VARIABLE TOPOGRAPHY CLIMBING WALL

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a climbing wall assembly having an adjustable-topography climbing surface. The climbing wall assembly is made up of a plurality of panels, each of which includes a surface element and one or more frame elements affixed to a rear of the surface element and extending along one or more edges of the panel. Each of the frame elements may be adjustably connected with a frame element of an adjacent panel, allowing a joint between the adjacent panels to be moved throughout a plurality of joint positions. The climbing wall assembly also includes one or more actuators, each of which is operably connected with at least one of the frame elements of the adjacent panels. Each actuator is configured to adjust the frame elements of the adjacent panels in order to move the adjacent panels to one of the plurality of joint positions.

Each of the frame elements may be adjustably connected with the frame element of an adjacent panel rotationally and/or slidably. First, each of the frame elements may be adjustably connected with the frame element of an adjacent panel such that the panel can be pivoted, or rotated, relative to the adjacent panel, such that the angle between the climbing elements of adjacent panels may be varied. Second, in addition to the frame element of a panel being pivotable relative to the frame element of the adjacent panel, to which it is adjustably connected, the frame element of a panel may also be slidable relative to the frame element of the adjacent panel, to which it is adjustable connected, such that the distance between the adjustably-connected frame elements may be varied.

The frame element of a first panel may be adjustably connected with a frame element of a second, adjacent panel through one or more, and desirably at least two adjustable connectors. In some embodiments the frame element of the first panel may be adjustably connected with the frame element of the second, adjacent panel through at least a first adjustable connector positioned at a first end of the frame element and a second adjustable connector positioned at a second, opposite end of the frame element. At least one, and optionally each, of the adjustable connectors may include a shoulder screw. At least one, and optionally each, of the adjustable connectors may include a rod end bolt, i.e. swing bolt. At least one, and optionally each, of the adjustable connectors may include a swivel joint, i.e. spherical bearing.

An actuator may be operably connected to the frame element. The assembly may be configured such that operation of the actuator causes the frame element (to which the actuator is operably connected) to pivot relative to the frame element of an adjacent panel, to which it is joined by the one or more adjustable connectors, thereby changing the angle formed by the surface elements of the adjacent panels. The assembly may also be configured such that operation of the actuator causes the frame element (to which the actuator is operably connected) to move toward or away from the frame element of an adjacent panel, to which it is joined by the one or more adjustable connectors.

In some embodiments, each frame element may be adjustably connected with a frame element of an adjacent panel at each of (i) a first end of the frame elements (also referred to as a first end of the joint) and (ii) a second end of the frame elements (also referred to as a second end of the joint), and each adjustable connector may be independently adjusted such that a position of the panel relative to the adjacent panel at a first end of the joint may differ from a position of the panel relative to the adjacent panel at a second end of the joint. For instance, a first actuator may be operably connected to the first end of at least one of the frame elements and a second actuator may be operably connected to the second end of at least one of the frame elements, the first actuator being configured to adjust the connector positioned at the first end and the second actuator being configured to adjust the connector positioned at the second end. In this way, the adjacent frame elements may be positioned so as to be closer together at one end and further apart from one another at the other end, to form a different angle with one another at a first end than at the second end, or both.

In some embodiments, the surface elements of adjacent panels may be brought to any of: an angle of about 180 degrees (e.g. in which the surface elements of the adjacent panels are substantially parallel with one another), one or more angles less than 180 degrees, and one or more angles greater than 180 degrees. When the actuator is operated to bring the surface elements of adjacent panels to an angle that is less than 180 degrees, the surface elements may face toward one another. When the actuator is operated to bring the surface elements of adjacent panels to an angle that is greater than 180 degrees, the surface elements may face away from one another. In some embodiments, the surface elements of adjacent panels may be brought to substantially any angle within a permitted range, the permitted range spanning from a minimum angle that is less than 180 degrees to a maximum angle that is greater than 180 degrees.

The surface elements of adjacent panels may be separated by a gap, the width of which may vary depending on the angle of the joint and the relative positions of the adjustably connected frame elements, e.g. how close together or far apart they are from one another. One or more barrier elements may span the gap between the surface elements of adjacent panels. In some embodiments, the one or more barrier elements may be positioned between the surface element and the frame element of a panel. For example, the one or more barrier elements may be attached behind the surface element but in front of the frame element, which is itself affixed to the rear face of the surface element.

Desirably, the one or more barrier elements may be configured to span the gap between the surface elements of adjacent panels at all permitted angles and joint relative positions, thereby ensuring that the frame elements and the spaces formed between adjacent frame elements are concealed from the climbing surface at all times. For instance, the one or more barrier elements may be made of a stretchable or flexible material, by which the barrier element may expand or contract in response to different angles and relative positions of the adjacent panels. In some embodiments, for example, the one or more barrier elements may be made of an elastomer, such as neoprene, or a similar stretchable and durable material. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more barrier elements may be slidable along at least one, and preferably both, of the adjacent panels. For instance, in some embodiments the barrier element(s) may include one or more slots through which the one or more fasteners that connect the barrier element (and optionally the frame element) to the rear face of the surface element may slide.

In some embodiments, each panel may have a surface element that is polygonal in shape. For instance, each of the surface elements may be triangular. In other embodiments, each of the surface elements may be a tetragon (i.e. a quadrilateral, including for example a parallelogram, rhombus, rectangle, or square), a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, etc.

