U.S. patent application number 17/676060 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-25 for climbing hold.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wide Boyz Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Wide Boyz Ltd.. Invention is credited to Andrew CHERRY, Thomas RANDALL, Mark RICHARDSON, Peter WHITTAKER.
Application Number | 20220266112 17/676060 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220266112 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WHITTAKER; Peter ; et
al. |
August 25, 2022 |
CLIMBING HOLD
Abstract
A crack climbing unit is provided and comprises a body having an
inwardly facing jamming surface. The surface is provided with a
compliant liner.
Inventors: |
WHITTAKER; Peter;
(Sheffield, GB) ; RICHARDSON; Mark; (Ashwell,
GB) ; RANDALL; Thomas; (Sheffield, GB) ;
CHERRY; Andrew; (Sheffield, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wide Boyz Ltd. |
Ashwell |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
Wide Boyz Ltd.
Ashwell
GB
|
Appl. No.: |
17/676060 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2022 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 21, 2021 |
GB |
GB2102416.1 |
Aug 18, 2021 |
GB |
GB2111841.9 |
Feb 18, 2022 |
GB |
GB2202203.2 |
Claims
1. A crack climbing unit comprising a body having an inwardly
facing jamming surface, the surface being provided with a compliant
liner.
2. A unit as claimed in claim 1, in which the body is formed from a
material selected from: fibreglass; wood; metal; plastics.
3. A unit as claimed in claim 1, in which the unit comprises a
generally flat jamming surface and an inclined back.
4. A unit as claimed in claim 1, in which the unit is generally
wedge shape in section.
5. A unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the unit
comprises a fixing flange.
6. A unit as claimed in claim 1, in which the liner comprises a
rippled or corrugated inner face.
7. A unit as claimed in claim 1, in which the liner is
textured.
8. A system as claimed in claim 1, in which the liner provides an
undulating inner jamming surface.
9. A unit as claimed in claim 1, in which the liner is formed
separately from and is attachable to the jamming surface.
10. A unit as claimed in claim 1, in which the liner is bonded to
the body.
11. A unit as claimed in claim 1, in which the unit includes a
flange for fixing to a climbing wall.
12. A unit as claimed in claim 1, in which the unit comprises or
can be associated with an end cap at either or both ends
thereof.
13. A crack climbing system comprising separate first and second
units according to claim 1, the units are arrangeable with the
inner jamming surface opposed to define a desired crack width.
14. A climbing crack system according to claim 13, comprising: one
or more central sections, the or each central section comprising
separate first and second central units each including an inner
jamming surface, the central units are arrangeable with the inner
jamming surface opposed; a first end cap section comprising
separate first and second end cap parts each including an inner
jamming surface; and a second end cap section comprising separate
first and second end cap parts each including an inner jamming
surface.
15. A climbing wall provided with one or more units according to
claim 1.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates generally to climbing and
particularly, although not exclusively, to climbing holds for
climbing walls.
[0002] Climbing walls are artificial structures originally built to
enable rock climbers to train and continue climbing through the wet
and cold winter months or in areas where outdoor climbing was
difficult to access. More recently climbing walls have become
extremely popular and used as a recreational physical activity and
as a competitive sport.
[0003] Climbing walls are often provided with climbing holds--
shaped grips which can be attached to a wall and arranged in a path
(known as a "route"). A variety of types of grips are known,
including jugs, slopers, pockets, pinches and edges. Volumes are a
large type of hold upon which other holds can be mounted. Volumes
are often formed as hollow plywood or resin holds (for example
triangular or rounded).
[0004] Crack climbing is a type of rock climbing in which the
climber follows a crack. Fundamental to crack climbing is
"jamming". Jamming means inserting a finger hand, foot or limb into
a crack and expanding or torquing them to create a secure hold.
[0005] Jamming can be difficult, but it is often the only way to
climb a crack. With practice, however, technique can improve.
[0006] An aspect of the present invention provides a crack climbing
system comprising separate first and second parts each including an
inner jamming surface, the parts are arrangeable with the inner
jamming surface opposed to define a desired crack width.
