ADJUSTABLE, VARIABLE STEP CAMPUS BOARD

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a campus board climbing assembly that is adjustable to a plurality of configurations, thereby offering a user a variety of different challenges.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a campus board climbing assembly that includes (a) a plurality of panels stacked vertically such that the front surfaces of the panels together form a climbing surface and (b) an adjustment system configured to move the panels in a forward and rearward direction to cycle, i.e. transform, the climbing surface between at least two different positions/configurations. The positions/configurations may include a standard position in which the front surfaces of the panels together form a substantially continuous and substantially planar climbing surface. The positions/configurations may also include at least one stepped configuration, and in some embodiments a plurality of stepped configurations, in which the panels near the top of the campus board climbing assembly extend further forward than the panels near the bottom of the campus board climbing assembly.

The front surfaces of at least some of the panels, and optionally all of the panels, may include a climbing grip, such as a rung, of the sort that is known for use on conventional campus boards. In other embodiments, the front surfaces of at least some of the panels, and optionally all of the panels, may instead include one or more apertures configured to receive a user-held peg, converting the campus board assembly to a climbing peg board assembly.

The campus board climbing assembly further includes first and second side panes, which are positioned along the side surfaces of the panels. The first and second side panes may be mounted to a support structure, e.g. support wall, such that the campus board assembly is elevated above a ground surface. The plurality of panels may be configured to slide along the inner surfaces of the first and second side panes 40. For instance, the first side surface of each of the panels may be slidably connected with the first side pane and the second side surface of each of the panels may be slidably connected with the second side pane. This may take a variety of forms, including for example, a configuration in which one of (i) the side pane and (ii) the side surface of the panel comprises a guide rail, e.g. track, and the other one of the side pane and the side surface of the panel comprises an element, such as a carriage, roller, trolley, drawer slide, etc., that travels along the guide rail. In other embodiments, the slidable connection may comprise one or more telescoping members.

The campus board assembly further includes an adjustment system. The adjustment system may be configured to move the plurality of panels (noting that all of the panels may not move when changing the position of the adjustable campus board) between at least a first position, in which the front surfaces of the plurality of panels form a substantially continuous climbing surface and a second position in which the front surfaces of the plurality of panels form a stepped climbing surface. The adjustment system may also be configured to move the plurality of panels (again noting that not all of the panels may move when changing the position of the adjustable campus board) between at least a first position in which the climbing surface defined by the front surfaces of the panels has a first angle of incline and a second position in which the climbing surface defined by the front surfaces of the panels has a second angle of incline, with the second angle of incline being greater than the first angle of incline.

The adjustment system may comprise one or more adjustable frames that is each configured to rotate or pivot in forward and rearward directions. Each of the one or more adjustable frames is connected to the rear surfaces of the panels (noting that one or more lowermost panels may remain fixed and may even provide a bottom support for the one or more adjustable frames). Rotation or pivoting of the adjustable frame in a forward direction causes the panels to which it is connected to extend forward (such that the front faces are located a greater distance from the support wall) and rotation or pivoting of the adjustable frame in a rearward direction causes the panels to retract back toward the support wall. In some embodiments, the one or more adjustable frames may be configured so that rotation or pivoting of the adjustable frame in a forward direction causes one or more panels positioned toward the top of the campus board assembly to undergo a greater forward movement than one or more panels positioned toward the bottom of the campus board assembly. In some embodiments, for instance, the uppermost panel may undergo the greatest forward movement, the second panel down may undergo the second greatest forward movement, the third panel down may undergo the third greatest forward movement, and so on, to yield a stepped climbing surface.

In some embodiments, the adjustment system may also include one or more actuators, which bring about the movement of the one or more adjustable frames. The one or more actuators may take on any of a variety of forms including linear actuators and cable systems. In other embodiments, no actuator may be required to bring about movement of the one or more adjustable frames.