In some embodiments, each of the one or more actuators may be operably connected to a panel at a corner of the surface element. By connecting the actuators to the panels at the corners, an actuator may be operatively connected to more than one panel. In some embodiments, for instance, at least one of the actuators may be operably connected to at least three different panels, alternatively at least four different panels, alternatively at least five different panels, alternatively at least six different panels. This may be achieved by attaching an actuator to a corner joint between a plurality of panels, and more specifically to a corner joint formed by the frame elements of each of a plurality of panels.

Each of the panels may be configured to receive one or more climbing grips. For instance, each surface element may have one or more, and desirably a plurality, of apertures, each of which is configured to receive a climbing grip. In any embodiment, the climbing wall assembly may further include a plurality of climbing grips mounted on the front faces of the surface elements, thereby forming a climbing surface. In some embodiments, the climbing wall assembly may further include a fixed frame element positioned below the plurality of panels. The fixed frame element may support the variable-topography portion of the climbing wall at a desired elevation about a ground surface and/or serve as a kickboard. In some embodiments, the fixed frame element may also have a plurality of climbing grips mounted on its front face.

Each of the one or more actuators may be a linear actuator, such as a pneumatic linear actuator, a hydraulic liner actuator, or an electric linear actuator. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of actuators may be operated automatically, e.g. by one or more processors, in order to produce a climbing surface having a particular topography.

The climbing surface formed by the front faces of the panels may be substantially continuous regardless of which topography is selected. This means that during a climbing activity a user may navigate the climbing surface formed by the front faces of the panels without encountering any breaks or gaps in the climbing surface that would affect or impair the climbing activity. It is noted that in some embodiments, small openings may be present on the climbing surface (e.g. between the sides of adjacent panels) but the width of the opening may be too small to require a user to alter his or her climbing activity or for a user to insert a hand or foot during a climbing activity. In other, preferred embodiments, those small openings may be covered by one or more barrier elements, as described herein, which may render the climbing surface continuous.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to a frame assembly configured to form a joint of a variable-topography climbing wall. The frame assembly may include a first frame element and a second frame element. The first frame element may be configured to be attached to a rear surface of a first climbing panel and the second frame element may be configured to be attached to a rear surface of a second climbing panel. The frame assembly may also include at least one, and preferably at least two, adjustable connectors, which adjustably connect the first frame element and the second frame element. The connectors may be configured such that the first frame element and the second frame element may be movable both (i) toward one another or away from one another, so as to vary the distance between the edge of the first panel and the edge of the second panel and (ii) rotationally, so as to vary the angle between the first panel and the second panel.

In some embodiments, each frame element may comprise a first plate that is configured to be affixed to the rear surface of the climbing panel and a second plate that is configured to extend outward from the rear surface of the climbing panel, optionally at an angle of about 90°. The adjustable connectors may span between the second plate of the first frame element and the second plate of the second frame element.

The frame assembly may also include a barrier element. The barrier element may be configured to span the gap between the first panel and the second panel formed at the joint of the panels. Because the width of the gap will change depending on the angle formed between the panels and the distance between the panels, the barrier element may preferably be configured to span the gap at all permitted angles and distances, i.e. at all permitted joint positions.

The barrier element may comprise a first portion that is positioned between the rear surface of the first panel and the first frame element and a second portion that is positioned between the rear surface of the second panel and the rear surface of the second frame element. In some embodiments, the barrier element may be made of a stretchable or flexible material, by which the barrier element may expand or contract in response to different angles and relative positions of the adjacent panels. In some embodiments, for example, the barrier element may be made of neoprene or a similar stretchable and durable material. Additionally or alternatively, the barrier element may be slidable along at least one, and preferably both, of the adjacent panels. For instance, in some embodiments the barrier element may include one or more slots through which one or more fasteners that connect the barrier element (and optionally frame element) to the first panel may slide and/or one or more slots through which one or more fasteners that connect the barrier (and optionally frame element) to the second panel may slide.

In some embodiments, the first frame element of may be adjustably connected with the second frame element through at least two adjustable connectors. In some embodiments, for example, the first frame element may be adjustably connected with the second, adjacent frame element through at least a first adjustable connector positioned at a first end of the frame elements and a second adjustable connector positioned at a second, opposite end of the frame elements. At least one, and optionally each, of the adjustable connectors may include a shoulder screw. At least one, and optionally each, of the adjustable connectors may include a rod end bolt, i.e. swing bolt. At least one, and optionally each, of the adjustable connectors may include a swivel joint, i.e. spherical bearing.

In some embodiments, the framework may be configured such that (i) a distance between the first end of the first frame element and a first end of the second frame element and (ii) a distance between the second end of the first frame element and a second end of the second frame element may differ. In some embodiments, the framework may be configured such that (i) an angle between the first end of the first frame element and a first end of the second frame element and (ii) an angle between the second end of the first frame element and a second end of the second frame element may differ.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to a variable angle joint between a first climbing panel and a second climbing panel that includes a first climbing panel, a second climbing panel, and the frame assembly described herein. Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to a variable-topography climbing wall that includes the variable angle joint described herein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to a variable angle joint between a first climbing panel and a second climbing panel. The variable angle joint includes a first climbing panel, a second climbing panel, and a frame assembly that includes a first frame element affixed to a rear surface of the first climbing panel, a second frame element affixed to a rear surface of the second climbing panel, and one or more, and preferably at least two, connectors which connect the first frame element and the second frame element. The variable angle joint may be configured such that the first frame element and the second frame element are pivotable toward one another or away from one another so as to vary the angle between the first panel and the second panel. The variable angle joint may also be configured such that the first frame element and the second frame element are slidable toward one another or away from one another so as to vary the distance between the edge of the first panel and the edge of the second panel.