[0007] The crack climbing system of the present invention can be
used as part of a climbing wall structure (indoor or outdoor) and
to produce a climbing route including one or more crack holds.
Multiple parts could, for example, be placed together to form a
longer crack.
[0008] The first and/or second part may be formed from a fibreglass
material.
[0009] The first and/or second part may be formed from wood.
[0010] Jamming can be painful and this can be off-putting.
[0011] In some embodiments the jamming surface is compliant. For
example the jamming surface may be provided with a deformable
covering.
[0012] The deformable covering may be formed separately from and
may be attachable to the jamming surface.
[0013] The covering may be bonded to the part. Alternatively the
covering may be removably attachable to the part.
[0014] In some embodiments the deformable covering is textured. For
example the deformable covering may provide an undulating inner
jamming surface.
[0015] Below are some details and characteristics of some materials
that could be used to mould into a desired "soft grip" material,
which could, for example, be formed as a wave shape.
[0016] The letters and number afterwards represent the hardness of
softness of each material. the higher the number the harder the
material, and the lower the number the softer the material. Some
embodiments could for example, have EPDM 80 which would be quite
hard, or the same material, EPDM, at 30 which would be much
softer.
[0017] 1. EPDM--90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30
[0018] 2. Shore Natural--Z90, Z80, Z70, Z60, Z50, Z40, Z30
[0019] 3. Shore Neoprene--C90 C80, C70, C60, C50, C40, C30
[0020] 4. Shore Polyurethane Poly--95, 85, 75, 65, 55, 45, 35
[0021] Crack volumes with different hardnesses and softnesses may
be provided depending on how the volumes will be used and by
who.
[0022] Examples of uses and characteristics:
`Harder` Soft Grip:
[0023] used by more experienced climbers who want to replicate
something closer to rock but still have comfort [0024] used in
horizontal climbing (if soft grip is too soft on horizontal
jamming, it can make the climbing more difficult) [0025] used if
the customer is going to use Crack Gloves or Tape on their hands to
protect themselves [0026] used when more difficult jamming moves
want to be incorporated in boulder problems or routes. on difficult
moves it's important that there isn't too much `give` in the soft
grip as this will disrupt the move they are trying to make [0027]
used in finger sized cracks; the grip needs to be harder in finger
cracks as if there is too much give in the soft grip the fingers
can slide straight through
`Softer` Soft Grip:
[0027] [0028] used by beginner climbers as it is more comfortable
and friendly as they learn the techniques [0029] used on lower
angled terrain as you can put more weight on the feet, so the
`give` in the soft grip becomes less of a problem for the hands
[0030] used if the customer is not going to use tape or crack
gloves on their hands. A soft material will not hurt the hand as
much. [0031] used in competition climbing, where its important that
competitors do not start bleeding through jamming [0032] used when
`give` in the jam, is less detrimental i.e. when hand jamming. Hand
jamming has a lot of range of expansion so a bit of give does not
affect the quality so much, whereas `give` in a finger jam will
make the whole jam slip through the crack.
[0033] Hold parts (e.g. halves) may comprise a base part and a
liner/covering part (which may be formed from different materials).
The liner may be attached e.g. by bonding to the base. In some
embodiments, for example a liner material is bonded to an
underlying fibreglass base using a compatible glue/adhesive.
[0034] The parts may comprise a generally flat jamming surface and
an inclined back.
[0035] The parts may include a flange for fixing to a climbing wall
(e.g. using screw fixings).
[0036] Each part may comprise an end cap. For example separate end
caps may be provided. The end caps may be sloping.
[0037] The present invention also provides a two-piece adjustable
crack climbing system comprising separate first and second parts
each including an inner jamming surface, the parts are arrangeable
with the inner jamming surface opposed to define a crack width.
[0038] The present invention also provides a preformed crack
climbing hold comprising a moulded fibreglass body and a moulded
soft grip bonded onto the body.
[0039] The present invention also provides a crack climbing unit
comprising a body having an inwardly facing jamming surface, the
surface being provided with a compliant liner.
[0040] The body may, for example, be formed from fibreglass. Other
embodiments may be formed, for example, from wood, metal, or
plastics material.