The adjustment system may be configured to be activated manually or automatically. In some embodiments, for instance, the adjustment system may be operated manually, such as by a hand crank. In some embodiments, for instance, the adjustment system may be operated automatically, such as through a user interface positioned at or near the campus board assembly or remotely, e.g. via a mobile computing device or remote control.

The adjustment system may be positioned behind the plurality of panels 20, e.g. between the rear surfaces of the plurality of panels and the support structure, e.g. support wall. The adjustment system may also be positioned between the first and second side panes. Accordingly, the adjustment system may be concealed from a user, which is desirable both aesthetically and to avoid potential interference with operation of the adjustment system.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to methods of transforming a campus board assembly between different positions, including for instance between a first position in which the climbing surface of the campus board assembly is substantially planar and continuous and a second position in which the climbing surface of the campus board assembly is stepped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear conception of the advantages and features of one or more embodiments will become more readily apparent by reference to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings:

FIG. 1 is front perspective view of an adjustable, variable step campus board climbing assembly according to the present disclosure, showing the campus board in three different positions-fully-extended stepped (left), medium stepped (middle), and standard (right).

FIG. 2A is a rear perspective view of a first embodiment of an adjustable, variable step campus board climbing assembly according to the present disclosure, showing the campus board in a standard, i.e. non-extended, position.

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the first embodiment of an adjustable, variable step campus board climbing assembly according to the present disclosure, showing the campus board in a fully-extended position.

FIG. 2C is a top plan view of the first embodiment of an adjustable, variable step campus board climbing assembly according to the present disclosure, showing the campus board in a standard, i.e. non-extended, position.

FIG. 2D is a top plan view of the first embodiment of an adjustable, variable step campus board climbing assembly according to the present disclosure, showing the campus board in a fully-extended position.

FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of a second embodiment of an adjustable, variable step campus board climbing assembly according to the present disclosure, showing the campus board in a standard, i.e. non-extended, position.

FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the second embodiment of an adjustable, variable step campus board climbing assembly according to the present disclosure, showing the campus board in a fully-extended position.

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of the second embodiment of an adjustable, variable step campus board climbing assembly according to the present disclosure, showing the campus board in a standard, i.e. non-extended, position.

FIG. 3D is a top plan view of the second embodiment of an adjustable, variable step campus board climbing assembly according to the present disclosure, showing the campus board in a fully-extended position.

FIG. 4A is a rear perspective view of a third embodiment of an adjustable, variable step campus board climbing assembly according to the present disclosure, showing the campus board in a standard, i.e. non-extended, position.

FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the third embodiment of an adjustable, variable step campus board climbing assembly according to the present disclosure, showing the campus board in a fully-extended position.

FIG. 4C is a top plan view of the third embodiment of an adjustable, variable step campus board climbing assembly according to the present disclosure, showing the campus board in a standard, i.e. non-extended, position.

FIG. 4D is a top plan view of the third embodiment of an adjustable, variable step campus board climbing assembly according to the present disclosure, showing the campus board in a fully-extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an adjustable campus board climbing assembly 10. Campus boards are commonly found at climbing gyms, ninja gyms, and the like across the world. Campus boards conventionally consist of ladder-like rungs stacked one above the next, typically on a wall that is set at an overhanging inclination. Campus boards are used for a variety of training activities to increase climbing strength and technique. During use, a user typically ascends or descends the various rungs using only their hands, often leaping from rung to rung. While a gym may often have a variety of different campus boards, each one offers a single challenge. In contrast to conventional campus boards, a campus board assembly 10 of the present disclosure is adjustable, thereby offering a user a variety of different challenges from a single unit (and saving valuable gym space).

An adjustable campus board climbing assembly 10 of the present disclosure is shown in a variety of positions in FIG. 1. The adjustable campus board 10 comprises a plurality of panels 20 stacked one above the other vertically and positioned between first and second side panes 40. In some embodiments, the adjustable campus board 10 comprises at least three panels 20, alternatively at least four panels, alternatively at least five panels, alternatively at least six panels, alternatively at least seven panels.