In some embodiments, each frame element may comprise a first plate that is affixed to the rear surface of the climbing panel and a second plate that extends outward from the rear surface of the climbing panel, optionally at an angle of about 90°. The adjustable connectors may span between the second plate of the first frame element and the second plate of the second frame element.

The variable angle joint may also include a barrier element. The barrier element may be configured to span the gap between the edge of the first climbing panel and the edge of the second climbing panel formed at the joint. Because the width of the gap will change depending on the angle formed between the panels and/or the distance between the panels, the barrier element may preferably be configured to span the gap at all permitted angles and distances, i.e. at all permitted joint positions.

The barrier element may comprise a first portion that is positioned between the rear surface of the first panel and the first frame element and a second portion that is positioned between the rear surface of the second panel and the rear surface of the second frame element. In some embodiments, the barrier element may be made of a stretchable or flexible material, by which the barrier element may expand or contract in response to different angles and relative positions of the adjacent panels. In some embodiments, for example, the barrier element may be made of neoprene or a similar stretchable and durable material. Additionally or alternatively, the barrier element may be slidable along at least one, and preferably both, of the adjacent panels. For instance, in some embodiments the barrier element may include one or more slots through which one or more fasteners that connect the barrier element (and optionally the frame element) to the first panel may slide and/or one or more slots through which one or more fasteners that connect the barrier element (and optionally the frame element) to the second panel may slide.

In some embodiments, the first frame element may be adjustably connected with the second frame element through at least two adjustable connectors. In some embodiments, for example, the first frame element may be adjustably connected with the second, adjacent frame element through at least a first adjustable connector positioned at a first end of the frame elements and a second adjustable connector positioned at a second, opposite end of the frame elements. At least one, and optionally each, of the adjustable connectors may include a shoulder screw. At least one, and optionally each, of the adjustable connectors may include a rod end bolt, i.e. swing bolt. At least one, and optionally each, of the adjustable connectors may include a swivel joint, i.e. spherical bearing.

In some embodiments, the variable angle joint may be configured such that (i) a distance between the first end of the first frame element and a first end of the second frame element and (ii) a distance between the second end of the first frame element and a second end of the second frame element may differ. In some embodiments, the framework may be configured such that (i) an angle between the first end of the first frame element and a first end of the second frame element and (ii) an angle between the second end of the first frame element and a second end of the second frame element may differ.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to a climbing panel that is connected to at least one adjacent panel, and optionally a plurality of adjacent panels, by the variable angle joint described herein. For example, a first side of the climbing panel may be connected to a first adjacent climbing panel by a first variable angle joint and a second side of the climbing panel may be connected to a second adjacent climbing panel by a second variable angle joint. In some embodiments, a third side of the climbing panel may also be connected to a second adjacent climbing panel by a third variable angle joint, etc. In some embodiments, each side of the climbing panel may be connected to an adjacent climbing panel by a variable angle joint described herein.

In some embodiments, the climbing panel may be polygonal in shape. For instance, each of the surface elements may be triangular. In other embodiments, each of the surface elements may be a tetragon (i.e. a quadrilateral, including for example a parallelogram, rhombus, rectangle, or square), a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, etc.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to a climbing wall that utilizes the frame assembly described herein, the adjustable joint described herein, the climbing panel described herein, or any combination thereof.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a climbing wall that includes a first climbing panel, the first climbing panel having a first side and a second side, the first side being connected to a second climbing panel by the adjustable joint described herein and the second side being connected to a third climbing panel by the adjustable joint described herein. A second side of the second climbing panel may be connected to a fourth climbing panel by the adjustable joint described herein. A second side of the third climbing panel may be connected to a fifth climbing panel by the adjustable joint described herein. A second side of the fourth climbing panel may be connected to a sixth climbing panel by the adjustable joint described herein. And a second side of the fifth climbing panel may be connected to a second side of the sixth climbing panel by the adjustable joint described herein.

In some embodiments, an end of the frame elements that make of each adjustable joint may be linked together at a hub and an actuator may be operably connected to the hub, such that the actuator is capable of varying the angle between each of the adjacent climbing panels.

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 a climbing wall assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing examples of climbing surface topographies that can be produced.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a framework for a climbing wall assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a frame for a panel of a climbing wall assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a portion of a framework for a climbing wall assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and more specifically a corner joint between multiple panel frames.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a side joint between panels according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing examples of the different angles that can be formed between the adjoined panels.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the joint shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is rear perspective view of the joint shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a rear plan view of a side joint between panels according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the frame elements in a first position.