[0041] The unit may be generally wedge shape in section.
[0042] The unit may comprise a fixing flange.
[0043] The liner may comprise a rippled or corrugated inner
face.
[0044] A further aspect provides a climbing crack system
comprising: one or more central sections, the or each central
section comprising separate first and second central parts each
including an inner jamming surface, the central parts are
arrangeable with the inner jamming surface opposed; a first end cap
section comprising separate first and second end cap parts each
including an inner jamming surface; and a second end cap section
comprising separate first and second end cap parts each including
an inner jamming surface.
[0045] The present invention also provides a climbing wall provided
with a system or hold as described herein.
[0046] The present invention also provides a liner for a crack
hold, the liner being compliant and having a generally undulating
jamming surface.
[0047] The surface may be textured. The surface may be
corrugated/rippled.
[0048] The liner may be formed separately from, and be attachable
to, a hold e.g. by bonding.
[0049] Also provided is a crack climbing plate which is fixed or
fixable to a crack volume and comprises or can receive a sheet of
compliant material. The plate may, for example comprise a frame
with fixing holes.
[0050] The present invention also provides a crack hold having a
liner or plate as described herein.
[0051] Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be
used separately or together.
[0052] Further particular and preferred aspects of the present
invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent
claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the
features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in
combination other than those explicitly set out in the claims. Each
aspect can be carried out independently of the other aspects or in
combination with one or more of the other aspects.
[0053] The present invention will now be more particularly
described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0054] FIGS. 1 to 4 show a simple, lightweight, two-piece
adjustable crack system;
[0055] FIGS. 5 to 8 illustrate a crack hold formed according to a
further embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of a hold;
[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates the option to mix holds and/or hold
halves with and without soft grip;
[0058] FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate a hold formed in accordance with a
further embodiment.
[0059] FIGS. 15 to 18 show "jam plates" formed in accordance with
the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 19 illustrates a sheet of soft grip material for one or
more frames;
[0061] FIG. 20 shows a middle volume unit formed according to a
further embodiment;
[0062] FIG. 21 shows an end cap unit 650 formed according to a
further embodiment;
[0063] FIGS. 23 and 24 show a finger lock unit embodiment;
[0064] FIGS. 25 and 26 show an end cap suitable for use with the
finger lock of FIGS. 23 and 24.
[0065] FIG. 27A shows a crack volume system comprising volume units
that can be used separately, singularly or together.
[0066] FIG. 27B shows a left unit of a crack volume system;
[0067] FIG. 27C shows a right unit of a crack volume system;
[0068] FIG. 27D show a centre unit of a crack volume system;
and
[0069] FIG. 27E shows a crack volume system with a fibreglass body
and soft grip inner.
[0070] The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail
to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and
implement the systems and processes herein described. It is
important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many
alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the
examples set forth herein.
[0071] Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various
ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments
thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as
examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms
disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should
be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently
denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and
detailed description where appropriate.
[0072] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary
in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common
usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant
art and not in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly
so defined herein.
[0073] In the following description, all orientational terms, such
as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the
drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the
invention.
[0074] FIGS. 1 to 4 show a simple, lightweight, two-piece
adjustable crack system 10, suitable for home use or training areas
within climbing gyms. The two units 15, 20 can be used separately
or together. Each unit has an inside jamming surface 16, 21.
[0075] It can, for example, be used as a single unit for crack
specific exercises and dialling in technique or multiple units can
be added together to do full boulder problems and circuits.
[0076] In this embodiment the product comes in a flat packed style
which is easily assembled and installed by the user.
[0077] In this embodiment a pack is provided and contains:
[0078] 2.times.crack trainer halves (24 Screw cups, 48 screws, 2
Base Plates, 4 Uprights, 2 Crack Walls, 4 End Caps, 2 Gripper
Bars).
[0079] 1.times.Glue
[0080] 1.times.Assembly instruction card
[0081] 1.times.Training card
[0082] Example Dimensions--Length 800 mm.times.height 180
mm.times.width 115 mm
[0083] In this embodiment the wood is cut on a CNC machine.
