Auto-belay rock climbing devices and modular climbing towers
US6390952B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S280/08
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The invention provides improved climbing devices and structures for use in mobile and fixed climbing installations. Modular climbing towers are generally assembled from panels having lateral curves by fastening upper and lower flanges of the panels together. The panels and flanges are integrally molded from fiberglass, and act as a monocoque structure. The climbing surface is on the radially outward portion of the partially or fully enclosed tower, thereby increasing the number of climbers that can safely be accommodated on a climbing surface of a given width. The invention also provides belaying devices for safely supporting a climber at the end of a flexible member such as a cable, rope, or the like. These belaying devices generally draw in the flexible member as the climber climbs. When the climber falls or completes the climbing route, the belay device supports the climber's weight, slowly and safely lowering the climber down to the ground. The exemplary auto-belay device makes use of a hydraulic piston mechanism to separate a pair of pulley assemblies. The flexible members runs back and forth between the pulley assemblies with a plurality of windings, so that the stroke of the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.