In addition to shaped surfaces integral (part of) the
climbing apparatus itself, one or more bumper elements may be
removably attached to the climbing apparatus. This is illustrated
by the safety bumpers of FIG. 7A; rounded sides 1615 and shaped
safety pieces 1620 of FIGS. 16A-16B; and safety bumper 1730 of FIG.
17. The sides 1615 and shaped safety pieces 1620 of FIG. 16
function as entrapment mitigation elements. Any of these shaped
forms may be integrally part of the main climbing apparatus if so
desired.
[0059] As previously discussed and as liberally shown throughout
the drawings, the topology of the climbing surface can vary to be
any form without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. The topology of the climbing surface may include
substantially planar panels or sections, as was demonstrated by the
flat surface with recessed climbing holds of FIG. 9; substantially
planar panels or sections angled with respect to one another, as
illustrated in FIG. 14B; curved, contoured or otherwise three
dimensional, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B, 2A-2D, 6B, 8A-8B, 11A,
13A. In the case where at least one portion of the climbing surface
is at a negative include with respect to vertical, in order to
effect a falling mitigation element, the overall incline of one or
more portions of a climbing surface may or may not be informed by
the topology of the climbing surface. Thus, while a portion of the
climbing surface may be negative with respect to vertical, the
topology of that portion may in fact not be a negative incline and
thus be different from the overall inclination of the climbing
surface.
[0060] The safety zones arranged at the top portion of the climbing
apparatus, shown as safety zones 22, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 910,
1010, 1110, 1310, 1410, 1610, 1710 of FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9,
10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, respectively, may be of the same or
different angle of inclination with respect to vertical. Thus, as
shown by angle 28 of FIG. 1B, for example, this inclination may
vary from more than (FIG. 1B), same as (FIG. 9A), or less than
(FIG. 11B). Generally, the degree of the angle may be adjusted as
desired to control the difficulty for a climber to climb over the
top of the climbing apparatus. For example, while the angle of
overhang of negative incline for a portion of the climbing surface
may be 12 degrees, the angle of negative incline of the overhanging
top section of the safety zone might be increased by an additional
15-25 degrees, or the angle of negative incline of the safety zone
may be made to be less than the angle of negative incline of a
portion of the climbing surface. It is understood that a falling
mitigation element function is provided by the safety zone of the
top portion of the climbing apparatus by encouraging that a
climber's body falls away from the climbing wall to prevent the
climber from hitting the climbing apparatus when he falls. The
safety zone also serves to prevent climbers from trying to climb
over the top. The non-climbable surface of the safety zone may be a
minimum, linear distance from the top of the climbing wall high
enough for most climbers to be unable to reach above and hold onto
the top edge; for instance, the linear distance from the top of the
climbing wall to the top of the safety zone might be approximately
24 or 36 inches. The material of the safety zone top portions
should be such as to discourage a climber from trying to reach
above, behind, or around this section. It may thus be characterized
as shiny, slick, smooth, non-grip-able, lacking in texture and
other features serving to discourage grasping, climbing or
prolonged contact.
[0061] This is illustrated by rear surface 840 of FIG. 8B, which
may or may not be a cover covering an underlying support or frame
structure. In FIG. 12A, rear surface 1210 is curved in shape so as
to discourage climbing of the rear surface by a person. In this
example, the climbing apparatus 1200 is comprised of formed
sections (either vertically or horizontally coupled) and does not
have a discrete frame structure. Thus rear surface 1210 does not
function as a cover for an underlying frame. The rear elevation of
climbing apparatus 1600 is configured to discourage climbing of it
by a user or person. The top view of FIG. 16B illustrates the steep
assent of the rear surface. In FIG. 17, the rear surface is a rear
safety covering 1720 with a safety bumper 1730.
[0062] In any of these illustrations, the rear surface may be
configured to discourage climbing not only by the shape or topology
of the rear surface, i.e. a non-climbable topology, but also by the
materials used for the rear surface. A flat, slick, non-abrasive or
other non-climber friendly material helps to discourage climbing.
The rear surface is configured to discourage climbing by a
person.
[0063] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the
present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary
skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes
can be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the
specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative
rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are
intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The
benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s)
that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or
become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical,
required, or essential features or elements of any or all the
claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims
including any amendments made during the pendency of this
application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
* * * * *