[0084] All edges and features aside from the crack are rounded for
comfort and can be held, stood on and used as other options, to
help diversify the climbing and make exercises harder or
easier.
[0085] The jamming area is plain wood, for example plywood, which
provides a slick jamming feel.
[0086] The crack trainer apparatus has two halves which can be set
at a desired width.
[0087] Below are some example widths:
[0088] 1-1.5 inch=thin hand size
[0089] 1.5-2 inch=tight hand size
[0090] 2-2.5 inch=hand size
[0091] 2.5-3.5 inch=baggy and cupped hand size
[0092] 3.5-4 inch=first size
[0093] 4-5 inch=stacked hand size
[0094] The crack trainer apparatus can be used for all abilities,
from those just starting out wanting to purely practice technique,
to those who have been jamming for years, but want to do some jam
specific training exercises.
[0095] FIGS. 5 to 8 illustrate a crack hold formed according to a
further embodiment.
[0096] The crack hold is similar to the hold of FIGS. 1 to 4. In
this embodiment, however, a soft grip liner/covering 130 is
provided and can be installed onto the inside jamming surface
within the assembly process, plus easily removed/replaced at a
later date if worn. In this embodiment a 1.5 m length of soft grip
material is provided.
[0097] An exploded view of the hold is shown in FIG. 9.
[0098] The soft grip material provides a grippy and comfortable
crack feel. This option is good for endurance and power endurance
workouts, as well as working on technique.
[0099] The soft grip 130 has a pre-adhesive backer in this
embodiment.
[0100] It is possible to mix holds and/or hold halves with and
without soft grip, as illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0101] Having both options lets the user tailor their training and
climbing sessions to the intensity required, enabling them to dial
in technique and get stronger quicker.
[0102] FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate a hold formed in accordance with a
further embodiment.
[0103] FIG. 11 shows a unit 215, which in this embodiment is formed
as a moulded crack module. In this embodiment the unit is formed
from a fibreglass material (e.g. polyethylene or polyurethane
based).
[0104] The unit is designed with one flat (e.g. generally vertical
and/or at approximately orthogonal to an underlying wall) face 216
that can be used to jam against. The unit has an angled back
217--an approximately 45 degree (for example) slope off the
backside of the jamming edge. A longitudinal flange 218a, 218b is
provided along each side.
[0105] There is a rounded top edge 219 of the crack module (for
comfort).
[0106] In this embodiment the top edge of the crack has rough
texture built into the mould to provide friction. All other
fibreglass areas are smooth to prevent gaining friction, forcing
people to jam.
[0107] The unit has flat ends so they can be stacked together to
form a longer crack. Top and bottom edges may be left free to
enable stacking. Different shapes may be produced, for example
embodiments which have tapered ends.
[0108] Flanges are provided for fixing to the wall on the outside
and inside edges of the volumes. Screw fixings may be used for wall
attachment.
[0109] The fibreglass unit may be made in a mould and bought as a
whole unit.
[0110] Two separate units can be used make up a crack, a left and a
right.
[0111] Two separate end caps can be used to make up sloping crack
ends: a left 240 (FIG. 12); and right 250 (FIG. 13).
[0112] The hold can, for example, be used on a climbing wall
structure, home or commercial. It could be used as a jamming crack
or a single unit (like a normal climbing volume would be).
[0113] The crack can be set at any maximum width; this is down to
the route setter.
[0114] In this embodiment a minimum width is determined by the
inside flange protruding from the crack face.
[0115] FIG. 14 shows a soft grip material sheet 360 formed in
accordance with the present invention. An upper (inner jamming)
surface is provided with laterally extending corrugations 361.
[0116] In this embodiment the material is moulded into a required
shape and texture.
[0117] A specific glue may be used for bonding soft grip to a
fibreglass unit, for example.
[0118] In this embodiment the soft grip is provided with a 3D
pattern designed to grip the hand. A moulded wave pattern is
provided; in this embodiment measured so depth and length coincides
with the knuckles and fingertips of climbers hands. Texture on the
soft grip helps provide friction.
[0119] The soft grip can be inset into the volume to help protect
from wear.