FIG. 9 is a rear plan view of a side joint between panels according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the frame elements in a second position.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a climbing wall assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a climbing wall assembly 10 having a climbing surface 11 that may be transitioned so as to have any of a variety of topographical configurations, a partial selection of which are shown in FIG. 1. The climbing wall is made up of a plurality of independent climbing panels 20, each of which is connected to at least one adjacent climbing panel by a movable joint 30, and the climbing surface 11 is made up of the surface elements 21 of those climbing panels. The assembly also includes a plurality of actuators 12, each of which is operably connected to one or more, and desirably a plurality, of the climbing panels 20 so as to alter the position of the climbing panel relative to its adjacent climbing panel(s) by controlling the movement of one or more movable joints 30. The assembly may also include an actuator support structure 13, such as that seen in FIG. 10.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, each climbing panel 20, and more particularly the surface element 21 of each climbing panel may have a triangular shape. However, other shapes are also contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, at least one of the climbing panels 20 could instead be made to have a rhombus, i.e. diamond, shape simply by modifying the illustrated embodiment to combine two adjacent triangular panels into a single diamond-shaped panel. In some embodiments, each climbing panel 20 may have the same shape—apart, of course, from certain panels positioned around the edges of the climbing wall which may have a different shape to ensure that the edges of the climbing surface 11 are straight, such as are present on the right and left sides of the climbing wall illustrated in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the climbing wall 10 may include some climbing panels 20 that have shapes that differ from one another. In some embodiments, for instance, the climbing wall 10 may include climbing panels 20 of at least two different shapes, alternatively at least three different shapes, alternatively at least four different shapes. The climbing panels 20 of various embodiments may be designed in substantially any polygonal shape.

As shown in FIG. 1, the climbing panels 20 are assembled together so that the front faces of the panels—and more particularly the front faces of the surface element or elements 21 of each panel—form a substantially continuous climbing surface 11. In some embodiments, at least a part of the climbing surface 11 may be provided by something other than one of the panels 20, such as a fixed panel, an attached volume, etc. In other words, the entire climbing surface 11 need not have an adjustable topography in order to be considered an adjustable topography climbing wall of the present disclosure.

Each climbing panel 20 includes a surface element 21 having a front face, which forms part of the climbing surface 11, and a rear face. Though in the illustrated embodiment each panel 20 is shown having a surface element 21 made up of a single unit, each surface element 21 may instead be made up of multiple units (though desirably the multiple units would be assembled to create a continuous or substantially continuous front surface).

The surface elements 21 may be configured to releasably receive a plurality of climbing grips (not illustrated). For example, the one or more surface elements 21 may each have a front face that includes one or more and desirably a plurality of apertures, each of which is configured to receive a climbing grip. When a plurality of climbing grips are installed on a selection of the apertures, the front face(s) of the surface elements 21 together form a climbing surface 11 or a part of a climbing surface.

One or more and desirably a plurality of frame elements 22 are attached to a rear face of the surface element 21. Desirably, the one or more frame elements 22 are positioned around the outer, or side, edges 26 of the surface element 21. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, for instance, each triangular climbing panel 20 comprises a first frame element 22a at a first side edge, a second frame element 22b at a second side edge, and a third frame element 22c at a third side edge. Together, the plurality of frame elements 22a, 22b, 22c make up a panel framework 29.

Additional frame elements may also be present to provide the panel 20 with enhanced strength, as may be needed depending on the size of the panel, the strength of the material(s) that make up the surface element 21, etc. Additionally, for climbing panels 20 that form an edge of the climbing surface 11, the side or sides of the climbing panel that serves as a free edge, i.e. which do not connect to an adjacent climbing panel, may have a different, or even no, frame element along that side or sides.

Each frame element 22 may include a mounting portion 23, e.g. a mounting plate, and a joining portion 24, e.g. a joining plate. The mounting portion 23 is affixed to the rear face of the surface element 21. The extending portion 24 extends rearward from the rear face of the surface element 21 and is adjustably connected with a frame element 22 of an adjacent panel, and more specifically the extending portion of the frame element of the adjacent panel. As such, the extending portion may include one or more, and desirably a plurality, of apertures 25, each of which is configured to receive an adjustable connector 40.

The adjustable connection between adjacent first and second panels forms a movable joint 30. And example of a movable joint 30 is illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 9. The movable joint 30 is defined by a side edge 126 of a first climbing panel and a side edge 226 of a second climbing panel. The first climbing panel comprises a surface element 121 and a frame element 122 affixed to a rear of the surface element at or near the side edge 126 and running parallel with the side edge. Similarly, the second climbing panel comprises a surface element 221 and a frame element 222 affixed to the rear of the surface element at or near the side edge 226 and running parallel with the side edge. The first frame element 122 includes a mounting portion 123 and a joining portion 124. Similarly, the second frame element 222 includes a mounting portion 223 and a joining portion 224.

Each of the frame elements 122, 222—and more specifically each of the joining portions 124, 224—comprise one or more apertures 25. An adjustable connector 40 is attached to the frame elements 122, 222 through each set of aligned apertures 25 of the frame elements. As best seen in FIG. 6 and FIGS. 8-9, in the illustrated embodiment each frame element 122, 222 includes a first aperture 25a positioned a first end of the frame element and a second aperture 25b positioned at a second, opposite end of the frame element. A first adjustable connector 41 is positioned at the first end 51 of the frame elements 122, 222, and a second adjustable connector 42 is positioned at the second end 52 of the frame elements. In some embodiments, additional apertures 25 and additional adjustable connectors 40 may be utilized, the exact number of which may depend on the length of the frame elements 22, the weight of the surface elements 21, etc.

Each of the adjustable connectors 40 may be connected to at least one of the frame elements 122, 222, and optionally each of the frame elements 122, 222, by a swivel joint such as a spherical bearing 43. The spherical bearing 43 provides each of the adjustable connectors 40 with the ability to rotate to allow the rotational movement of the frame elements 122, 222 to move the adjacent panels through their permissible range of angles.

One or more, and optionally each, of the adjustable connectors 40 may include a slidable bolt, such as shoulder bolt 44. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first adjustable connector 41 of each pair is a shoulder bolt 44. The shoulder bolt 44 is positioned through the aligned apertures 25 of the frame elements 122, 222, and more particularly through the spherical bearing 43 that is positioned within at least one of those apertures 25. The shoulder bolt 44 is slidable within the aligned apertures 25, and more particularly within the spherical bearing 43 that is positioned within at least one of those apertures, to allow for the first frame element 122 and the second frame element 222 to move toward or away from one another, as shown for example in FIGS. 6-7. Although the illustrated embodiment utilizes a shoulder bolt 44, other connectors may be used in its place to perform the same function.

In some embodiments, at least one of the adjustable connectors 40 may include a swing bolt such as a rod end bolt 45. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the second adjustable connector 42 of each pair is a rod end bolt 45. In other embodiments, however, both the first and second adjustable connectors 41, 42 may be a swing bolt such as a rod end bolt 45. The shaft of rod end bolt 45 may slide through the aligned apertures 25 of the frame elements 122, 222, and more particularly the spherical bearing 43 that is positioned within at least one of those apertures, in the same manner as bolt 44 described above.

Additionally, where the second end 52 of the joint 30 may be brought to a different position than the first end 51 of the joint, the swing bolt allows for the pivoting of the adjustably-connected frame elements 122, 222 such as that shown in FIGS. 8-9. Specifically, the eye of the rod end bolt 45 may rotate to take up the angle of the frame elements 122, 222 formed when the first and second ends 51, 52 are at different positions, as shown for example in FIGS. 8 and 9. In FIG. 8, for example, the frame elements 122, 222 are relatively close together at the second end 52 and relatively far apart at the first end 51, thereby placing the shaft of the rod end bolt 45 at a first angle (relative to perpendicular to the frame elements). In FIG. 9, for example, the frame elements 122, 222 are relatively far apart at the second end 52 and relatively close together at the first end 51, thereby placing the shaft of the rod end bolt 45 at a second angle (relative to perpendicular to the frame elements). As illustrated, the second angle is in an opposite direction than the first angle (again relative to where the shaft is positioned perpendicular to the frame elements).

Where the first end 51 and the second end 52 of a joint 30 are not at least partially independently adjustable such that the frame elements 122, 222 are movable as shown for example in FIGS. 8-9, then no swing bolt, e.g. rod end bolt 45, is needed. In such an embodiment, each of the connectors 40 may be a shoulder bolt 44 or similar component.

Movement of the joint 30 is possible in at least two different manners. First, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the first and second panels may pivot relative to one another, i.e. the side edge 126 of the first panel may pivot relative to the side edge 226 of the second panel, the side edge of the second panel may pivot relative to the side edge of the first panel, or both. The pivoting movement brings the first and second panels into an angled relationship with one another.

The angle between the first and second panels may be selected from within a permitted range of rotational movement. As seen at the left of FIGS. 5-7, the permitted range of rotational movement may include one or more angles that are less than 180°. At angles less than 180°, the first and second climbing panels—and more particularly the front faces of the surface elements of the first and second panels 121, 222—will face toward each other. As seen toward the right of FIGS. 5-7, the permitted range of rotational movement may include one or more angles that are greater than 180°. At angles greater than 180°, the first and second climbing panels—and more particularly the front faces of the surface elements of the first and second panels 121, 222—will face away from each other. Also as seen in FIGS. 5-7, the permitted range of rotational movement may also include an angle of 180° or about 180°. At an angle of 180° or about 180°, the first and second climbing panels—and more particularly the front faces of the surface elements of the first and second panels 121, 222—will be parallel or substantially parallel (within a couple of degrees) with one another.

The amount to which adjacent surface panels 20 can be angled toward and/or away from one another will depend on the minimum and maximum angle, respectively, to which the movable joint 30 may be brought. In some embodiments, the first and second climbing panels may be brought to angle at least as low as 170°, alternatively at least as low as 165°, alternatively at least as low as 160°, alternatively at least as low as 155°, alternatively as least as low as 150°, alternatively at least as low as 145°. In some embodiments, the first and second climbing panels may be brought to an angle at least as high as 190°, alternatively at least as high as 195°, alternatively at least as high as 200°, alternatively at least as high as 205°, alternatively at least as high as 210°. Any of the above minimum and maximum angles may be combined to define a permissible range of angles. In some embodiments, for example, the range of permissible angles may include at least a range between 170° and 190°, alternatively at least a range between 165° and 195°, alternatively at least a range between 160° and 200°, alternatively at least a range between 155° and 205°, alternatively at least a range between 150° and 210°.

The permissible range of angles may be at least partially defined by the stationary race of the spherical joint 43. For example, a larger sphere can be used with the same bolt hole to increase the range of permissible angles. The permissible range of angles may also be at least partially defined by the actuator(s) 12 controlling movement of the joint.

Although FIG. 5-7 show only a movable joint 30 between a single side edge of the first climbing panel 126 and a single side edge 226 of the second climbing panel, it should be understood that a climbing panel 20 may be connected to a plurality of adjacent climbing panels by similar or identical movable joints 30 that provide rotational movement at any number of the panel side edges. Indeed, some climbing panels 20 may have each side edge attached to the side edge of an adjacent climbing panel by a movable joint 30 that provides rotational movement of the climbing panels about the joint. This can be seen for example in FIG. 1, which shows rotational movement of some climbing panels relative to each adjacent climbing panel.

The rotational movement of adjacent climbing panels 20 within a range that includes angles less than 180° and angles greater than 180° allows for adjacent climbing panels to be configured to provide different climbing challenges. Where a plurality of climbing panels 20 may be adjusted relative to one another in this manner, the topography of the climbing surface 11 can be provided with an increased number of different configurations.

Second, as also illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the first and second panels may slide relative to one another, i.e. the side edge 126 of the first panel may slide relative to the side edge 226 of the second panel, the side edge of the second panel may slide relative to the side edge of the first panel, or both. The sliding movement brings the frame elements of the first and second panels 122, 222, and correspondingly the side edges of the first and second panels 126, 226, either closer together or farther apart.

The distance between the first and second panels may be selected from within a permitted range of slidable movement. The amount to which adjacent surface panels 20 can be slide toward and/or away from one another will depend on the minimum and maximum distance, respectively, to which the frame element 122 of the first panel and the frame element 222 of the second panel may be brought, which in turn may depend on the length of the adjustable connector(s) 40 (and more specifically the shaft length of shoulder bolt 44 and/or end rod bolt 45). In some embodiments, the distance between the first and second panels may be moved through a range of at least 2 inches, alternatively at least 2.5 inches, alternatively at least 3 inches, alternatively at least 3.5 inches, alternatively at least 4 inches, alternatively at least 4.5 inches, alternatively at least 5 inches.

Although FIG. 5-7 show only a movable joint 30 between a single side edge of the first climbing panel 126 and a single side edge 226 of the second climbing panel, it should be understood that a climbing panel 20 may be connected to a plurality of adjacent climbing panels by similar or identical movable joints 30 that provides slidable movement at any number of the panel side edges. Indeed, some climbing panels 20 may have each side edge attached to the side edge of an adjacent climbing panel by a movable joint 30 that provides slidable movement of the climbing panels about the joint.

The slidable movement of adjacent climbing panels 20 allows for adjacent climbing panels to be configured to provide different climbing challenges. In particular, the slidable movement of adjacent climbing panels 20 in this manner may be of particular importance where the climbing panel is rotatably and/or slidably coupled to a plurality of adjacent climbing panels by movable joints 30 formed along multiple side edges. Where a plurality of climbing panels 20 may be adjusted relative to one another in this manner, the topography of the climbing surface 11 can be provided with an increased number of different configurations.

The rotational and/or slidable movement of the first and second climbing panels at movable joint 30 is brought about by one or more actuators 12. At least one of frame elements 122, 222 is operably connected to an actuator 12. Accordingly, movement of the actuator in a first linear direction may cause the frame elements 122, 222 to rotate forward about the one or more adjustable connectors 40 by which they are connected and movement of the actuator in a second, opposing, linear direction may cause the frame elements 122, 222 to rotate rearward about the one or more adjustable connectors 40 by which they are connected. Similarly, movement of the actuator 12 in a first linear direction may cause the frame elements 122, 222 to move closer to one another and movement of the actuator in a second, opposing linear direction may cause the frame elements 122, 222 to move farther apart from one another. The exact degree of rotational and/or slidable movement may depend not only on how far the actuator 12 is moved in a particular direction, but also on the particular positioning of the other sides of the climbing panel 20 about similar joints 30.

In some embodiments, the movable joint 30 between adjacent climbing panels 20 may allow for the distance between the climbing panels and/or the angle between the climbing panels at a second end of the joint to differ from that at a first end of the joint. To achieve this, the movable joint 30 may include a first adjustable connector 41 positioned at a first end 51 of frame elements 122, 222 and a second adjustable connector 42 positioned at a second end 52 of frame elements 122, 222. As shown in FIGS. 8-9 (and at the right of FIGS. 5-7), the first and second adjustable connectors 41, 42 may be adjusted independently of one another thereby creating a joint 30 in which the frame elements 122, 222 are brought to a first distance from one another at the first end 51 and a second distance from one another at the second end 52, with the second distance being different from, i.e. greater than or less than, the first distance.

Further, the first end 51 of the frame elements 122, 222 may be operably connected to a first actuator 12 and the second end 52 of the frame elements 122, 222 may be operably connected to a second, independent actuator. In this way, the first actuator 12 may bring about movement of the first end 51 of the joint 30 to a position that can be independent from the position of the second end of the joint and second actuator may bring about movement of the second end 52 of the joint to a position that can be independent from the position of the joint at the first end.

Where a plurality of climbing panels 20 may be adjusted relative to one another by a joint 30 that provides for rotational and slidable movement, and with the position of a first end 51 of a joint 30 being at least partially independently controllable from the position of a second end 52 of the joint, the topography of the climbing surface 11 produced by the plurality of climbing panels can be provided with an increased and in some instances almost endless number of different configurations.

Due to the rotational and/or slidable movements provided by each joint 30, adjacent climbing panels 20 will, at least at some points be separated from one another about a gap 31. The width of the gap 31 vary depending on the position of the adjacent climbing panels about the joint 30. Because movement of the adjacent panels is provided only within a permissible range, the width of the gap 31 will also vary within a permissible range. As the gap 31 widens, its effect on the climbing surface 11 will increase and potentially become problematic. For example, a climber may attempt to use the gap 31 as a climbing grip during a climbing activity or may unintentionally get a body part such as part of a hand or foot caught in the gap. Accordingly, embodiments of the climbing wall assembly 10 may include a barrier element 60 that spans the gap 31 and ensures that the climbing surface 11 is substantially continuous across the joint 30. Desirably, the barrier element 60 is configured to span the gap 31 between adjacent panels at all gap widths within the permissible range, thereby rendering the climbing surface 11 substantially continuous regardless of the positioning of the joint 30.

An example of a barrier element 60 is shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 8-9. As illustrated, the barrier element 60 spans between a side edge 126 of a first climbing panel and a side edge 226 of a second climbing panel and across the gap 31 between those side edges formed at movable joint 30. More particularly, the barrier element 60 is positioned between a rear face of the surface element 121 of the first climbing panel and the associated frame element 122 and between a rear face of the surface element 221 of the second climbing panel and the associated frame element 222. By positioning the barrier element 60 between the surface element and the frame element of each climbing panel, the frame elements of the first and second panels 122, 222, as well as the adjustable connector(s) 40, are concealed from the climbing surface 11.

As illustrated, the barrier element 60 may be slidable along the rear face of at least one of the surface elements 121, 221. By being slidable relative to at least one of the adjacent climbing panels, the barrier element 60 may be configured to span the gap 31 across a wider range of widths while reducing the amount of stress placed on the barrier element itself. The sliding of the barrier element 60 along at least one of the surface elements 121, 221 as the side edge 126 of a first climbing panel and a side edge 226 of a second climbing panel are moved closer together or farther apart can be seen at the right of FIG. 7 and in FIGS. 8-9.

In some embodiments, the barrier element 60 may be slidable along the rear face of both of surface elements 121, 221. In other embodiments, however, the barrier element 60 may be fixed to the rear face of one of surface elements 121, 221 and slidable along the rear face of the other one of surface elements 121, 221. In yet other (non-illustrated) embodiments, the barrier element 60 may be fixed to the rear face of both surface elements 121, 221. In such an embodiment, however, it is desirable that the barrier element 60 is otherwise configured to stretch and/or expand (e.g. by being of sufficient length to scan the gap at higher widths and folded or otherwise collapsed in on itself at smaller gap widths) when the gap 31 is brought to the maximum permissible width.

The barrier element 60 may desirably be made of an elastomeric material, including but not limited to neoprene. In other embodiments, less elastomeric materials or even non-elastomeric materials may be used. In such embodiments, however, it is desirable that the barrier element 60 is otherwise configured to move, e.g. by a slidable arrangement such as that described above, and/or expand (e.g. by being of sufficient length to scan the gap at higher widths and folded or otherwise collapsed in on itself at smaller gap widths) when the gap 31 is brought to the maximum permissible width. Though the barrier element 60 need not be configured to support the weight of a climber during a climbing activity, it should be made of a material that is durable enough to withstand being knocked against, e.g. kicked, by a climber during a climbing activity.

An actuator 12 may be operatively connected to the framework 29 of each climbing panel at one or more of the corners. Where each side of the climbing panel 20 is adjustably connected to an adjacent panel via a moveable joint 30, an actuator may be operatively connected at each corner of the framework. For the triangular framework 29 shown in FIG. 3, for example, movable joints formed by frame elements 22a, 22b, and 22c can be controlled by three actuators, each actuator being operatively connected to a corner of the triangular framework. Similarly, if the climbing panel 20 were configured to have four adjustable sides, e.g. in the shape of a diamond, the movable joints formed along those sides could be controlled by four actuators, each positioned at a corner of the diamond.

Each actuator 12 may be any actuator that is capable of withstanding the force that may be placed on it during use of the climbing wall in an inclined position. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment for example, the actuator 12 may be linear actuator such as a pneumatic linear actuator, a hydraulic liner actuator, or an electric linear actuator. In some embodiments, electric or hydraulic actuators may be preferred. In other (non-illustrated) embodiments, actuator 12 may be a ball screw actuator, a cable-based actuator, or other actuators as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

Desirably, the actuators 12 may all be operatively linked together so as to be controlled by a central processing unit. In some embodiments, for example, the climbing wall assembly 10 may comprise one or more user interface panels, which may either be mounted to a portion of the climbing wall assembly, part of a remote control, or both. A remote control may be connected to the system 10 via a cord or the remote control may be wirelessly connected to the system. A docking station for the remote control may be provided on the climbing wall assembly 10. In some embodiments, a user may activate the actuators 12 remotely through a data processing unit, or processor, such as one associated with a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or the like.

Due to the number of actuators 12 that may be used to adjust the topography of the climbing surface 11 and the complexity of the different topographies, a program may display to a user a number of different topographical options from which a user may select. Alternatively of additionally, the program may allow for a user to selectively operate individual or subsets of actuators 12 in order to create a desired topographical design on a portion of the climbing surface 11.

It is also contemplated that the actuator(s) could be operated manually, such as through a variety of mechanical systems. For instance, manual activation may be included as a back-up system, in case of failure of the automatic system, or it may be the primary system by which an actuator 12 is activated. In some embodiments, for instance, each actuator 12 may be operated by way of a hand-crank or the like.

The actuators may be supported in an elevated position above a ground surface by one or more actuator support elements 13, an example of which can be seen in FIG. 10. The specific design of the actuator support elements 13 is not important, so long as the actuators 12 are stably mounted at the desired positions, e.g. along a grid. In some embodiments, the actuator support elements 13 may be part of an existing wall or wall support structure.

The framework 29 of each climbing panel 20 may be joined to the framework of at least one other climbing panel at a corner joint 70, also sometimes referred to as a center joint. An example of a corner joint 70 is shown in FIG. 4. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a corner of the framework 129 of a first climbing panel and a corner of the framework 229 of a second climbing panel may be operably connected at a corner joint 70. An actuator 12 may be connected with corner joint 70, e.g. as shown for example in FIG. 10. In this way, the actuator 12 connected with corner joint 70 is capable of causing movement of at least part of the joint 130 formed between the framework 129 of the first climbing panel and the framework 229 of the second climbing panel.

A corner of the framework 129 of the first climbing panel and a corner of the framework 329 of a third climbing panel may also be operably connected at the same corner joint 70. In the same way, the actuator 12 connected with corner joint 70 is capable of causing movement of at least part of the joint 230 formed between the framework 129 of the first climbing panel and the framework 329 of the third climbing panel.

Focusing for a moment on the first climbing panel, the opposite end of movable joint 130 may be operably connected with a second corner joint and actuator, and thus the movable joint 130 formed between frame element 22a of framework 129 and framework 229 may be controlled by the combination of actuators at each end 51, 52 of moveable joint 130. Where the movable joint 130 is configured so that the position of the joint at a first end 51 may differ from the position of the joint at a second end 52, the actuator 12 connected with corner joint 70 may be configured to predominantly control movement of frame element 22a relative to the framework of the second climbing panel 229 at the first end 51 of movable joint 130. Though not shown in FIG. 4, the second end 52 of movable joint 130 may be operably connected with a second corner joint and actuator and that actuator may predominantly control movement of the frame element 22a relative to the framework of the second climbing panel 229 at the second end 52 of movable joint 130.

Similarly, the opposite end of movable joint 230 may be operably connected with a second corner joint and actuator, and thus the movable joint 230 formed between frame element 22b of framework 129 and framework 329 may be controlled by the combination of actuators at each end 51, 52 of moveable joint 230. Where the movable joint 230 is configured so that the position of the joint at a first end 51 may differ from the position of the joint at a second end 52, the actuator 12 connected with corner joint 70 may be configured to predominantly control movement of frame element 22b relative to the framework of the third climbing panel 329 at the first end 51 of movable joint 130. Though not shown in FIG. 4, the second end 52 of movable joint 130 may be operably connected with a second corner joint and actuator and that actuator may predominantly control movement of the frame element 22b relative to the framework of the third climbing panel 329 at the second end 52 of movable joint 230.

As such, an actuator 12 connected to the corner joint 70 shown in FIG. 4 may exert predominant control over both the first end 51 of movable joint 130 and the first end of movable joint 230. The second end 52 of movable joint 130 may be predominantly controlled by a separate (e.g. second) actuator and the second end of movable joint 230 may be predominantly controlled by a separate (e.g. third) actuator. If frame element 22c of the framework 129 of the first climbing panel were also connected to an adjacent panel by a movable joint, that movable joint would be controlled by the second and third actuators.

Turning back to the central joint 70 shown in FIG. 4, a corner of the framework 229 of the second climbing panel and a corner of a framework 429 of a fourth climbing panel may also be operably connected at the same corner joint 70. In the same way, the actuator 12 connected with corner joint 70 is capable of causing movement of at least part of the joint 330 formed between the framework 229 of the second climbing panel and the framework 429 of the fourth climbing panel.

Similarly, a corner of the framework 429 of the fourth climbing panel and a corner of a framework 529 of a fifth climbing panel may also be operably connected at the same corner joint 70. In the same way, the actuator 12 connected with corner joint 70 is capable of causing movement of at least part of the joint 430 formed between the framework 429 of the fourth climbing panel and the framework 529 of the fifth climbing panel. Similarly, a corner of the framework 529 of the fifth climbing panel and a corner of a framework 629 of a sixth climbing panel may also be operably connected at the same corner joint 70. In the same way, the actuator 12 connected with corner joint 70 is capable of causing movement of at least part of the joint 530 formed between the framework 529 of the fifth climbing panel and the framework 629 of the sixth climbing panel. Similarly, a corner of the framework 629 of the sixth climbing panel and a corner of a framework 329 of the third climbing panel may also be operably connected at the same corner joint 70. In the same way, the actuator 12 connected with corner joint 70 is capable of causing movement of at least part of the joint 630 formed between the framework 629 of the sixth climbing panel and the framework 329 of the third climbing panel.

In this way, the actuator 12 that is operably connected to corner—or central—joint 70 may be operably connected to six different climbing panels 20 and configured to at least partially control movement of six different moveable joints. By utilizing corner joints 70 to connect multiple different climbing panels in this way, the number of actuators 12 needed to vary the topography of a climbing surface 11 may be reduced. In the example shown in FIG. 10, for instance, the movement of forty total climbing panels 20 is controlled by twenty-five actuators 12.

Although not illustrated, the climbing wall assembly 10 may also include a base unit that supports the plurality of climbing panels 20, and specifically the framework 28 of the plurality of climbing panels, e.g. as shown in FIG. 2, at a desired height above a ground surface. The base unit may include a fixed frame element that supports the framework 28 in a raised position above a ground surface. The fixed frame element may also support one or more surface elements, which may form a lower, fixed portion of climbing surface 11. If desired, the bottom edge of the framework 28 may also be hingedly attached to the upper edge of the fixed frame element, such that one or more of actuators 12 may cause one or more of climbing panels 20 (e.g. those positioned immediately above the fixed frame element) to be rotatable and/or slidable relative to the lower, fixed portion of climbing surface 11. An embodiment of such a base unit is shown for example in FIGS. 18-21 of United States Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0009157 A1, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

It can be seen that the described embodiments provide a unique and novel climbing wall 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.

VARIABLE TOPOGRAPHY CLIMBING WALL

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

Original Assignees

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Parent Case Info

Provisional Applications (1)