Each panel 20 has a front surface 21 that is configured to receive any of a variety of climbing holds 30, e.g. rungs, such as the sort of rung or climbing hold that may be used on a conventional campus board. For simplicity, only a few rungs 30 are shown in FIG. 1, though it should be understood that the front surface 21 of each panel 20 would typically include a rung or climbing hold. In alternative (non-illustrated) embodiments, the front surface 21 of each of the panels 20 may include one or more apertures configured to receive a user-held peg, thereby creating a climbing pegboard.

Each panel 20 also has a rear surface 22 and first and second side surfaces 23, 24, as well as a top surface and a bottom surface. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, each panel 20 may be a rectangular prism. In some embodiments, the plurality of panels 20 (apart for instance from the lowermost panel which may remain fixed), and more particularly the side surfaces of each panel 23, 24, may be configured to slide along the inner surface of the first and second side panes. Although not shown in the illustrated embodiments, the inner surface of the first and second side panes 40 may include a plurality of guide rails, e.g. tracks, through which the panels 20, or an element mounted to the sides 23, 24 of the panels slide. In some embodiments, for example, the panels 20 may each include a carriage, roller, trolley, drawer slide, or the like that is configured to slide along a guide rail mounted to the inner surface of the adjacent side pane 40. As another example, the panels 20 may comprise telescoping members that provide the slidable connection between the sides of the panels 23, 24 and the side panes 40. In other embodiments, the side surface 23, 24 of the plurality of panels 20 (apart for instance form the lowermost panel which may remain fixed) may not directly contact the first and second side panes 40.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second side panes 40, and in particular the front edge of the first and second side panes, may be shaped to substantially correspond with the shape of the climbing surface produced by the front surfaces 21 of the panels 20 when the adjustable campus board 10 is in a standard position. In this way, the first and second side panes 40 do not interfere with use of the campus board in the standard position.

The adjustable campus board climbing assembly 10 is mounted to a support wall 100, which may be any sturdy surface that can support the forces placed on it by the campus board assembly during use, including but not limited to a wall and/or ceiling of a building, an artificial wall of the sort that may generally be found at climbing gyms, one or more support posts, and the like. The first and second side panes 40, a fixed bottom panel 20, or both may be mounted to the support wall 100. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more components of the adjustment assembly 50 may be mounted to the support wall 100.

When the adjustable campus board 10 is positioned in a standard position, as shown on the right side of FIG. 1, the front surfaces 21 of the plurality of panels 20 are generally aligned to produce an inclined, substantially planar climbing surface. When in this position, the campus board 10 operates substantially identically to a conventional campus board.

In contrast to a conventional campus board, however, the adjustable campus boards 10 of the present disclosure can be brought to at least one, and in some cases several, different positions. More particularly, the adjustable campus boards 10 of the present disclosure can be moved between the standard position and one or more stepped positions, as shown for example in the middle and on the left side of FIG. 1.

In any of the one or more stepped positions, at least some of the plurality of panels 20 are extended so that the panel (and in particular the front face 21 of the panel that includes a rung or climbing hold 30) is positioned a greater distance from the support wall 100 than that same panel (and in particular the front face of the panel that includes a rung or climbing hold) was positioned when the campus board was in the standard position.

The panels are extended in a stepped manner, with the uppermost panel 20 extending the greatest distance from the support wall 100, the panel immediately below the uppermost panel extending the second-greatest distance from the support wall, the panel immediately below that extending the third-greatest distance from the support wall, and so on. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the lowermost panel 20 may not be extended, but rather that panel may remain in the same position regardless of whether the campus board assembly 10 is placed in the one or more stepped positions or in the standard position. Moreover, depending on the degree of extension that is selected, one or more panels immediately above the lowermost panel may either not be extended or may be extended only a small amount.