[0120] The soft grip material could be used as a separate product
i.e. someone could potentially buy it and use it in their own
cracks.
[0121] Soft Grip Pro (SGP) inner jamming surface. SGP is a material
specifically shaped and designed for a more comfortable jamming
experience. The density is soft to prevent pressure wounds and
finely textured to give grip whilst climbing yet won't burn or rip
your hands if slipping. The surface is ergonomically shaped to fit
the climber's knuckles and fingers in all the different jamming
positions. SGP enables the climber to climb freely without having
to use tape or gloves.
[0122] FIGS. 15 to 18 show "jam plates" formed in accordance with
the present invention.
[0123] FIG. 15 shows a 22 degree jam plate 465. Detail A shows a 2
mm deep counterbore that would accommodate a screw cup/washer.
Section B-B Shows a solid piece of material throughout the
plate.
[0124] The plates comprise generally rectangular frames with fixing
holes so that they can be fixed to a crack volume.
[0125] FIG. 16 shows a 22 degree jam plate (hollow) 470. Section
A-A Shows the thin `shelled` construction throughout the plate.
Detail B shows a close-up the more complex geometry around the
screw holes.
[0126] The frames can receive a sheet of soft grip material 560,
for example as shown in FIG. 19.
[0127] The frame may be hollow or may include a back plate against
which the sheet is received.
[0128] FIG. 20 shows a middle volume unit 515 formed according to a
further embodiment.
[0129] FIG. 21 shows an end cap unit 650 formed according to a
further embodiment.
[0130] FIG. 22 shows a smaller finger crack volume design. The
volume unit 740 shown has a generally triangular/wedge-shape with
an inclined upper-outer face 741 that terminates with a curved
"nose" 742 from which an interior face 743 depends that includes a
groove/notch/recess 744. The groove/notch/recess is
configured/adapted to receive a liner.
[0131] FIGS. 23 and 24 show a finger lock unit 880 embodiment. A
nose part 842 is included; a liner can be fitted beneath the
nose.
[0132] FIGS. 25 and 26 show an end cap 990 suitable for use with
the finger lock of FIGS. 23 and 24.
[0133] FIG. 27A shows a crack volume system comprising volume units
that can be used separately, singularly or together.
[0134] FIG. 27B--Crack Left 1095a, 1095b (e.g. 40 cm)
[0135] A unit used to cap the end of a crack or create small
jamming sections within routes and boulders. Shaped fibreglass body
for comfort on the feet and a modern look. Slick outer surface to
encourage jamming. Individual unit enables the setter freedom to
set at desired width and with other holds, volumes or wall
features. Minimum width tight hands. Maximum width unlimited.
[0136] FIG. 27C--Crack Right 1096a, 1096b (e.g. 40 cm) A unit used
to cap the end of a crack or create small jamming sections within
routes and boulders. Single flat end enables other units to be
stacked against it. Shaped fibreglass body for comfort on the feet
and a modern look. Slick outer surface to encourage jamming.
Individual unit enables the setter freedom to set at desired width
and with other holds, volumes or wall features. Minimum width tight
hands. Maximum width unlimited.
[0137] FIG. 27D--Crack Centre 1097a, 1097b (e.g. 80 cm)
[0138] A unit used to create longer sections of crack features.
Double flat ends enables multiple units to be stacked against it.
Shaped fibreglass body for comfort on the feet and a modern look.
Slick outer surface to encourage jamming. Individual unit enables
the setter freedom to set at desired width and with other holds,
volumes or wall features. Minimum width tight hands. Maximum width
unlimited.
[0139] Units can be used singularly, stacked together or used with
side walls and other volumes to create cracks.
[0140] Crack depths allows off-width techniques to be used such as
stacking and kneelocks.
[0141] Rounded crack edges provide comfort for feet.
[0142] Each unit comprises a fibreglass body with soft grip inner
1098 (illustrated in FIG. 27E).
[0143] Dual textured to force jamming technique.
[0144] Dual density to provide structural rigidity but comfort when
jamming.
[0145] Dimensions are shown by way of non-limiting example.
[0146] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been
disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the
precise embodiments shown and that various changes and
modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art
without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *