FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
This invention relates to a multi-level climbing apparatus and adventure system, and in particular, to a multi-level climbing apparatus that may be coupled to a slide.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Artificial climbing walls are popular due to increased physical fitness awareness and interest in climbing and bouldering sports. Climbing wall assemblies may also introduce children to the climbing sports in a safe, convenient and educational manner. Obstacle-type courses are also popular, making climbing fun and challenging to the users.
BRIEF DERCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adventure system in accordance with this disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a multi-level climbing structure in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;
FIG. 3A and 3B are perspective views of a hexagonal-shaped framesets in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;
FIGS. 4A-C are further illustrations of a hexagonal-shaped frameset in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a portion of a multi-level climbing apparatus in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure; and
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a user moving through a portion of a multi-level climbing apparatus in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adventure system 100 in accordance with this disclosure. The adventure system 100 may include a multi-level climbing apparatus 110, as will be more fully described below. The adventure system 100 may also include a slide 160. In one embodiment, the slide 160 may comprise an inflatable slide as is known in the art. The slide 160 may be coupled to the multi-level climbing structure 110 through an interface 115.
As an overview of the operation of the adventure system 100, it is contemplated that a user may enter the multi-level climbing apparatus at a lowest level such as along path 105. The user may then climb up through the various levels of the multi-level climbing apparatus 110 and enter the slide 160 through an interface 115 located at a top-most level. The user may then slide down through the slide 160 along a path 165, and exit the adventure system 100 at exit 170.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a multi-level climbing structure 110 in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure is shown. In one exemplary embodiment, the multi-level climbing structure 110 may be comprised of a frameset that maybe formed from steel, preferably a powder-coated steel. In one embodiment, the frameset comprises vertical members 120 and horizontal level members 130. It is also preferred that the frameset is formed from a steel that meets all applicable American Society for Testing and Materials (“ASTM”) standards.
The multi-level climbing structure 110 also includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of, climbing levels defined by the horizontal members 1301 through 130n. Though the multi-level climbing structure 110 of FIG. 2 illustrates seven climbing levels, any number of levels is possible.
As can be seen from FIG. 2, the climbing levels 1301 through 130n are arranged as a vertically-oriented concentric stack affixed to, and supported by, the vertical members 120. In one preferred embodiment, the horizontal members 130 measure approximately 8 feet per side, though other sizes and shapes are possible as will be shown below. In a further preferred embodiment, the levels 130 may be vertically spaced apart at a distance of 24 inches, though other spacing schemes are possible.
To enhance the safety of the adventure system 100, a netting 140 may be disposed about the outer perimeter of the multi-level climbing structure 110.
Additionally, a landing pad 150 may be provided at the base of the multi-level climbing structure 110 to provide a soft surface above the ground.
FIG. 3A and 3B are perspective views of a hexagonal-shaped multi-level climbing structure 300 in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. FIG. 3A illustrates a hexagonal-shaped frameset formed from a series of parallel vertical members 310 and at least one horizontal ring-shaped member 320, referred to herein as ring 320. As can be seen from FIG. 3A, a series of rings 320 may be stacked in a concentric, vertical fashion to achieve a desired height for the multi-level climbing structure 300.
FIG. 3B is illustrates a hexagonal-shaped frameset including intertwined webbing straps 330 disposed in the plane defined by the ring 320, forming a climbing surface as will be described in more detail below. With each ring 320 corresponding to a separate climbing level, the number of levels may be chosen by utilizing a desired number of rings 320.
FIGS. 4A-C are further illustrations of a hexagonal-shaped frameset in accordance with the teachings of this invention. FIG. 4A illustrates a hexagonal-shaped frameset 400 formed from a series of parallel vertical members 410 and at least one horizontal ring 420. As can be seen from FIG. 4A, a series of rings 420 may be stacked in a concentric, vertical fashion as illustrated herein to achieve a desired height for the multi-level climbing structure.
FIG. 4B shows a top view of a frameset 400 looking along an axis A. In preferred embodiments, the axis A is preferably parallel with the vertical members 410. The surface of each climbing level may defined by the plane defined by the circumference of the shape of the horizontal members, such as the rings 420. Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the axis A is oriented perpendicular to the plane defined by the rings 420.
Additionally, FIGS. 4A-B show that the shapes of rings 420 may be oriented or otherwise aligned about axis A in pre-defined patterns with respect to each other. In the example of FIGS. 4A-4C, each successive ring 420 is rotated 30° with respect to the adjacent ring.
FIG. 4C shows a side view of the frameset 400, showing the vertical members 410 oriented along vertical axis A, and the various rings 420 disposed horizontally at pre-defined intervals to form the various climbing levels of the multi-level climbing structure.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of a portion of a multi-level climbing apparatus 110 including pair of horizontal members 130 and associated vertical members 120, such as illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 5 illustrates how a meshed climbing surface may be formed by a series of interwoven web straps 135, with each end of the straps 135 being affixed to the inner edge of a horizontal member 130 using a spring element 145. As can be appreciated from FIG. 5, the web straps 135 may be arranged in an alternating weave pattern, resulting in an intertwined, spring loaded design. In a preferred embodiment, the web straps 135 may be formed from an industrial grade vinyl. The web straps 135 may also be formed from a material that is UV stable.
FIG. 5 also illustrates the netting 140 being affixed on the inside edge of the horizontal member 130, preferably being attached to the spring elements 145. The netting 140 is preferably installed about the inner circumference of the horizontal element 130, thereby encircling the users of the apparatus and preventing users from exiting the apparatus or hitting the steel frameset elements.
FIG. 6 shows a user 600 traversing a climbing surface formed intertwining web straps 135. As the user 600 moves through the layer of interwoven web straps 135, the straps will slide relative to each other and allow the user to climb through. As the straps 135 are spring-loaded with tension from the spring elements 145, the straps 135 will return to position
Patent Application
20100144493