By placing the adjustable campus board 10 in a stepped position, the front surfaces 21 of the plurality of panels no longer form a substantially planar climbing surface, but rather a stepped climbing surface, which offers a unique challenge relative to a conventional campus board. Moreover, the resulting stepped climbing surface has a greater angle of incline (measured for instance by drawing a line through the bottom edges of the front surfaces 21 of each of the panels 20) than the substantially planar climbing surface provided when the adjustable campus board 10 is in the standard position. By changing the incline angle of the climbing surface, the adjustable campus boards 10 of the present disclosure provide a user with a variety of different climbing challenges having different degrees of difficulty.

The adjustable campus board 10 of an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1 in two distinct stepped configurations-a fully extended position (left side) and an intermediate extended position (middle). In some embodiments, the adjustable campus board 10 may be positioned and used at substantially any position between the standard position (right) and a fully extended position. In other embodiments, the adjustable campus board 10 may be positioned and used at one or more particular positions, e.g. one or more predetermined intermediate positions, between the standard position and a fully extended position. In yet other embodiments, the adjustable campus board 10 may only be brought to two positions-a standard position and an extended position.

As shown in FIG. 1, the difference (or delta, A) between each step, i.e. the difference in distance away from the support wall between the front surfaces 21 of each set of vertically adjacent panels 20, may be the same or substantially the same throughout the adjustable campus board 10 when it is placed in any of one or more potential stepped configurations, such that the movement required from a user to go from any one panel to the panel directly above it or below it is substantially the same throughout the length of the climbing surface. In other, non-illustrated embodiments, however, the delta between steps may not be consistent, thereby producing additional challenges for a user by requiring different movements to move between adjacent panels. In some embodiments, the front surfaces 21 of vertically adjacent panels 20 may be separated by a difference (or delta, A) of at least two inches, alternatively at least three inches, alternatively at least four inches, alternatively at least five inches, alternatively at least six inches.

Movement of the adjustable campus board 10 between a standard position and one or more stepped positions is achieved by an adjustment system 50 positioned between the rear faces 22 of the plurality of panels and the support wall 100. The adjustment system 50 may take on any of a variety of different configurations, examples of which are shown here in FIGS. 2A-D, FIGS. 3A-D, and FIGS. 4A-D. In each configuration, the adjustment system 50 includes a frame (or frames) that rotates or pivots in forward and rearward directions and which is connected to the rear surfaces of the panels such that rotation/pivoting of the frame causes the panels to move in a forward or rearward direction.

In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-D, the adjustment system 50 comprises a lever assembly 151 and one or more actuators 152 that is/are configured to cause the lever assembly 151 to pivot between a retracted position (corresponding to the adjustable campus board 10 being in a standard position) and one or more forward positions (corresponding to the adjustable campus board being in one or more extended, stepped positions).

The lever assembly 151 comprises one or more bars 153, each of which is positioned along the rear surfaces 22 of the plurality of panels 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever assembly 151 includes first and second bars 153, one located along each side of the plurality of panels. In other, non-illustrated embodiments, a single bar 153 may be sufficient. Moreover, in any embodiment, the bar(s) may take on different forms, e.g. as wider plates, etc., without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS. 2A-D, where the lever assembly 151 includes two or more bars 153, the two or more bars 153 may be connected together by one or more crossbars 154. The one or more crossbars 154 ensure that movement of the two or more bars 153 is coordinated, thereby ensuring that one side of a panel 20 is not extended further than the other side of the panel, which would create undesirable torque and potential failure.

Each of the one or more actuators 152 may be a linear actuator. For instance, the one or more actuators 152 may each be a pneumatic linear actuator, a hydraulic liner actuator, an electric linear actuator, a screw-driven (e.g. a ball-screw) actuator, a hand-cranked linear actuator, or a manually set tube strut. In other embodiments the one or more actuators 152 may comprise cables and optionally (but desirably in the case of a manual operation) pulleys. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators may be operated automatically, e.g. by a user pressing a button or the like, while in other embodiments, the one or more actuators may be operated manually, e.g. by a hand crank or pin setting.

A first end of each of the one or more actuators 152 can be connected with the lever assembly 151 in any of a variety of manners. In some embodiments, the first end of each of the one or more actuators 152 may be connected to one or more crossbars 154 of the lever assembly 151. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-D, for example, the first end of a single actuator 152 is connected to the crossbar 154. In other embodiments, the first end of each of the one or more actuators 152 may instead be connected directly to the one or more bars 153. In an alternative (non-illustrated) embodiment, for example, first and second actuators 152 may be connected to first and second bars 153 respectively. The first end of each of the one or more actuators 152 may be hingedly connected to the lever assembly 151, e.g. crossbar 154, thereby allowing the first end of the actuator to rotate about the hinged connection during operation.

The second end of each of the one or more actuators 152 is mounted to a rigid support structure. In some embodiments, this support structure may extend from the side panes 40. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2A-D, for example, a cross beam 155 extends between the first and second side panes 40 and provides a rigid support structure to which the second end of the actuator 152 may be secured. In other (non-illustrated) embodiments, the support wall 100 itself may serve as the rigid support structure, with the second end of each of the one or more actuators 152 being mounted directly or indirectly to the support wall 100. The second end of each of the one or more actuators 152 may be hingedly connected to the rigid support structure, e.g. beam 155, thereby allowing the second end of the actuator to rotate about the hinged connection during operation.

In order to move the adjustable campus board 10 shown in FIGS. 2A-2D from the standard position, as shown for example in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2C, to a fully extended position, as shown for example in FIG. 2B and FIG. 2D, the actuator 152 is activated and caused to extend. This can be achieved electronically or manually. In some embodiments, for example, the actuator 152 may be activated electronically, e.g. through the use of a switch, button, knob, lever, or the like mounted on or near the campus board 10 or remotely, through the use of a remote control or mobile device, e.g. through an app on a smartphone, tablet computer, or the like. In some embodiments, the actuator 152 may be activated manually, e.g. through the use of a crank or the like positioned at or near the campus board 10 or by manual positioning, e.g. in the case of a manually set tube strut.

Activation and extension of the one or more actuators 152 causes the lever assembly 151 to pivot in a forward direction, i.e. in a direction away from the support wall 100 and toward the front faces 21 of the panels 20. As it pivots forward, the lever assembly 151 pushes the rear faces 22 of the plurality of panels, causing the plurality of panels 20 to move forward so as to extend further from the support wall. As can best be seen in FIGS. 2A-2B, the pivot point for the lever assembly 151 is located at or near the bottommost of the plurality of panels 20, such that the upper portion of the lever assembly is pivoted forward a greater distance than the lower portion of the lever assembly. As a result, the panels 20 located toward the top of the campus board assembly 10 are pushed further forward than the panels located toward the bottom of the campus board assembly, bringing about a stepped configuration. The further forward that the lever assembly 151 is pivoted by the one or more actuators 152, the further the plurality of panels 20 will extend forward, with the system being configured so that the actuator extends no farther than a point that corresponds with a fully extended position of the campus board assembly 10.

In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-D, the adjustment system 50 comprises one or more frames 251, each of which is configured to rotate in order to move the plurality of panels 20 forward to an extended, stepped position and rearward to the standard position. Each frame 251 comprises an axis element 252 and a plurality of fingers 253, each of which protrudes from the axis element.

Each finger 253 has a first end connected to the axis element 252 and a second end that is positioned against the rear face 22 of one of the plurality of panels. The lengths of the various fingers 253, as measured between the first end and the second end of each finger, differ. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, the fingers 253 positioned toward the top of the campus board assembly 10, i.e. those which are configured to interact with the rear faces 22 of the uppermost panels 20, have a greater length than the fingers positioned toward the bottom of the campus board assembly, i.e. those which are configured to interact with the rear faces of the lowermost panels. Indeed, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-D, the lengths of the fingers 253 decrease consistently moving from the uppermost finger downward to the lowermost finger.

The axis element 252 is positioned along one side of the campus board assembly 10. For instance, the axis element 252 may be rotatably mounted to the inner surface of one of the side panes 40. The axis element 252 is configured to rotate about a substantially vertical rotation axis, thereby rotating the plurality of fingers 253 in a forward or rearward direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment system 50 includes first and second frames 251, with the axis element 252 of the first frame positioned along a first side pane 40 and the axis element of the second frame positioned along a second side pane 40. In other embodiments, however, a single frame 251 (e.g. only one of the first and second frames) may be sufficient.

In order to move the adjustable campus board 10 shown in FIGS. 3A-3D from the standard position, as shown for example in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C, to a fully extended position, as shown for example in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3D, the axis element 252 is rotated in a forward direction, causing the second, outer end of each of the fingers 253 swing in a forward (and outward) direction. In doing so, the second end of each of the fingers 253 applies force to the rear face 22 of the panel with which it corresponds, causing the panel to move in a forward direction, i.e. to extend further from the support wall. Though not shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the rear face 22 of each of the panels 20 (apart for instance from the lowermost panel, which remains fixed), may include one or more tracks through which the send end of the associated finger(s) 253 slides. In this manner, greater control and coordination of the movement of fingers 253 and the panels 20 can be obtained.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 3A-3B, because the fingers 253 positioned near the top of the campus board assembly 10 have greater lengths than the fingers positioned near the bottom of the campus board assembly, the panels 20 located toward the top of the campus board assembly 10 are pushed further forward than the panels located toward the bottom of the campus board assembly, bringing about a stepped configuration. The further forward that the axis element 252 of a frame 251 is pivoted, the further the plurality of panels 20 will extend forward, with the system being configured so that the axis element rotates no farther than a point that corresponds with a fully extended position of the campus board assembly 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the fully extended position of the campus board assembly 10 corresponds with the fingers 253 pointing directly forward, e.g. being aligned with the side panels 40 of the assembly, as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 3D, though it is not necessary that the fingers 253 reach such a position. Rather, the campus board assembly 10 can just as easily be configured so that the fully extended position is achieved with the fingers being only partially rotated in the forward direction.

Rotation of the one or more frames 251 can be brought about automatically or manually. In some embodiments, for example, the one or more frames 251 may be activated electronically, e.g. through the use of a switch, button, knob, lever, or the like mounted on or near the campus board 10 or remotely through the use of a remote control or mobile device, e.g. through an app on a smartphone, tablet computer, or the like. In other embodiments, the one or more frames 251 may be activated manually, e.g. through the use of a crank or the like positioned at or near the campus board 10. Where, as in the illustrated embodiment, multiple frames 251 are utilized, the multiple frames may desirably be controlled and operated simultaneously.

In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-D, the adjustment system 50 comprises a plurality of mechanical linkages 351, each of which is configured to expand or retract in order to move the plurality of panels 20 forward to an extended, stepped position and rearward to the standard position.

Each mechanical linkage 351 comprises first and second arms 353, 354, which are hinged together at a central pin joint 355. Each mechanical linkage 351 has a first end connected to an axis element 352 and a second end that is positioned against the rear face 22 of one of the plurality of panels 20. More particularly, the first arm 353 of each mechanical linkage 351 has a first end connected to the axis element 352 and a second end positioned against the rear face 22 of one of the plurality of panels 20. The second arm 354 of each mechanical linkage 351 also has a first end, which as shown in FIGS. 4A-4D may be free, and a second end positioned against the rear face 22 of the same panel 20 as the second end of the first arm 353 of that mechanical linkage.

The lengths of the first and second arms 353, 354 of the mechanical linkages 351, as measured between the first and second ends of each of the arms, differ. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, the first and second arms 353, 354 of the mechanical linkages 351 positioned toward the top of the campus board assembly 10, i.e. those which are configured to interact with the rear faces 22 of the uppermost panels 20, have a greater length than the fingers positioned toward the bottom of the campus board assembly, i.e. those which are configured to interact with the rear faces of the lowermost panels. Indeed, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-D, the lengths of the first and second arms 353, 354 of the mechanical linkages 351 decrease consistently moving from the uppermost mechanical linkage downward to the lowermost mechanical linkage.

The axis element 352 is positioned along one side of the campus board assembly 10. For instance, the axis element 352 may be rotatably mounted to the inner surface of one of the side panes 40. The axis element 352 is configured to rotate about a substantially vertical rotation axis, thereby rotating the plurality of mechanical linkages 351 in a forward or rearward direction.

In order to move the adjustable campus board 10 shown in FIGS. 4A-4D from the standard position, as shown for example in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4C, to a fully extended position, as shown for example in FIG. 4B and FIG. 4D, the axis element 352 is rotated in a forward direction, causing the first and second arms 353, 354 of each of the mechanical linkages 351 to rotate relative to one another about the central pin joint 355. As the arms 353, 354 rotate relative to one another about the central pin joint 355, the arms move inward toward one another, with the second ends of the arms applying a forward force to the rear face 22 of the panel with which it corresponds, causing the panel to move in a forward direction, i.e. to extend further from the support wall. Though not shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the rear face 22 of each of the panels 20 (apart for instance from the lowermost panel, which remains fixed), may include one or more tracks through which the send end of the first and second arms 353, 354 of the associated mechanical linkage 351 slides. In this manner, greater control and coordination of the movement of the mechanical linkages 351 and the panels 20 can be obtained.

As can best be seen in FIGS. 4A-4B, because the arms 353, 354 of the mechanical linkages 351 positioned near the top of the campus board assembly 10 have greater lengths than the arms of the mechanical linkages positioned near the bottom of the campus board assembly, the panels 20 located toward the top of the campus board assembly 10 are pushed further forward than the panels located toward the bottom of the campus board assembly, bringing about a stepped configuration. The further forward that the axis element 352 is pivoted, the further the plurality of panels 20 will extend forward, with the system being configured so that the axis element rotates no farther than a point that corresponds with a fully extended position of the campus board assembly 10.

Rotation of the axis element 352 can be brought about automatically or manually. In some embodiments, for example, rotation of the one or more axis elements 352 may be activated electronically, e.g. through the use of a switch, button, knob, lever, or the like mounted on or near the campus board 10 or remotely through the use of a remote control or mobile device, e.g. through an app on a smartphone, tablet computer, or the like. In other embodiments, rotation of the one or more axis elements 352 may be activated manually, e.g. through the use of a crank or the like positioned at or near the campus board 10.

Regardless of the exact configuration of the adjustment system 50, the effect of moving the adjustable campus board 10 between a standard position and one or more extended, stepped positions is the same. Moreover, regardless of the exact configuration of the adjustment system 50, the system can be positioned between the rear faces 22 of the panels 20 and the support wall 100 and in between the side panes 40 so that the adjustment system is concealed from users. When the adjustable campus board 10 is oriented in the standard position, therefore, it may have substantially the same appearance as a conventional campus board. In some embodiments, the campus board 10 may further include a flexible cover configured to extend rearward of the uppermost panel 20, to further conceal the adjustment system 50 from a user from above.

It can be seen that the described embodiments provide a unique and novel campus board climbing assembly 10 that has a number of advantages over those in the art. While there is shown and described herein certain specific structures embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

ADJUSTABLE, VARIABLE STEP CAMPUS BOARD

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