Climbing Systems and Methods of Making and Using the Same

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/652,477 filed May 28, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/664,682 filed Jun. 26, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The disclosure is directed to and relates to recreational systems for climbing and methods of making and using such systems.

Climbing is an activity that many people enjoy. Various climbing equipment is known that encourages people, both young and old, to engage in climbing activities. For example, one piece of climbing equipment is often described as “monkey bars.” Monkey bars can typically include a pair of end supports and a climbing structure that extends between the end supports. The climbing structure can include rungs or bars upon which a user can grab. A common objective with monkey bars is for the user to attempt to climb across the extent of the monkey bars without falling. Monkey bars can vary in length and in height.

As is well known, monkey bars and other similar structures have been in existence for many years. However, such structures are static and are limited in the experience to a user, that such equipment offers.

The systems and methods of the disclosure address these deficiencies and others, as described below.

Climbing systems, and methods of making and using climbing systems, are described in this disclosure. A climbing system can comprise: (A) a left end base assembly (EBA), the left EBA including a left end support; (B) a right EBA, the right EBA including a right end support; (C) a hinge limiter assembly that includes: a first hinge bracket; a first hinge limiter, with first stop plate, affixed to the first hinge bracket; a second hinge bracket, the second hinge bracket rotatably attached to the first hinge bracket; a second hinge limiter, with second stop plate, affixed to the second hinge bracket, and the first hinge bracket and the second hinge bracket rotatable relative to each other, with limited rotation by engagement of the first stop plate with the second stop plate; (D) at least one left or first support rod that extends between the left EBA and the first hinge bracket; (E) at least one right or second support rod that extends between the right EBA and the second hinge bracket; (F) a plurality of first tethers extending down from the first support rod; (G) a plurality of second tethers extending down from the second support rod; and (H) a climbing lattice, the plurality of first tethers and the plurality of second tethers connected to and supporting the climbing lattice, with the climbing lattice providing for human climbing engagement.

A further climbing system can comprise: (A) a base assembly including an end support; (B) a pair of support rods that extend out from the end support; (C) a plurality of tethers connected to and extending down from the pair of support rods; (D) a plurality of end tethers; (E) a climbing lattice in the form of a net for climbing, the plurality of tethers connected to and supporting the climbing lattice; and each of the plurality of end tethers extending between a support rod, of the support rods, and the climbing lattice.

A further climbing system can include a left end base assembly (EBA), the left EBA including a left end support; a right EBA, the right EBA including a right end support; at least one left or first support rod that extends inboard from the left EBA; at least one right or second support rod that extends inboard from the right EBA; a plurality of first tethers extending down from the first support rod; a plurality of second tethers extending down from the second support rod; and a climbing lattice, and the plurality of first tethers and the plurality of second tethers connected to and supporting the climbing lattice, with the climbing lattice providing for human climbing engagement.

A few inventive aspects of the disclosed embodiments are explained in detail below with reference to the various figures. Exemplary embodiments are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows.

As used herein, any term in the singular may be interpreted to be in the plural, and alternatively, any term in the plural may be interpreted to be in the singular.

The disclosure provides climbing systems and methods of making and using the same. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure,is a front perspective view of a climbing system. Also,is a front view of a climbing system, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The climbing systemcan include a net or other climbing arrangement that is part of a dynamic kinetic energy structure.shows illustrative dimensions of the climbing system. The disclosure is not limited to such illustrative dimensions. The various climbing systems of the disclosure may be dimensioned and/or sized as desired.

A core component of the dynamic kinetic energy structure of the disclosure, illustratively shown inin accordance with one embodiment, is one or more support rods. For example, the support rods can be constructed of FRP (Fiber-reinforced polymer). In the embodiment of, the climbing systemcan include a first set of support rods and a second set of support rods on opposing sides from each other. An outboard end of each of the support rods can be supported by opposing end base assemblies (EBAs), as shown in.

At the center of the climbing system, inboard ends of the support rodscan be connected to a hinge limiter assembly′. The hinge limiter assembly′ can include a left or first hinge bracketand a right or second hinge bracket. The hinge brackets,can be rotatably attached to each other in a manner that provides for limited rotation of the hinge bracketrelative to the hinge bracket. Such limited rotation is provided by a left or first hinge limiterand a right or second hinge limiter. The support polesalong with the hinge limiter assembly can support a climbing structure. In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, the climbing structure can be a climbing lattice to provide a climbing net or net. However, the climbing structure can include various other structures and/or accoutrements so as to provide a challenging and fun climbing experience.

As described herein, the support rods or poles, structural rods or polesof the disclosure, and other rods or poles of the disclosure can be constructed of a FRP (Fiber-reinforced polymer) material. Such material can include strong fibers or fibers embedded in a resin matrix. For example, the fiber can be fiberglass. The process to create an FRP material can include saturating a preferred reinforcement material within a resin mixture. The process can include shaping the material and/or passing the material through a die, such as a heated steel die. The process to create an FRP material may also include a molding process in which the FRP material is passed into a mold while hot, and allowed to cool. After cooling, the FRP material can be removed from the mold and retain the particular shape of the mold.

In some embodiments, the FRP rods or poles used in the systems of the disclosure can be solid. In some embodiments, the FRP rods or poles used in the systems of the disclosure can be hollow or tubular in construct. The disclosure is not limited to FRP rods or poles in particular. Other flexible poles are rods can be used as desired. For example, poles similar in construct to “pole vaulting poles” can be used in practice of the disclosure. Such poles can include wrapping sheets of fiberglass around a metal pole mandrel, so as to construct the pole. Poles of other construct may be used as desired.

In operation, the support rodsare flexible so as to allow movement at the inboard ends of the support rods or poles. The inboard movement of the support polescan be further afforded by the attachment of the inboard ends of the support polesto a hinge limiter assembly. That is, the hinge limiter assembly can allow movement of the inboard ends of the support poleswhile constraining the inboard movement of the ends of the rods in a controlled manner. Further, the degree to which the inboard movement of the rods is constrained may be varied by “switching out” a first hinge limiter plate for a different second hinge limiter plate. The first hinge limiter plate can provide for a first amount of rotation. The second hinge limiter plate can provide for a second amount of rotation. Further details are described below. The climbing structureof the disclosure shown in, as well as other climbing structures described herein, provides a dynamic kinetic energy structure that is challenging and fun to climb on. As a user, i.e. a climber, climbs on the climbing system, movement of the climber, is transferred into the climbing system. Due to the nature of the structure of the climbing system, such energy is transferred throughout the climbing system, including the various components of the climbing system. The energy is then rendered upon and/or transferred back to the climber in a fun and exciting manner. That is, as the climber continues to climb across the climbing structure, a portion of the energy is transferred back to the climber in the form of movement of the climbing structure. As the climber reacts to such movement of the climbing structure, in conjunction with the climber working to traverse across the climbing structure, yet further energy is transferred into the climbing structure. As described above, such further energy is transferred through the climbing structure-resulting in yet further movement of the climbing structure, as experienced by the climber, and so on. Accordingly, the climbing systemprovides a unique and novel climbing experience in which energy is dynamically transferred from the climber, into the climbing system, and back to the climber in an iterative and dynamic manner.

With further reference to, for example, bars, poles or rodscan be placed into a spring like tension by a combination of tensioning of the climbing latticevia the tensioning tethersand/or any other structure that is attached to the tethers, or other tethers. The turnbuckleofcan be provided to tension and/or tighten any of the structure described herein, including the tethers on the end of the climbing lattice, for example.

Attachment mechanismsandand/or other attachment mechanisms and/or other tethers can be provided to tension and form the desired shape of the net and to create further tension between the bars, poles or rodsand climbing lattice, connectors,, and/or any other net, accoutrement, attribute or element that is supported in the climbing system, for example.

Once the assembly of, for example, (as well as the assemblies of, for example) has/have been ‘pre tensioned’ it creates a “dynamic kinetic energy structure” or “dynamic kinetic energy play structure” allowing a participant, e.g. climber, to ‘regenerate’ their energies to assist them, for example, in traversing the challenges of the climbing lattice and/or any accoutrements, attributes or elements that are provided in the climbing system. The relationship between compressive and tensile forces can create the ‘Springlike’ structure that transfers energies back to the participant in a fun and challenging manner. The provided structure can be flexible and kinetic (bouncy with a climber's movements)-input by a climber can result in an equivalent output exerted by the structure. Accordingly, the climbing structure of the disclosure provides a fun and exciting climbing experience and recreational experience. The climbing structure can be positioned across a pool, across a sand pit, across grass, and/or in any other environment that may be desired. Further details are described below. For example,shows the climbing systemextending across a pool system, with a body of water. A pool deckcan be provided to which the climbing systemcan be attached. The pool deckcan be concrete, wood, plastic, or other structure. Padsof cushioning material such as rubber or foam, for example, can be provided for safety.

Hereinafter, various details of the climbing system, of one embodiment of the disclosure, will be described.

As described above, the climbing systemcan include a pair of support rodson opposing sides from one another. The climbing systemcan include a pair of end base assemblies (EBAs). As shown in, the EBAsserve to support outboard ends of the support rods. In the embodiment of, the EBAscan include a left or first EBAA and a right or second EBAB. In accordance with one embodiment, the left and right EBAscan be substantially identical in structure and mirror image to each other.

The left EBAA can include at least one left end tube, rod, supportL. As described below, each of the at least one left end supportL can be in the form of a tube, rod or pipe structure. In the climbing systemof, the at least one left end supportL can include a left front end supportA and a left back end supportB.

The right EBAB can include at least one right end supportR. As described below, each of the at least one right end supportR can be in the form of a tube, rod or pipe structure. In the climbing systemof, the at least one right end supportR can include a right front end supportB and a right back end supportD.

shows various illustrative dimensions of the climbing system. The dimensions described herein are for purposes of illustration and are not limiting. The various structure described herein may be constructed in any dimensions, as may be desired.

The supportsA,B,C,D can be similar or the same in construct. Accordingly, the front left end supportA will be described with reference to, with the understanding that the other and supportsB,C,D can be of similar or same construct.is a front perspective of the front, left end support of the climbing system of, or a climbing system similar thereto, in accordance with principles of the disclosure.

With reference to, the end supportcan include a tube, rod, pipe or other similar structureT. The tubeT can be constructed of steel or other metal, for example. The tubeT can include a lower end, an upper and, and a top hole. The top hole or openingcan receive a cross support as described below. The tubeT can include a retainer hole or holethat can be used to secure a cross support received in the hole.

As shown in, the end supportcan include a base assembly. The base assemblycan include a base plate. The base platecan include an inboard edgeand opposing outboard edges. The base platecan include attachment holes. The attachment holescan serve to secure the base plateon to a supporting surface. For example, the base platemight be attached onto a concrete supporting surface or deck.

The end supportcan include an inboard gusset. The inboard gussetcan include a lower connection edgeto connect to the base plate, and an outboard connection edgeto connect to the tubeT. The inboard gussetcan include an open edgewith holesto connect with a gusset guard. The inboard gussetcan be welded or otherwise attached to the base plateand to the tubeT.

The end supportcan further include an outboard gusset. The upper gussetcan include a lower connection edgeto connect to the base plate, and an inboard connection edgeto connect to the tubeT. The outboard gussetcan include an open edgewith holesto connect with a gusset guard. The outboard gussetcan be welded or otherwise attached to the base plateand to the tubeT.

The end supportcan include a lower connection bracket or plate. The lower connection bracketcan be in the form of a plate having a body. The lower connection bracketcan include a connection edge. The bodyof the lower connection bracketcan include a plurality of holes. The holescan be aligned along an inboard edge of the body. As described below, the holescan serve to support and attach to the end of a tether or tether line. The tether can be attached to a climbing lattice, net or other climbing structure as further described below.

The end supportcan include a tube pivot bracketas shown in. The tube pivot bracketcan support a pole housing. The tube pivot bracketcan include a pair of attachment plates. Each attachment platecan include a support rod pin hole. The support rod pin holereceives a support rod pinP. The support rod pinP can be in the form of a solid pin or a tube pin. The support rod pinP can pass through a pin receiver holein the tubeT. Accordingly, the support rod pinP can serve to rotatably support the attachment plateson opposing sides of the tubeT.

As shown in, each attachment platecan include an end support pin hole. The end support pin holecan serve to connect to a pole housing as described below.

As shown in, the end supportcan also include an adjustability bracket or plate. The adjustability bracketcan include a body. The adjustability bracketcan include an attachment edge or outboard edgethat can be connected to the tubeT. Such connection can be a weld, for example. The adjustability bracketcan include an upper relief edgethat provides clearance for a pin that passes through the end support pin hole, with such pin serving to connect to a pole housing. The adjustability bracketincludes an inner edgealong which adjustment holescan be positioned. The adjustability bracketalso includes a lower edge.

Accordingly, the adjustment holescan be positioned along the inner edge. The adjustment holescan serve to adjustably connect to a pole housing. For example, the adjustment holes can include a lower hole, one or more middle holes, and an upper hole. The end support of, or structure similar thereto, can also be used in other embodiments of the disclosure, including in the embodiment of.

is a side view of the end support. As shown in, the tubeT (can be positioned at an angle of 70 degrees to the horizontal, for example, or at any other angle as desired.also shows further details of the lower connection bracket, the gussets, and the tube pivot bracket.

is a front perspective view of a cross support. The climbing systemcan include a respective cross supporton each end of the climbing system, including cross supportA and cross supportB. Accordingly, the cross supportA can connect end supportsA andB. The cross supportB can connect end supportsC andD. As shown inand described above, the climbing systemcan include, in one embodiment, four end supports. The end supportsL on the left side of the climbing systemcan be described as end supportsA andB. The end supportsR on the right side of the climbing systemcan be described as end supportsC andD.

With further reference to, each of the cross supportscan be described as a U-tube in that the cross support can be formed in the shape of a “U” as shown in. The cross supportcan include a top cross tube. On opposing sides, the top cross tubecan be connected to angled tubes. The angled tubes, on opposing sides of the top cross tube, can be described as an elbow tube. The climbing systemincludes side vertical tubes on opposing sides of the climbing system. The side vertical tubes, as shown in, are connected to lower ends of the angled tubes. The climbing systemalso includes splice tubeson opposing sides of the climbing system. The splice tubecan be of smaller diameter so as to be received into the side vertical tubes. Spring-loaded buttons can be disposed on the upper half of the splice tubeand received into connection holes, for example. However, any suitable connection mechanism can be utilized. Each splice tubecan include a connection hole. The connection holecan be threaded. The connection holecan receive a fastener so as to connect the cross support, on opposing sides, to respective end supports. Accordingly, the cross supportcan be attached to and extend between opposing end supports. As shown in, such arrangement can be positioned on both ends of the climbing system.

The climbing systemcan include a pair of rod tabsas shown in. As described below and shown in, the rod tabscan support a pole housing. Each rod tabcan include a bodyin the form of a flat plate. Each rod tabcan include an attachment edgethat can be welded onto or otherwise attached to the top cross tube. Each rod tabcan include an attachment holethat serves to receive a pin or other attachment mechanism for attachment to a pole housing. The bodycan be provided with an insert attachment prong, that is received into a receiving hole or aperture in the cross support. The insert attachment prongcan serve to position and orient the rod tabonto the cross support, so as to provide accurate placement of the rod tabonto the cross support. In general, with the various components described herein, tabs on a first part can be received into receiving holes or apertures in a second part, so as to accurately and securely position and orient such first part onto such second part, such as in preparation for welding such first part into such second part.

As shown in, the climbing systemcan also include an awning tab or cover tab. The awning tabcan provide a point of attachment, attachment hole or aperture, to support an awning, cover, shade, or other structure that extends over the climbing system. The awning tab can include a bodyin the form of a flat plate. The awning tab can include attachment edgethat can include an insert attachment prong. The insert attachment prongcan be received into a receiving hole or aperture in the cross support. As otherwise described herein, the various components of the climbing systemincluding tubes and pipes can be connected together in any suitable manner. The various components of the climbing systemcan be connected together using different mechanical mechanisms including bolts, screws, spring-loaded buttons received into mating holes or apertures, welding of parts together, crimping of parts so as to secure two parts together, and other mechanical attachment mechanisms as may be desired.

is a front perspective view of a cross support′ in accordance with principles of the disclosure. The cross support′ ofcan be used in substitution of the cross supportshown in. The cross support ofcan be described as a short U-tube. The cross support ofcan be described as a long U-tube. The cross support′ can be of shorter height as compared to the cross support of. In particular, the cross support′ can be provided with side vertical tubes′ that are shorter than side vertical tubesof. Also, as shown in, the rod tabscan be omitted in the cross support′. Use of the cross supportand the cross support′, in different embodiments of the disclosure, are described below.

is a bottom perspective view of a pole housing, and more specifically an adjustable pole housingA, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in, the pole housingserves to connect a corresponding poleonto an end base assembly. As described below the pole housingis adjustable so as to adjust the angle at which a support poleis connected to an end base assembly. In the embodiment of, in which there are 4 support poles, there can be a respective pole housingto support each support pole. Accordingly, in the embodiment of, the pole housingcan include a pole housing, pole housingB, pole housingC, and pole housingD.

The pole housingA, for example, with reference to, can be at the left front of the climbing systemat an outboard end of support poleA, so as to connect the support poleA onto the left end base assemblyA.

With further reference to, each pole housingcan include a tube or tube body. The tubecan include an inboard endand an outboard end. The inboard endcan include an inner bore, bore or hole. The inner borecan receive a support pole. The tubecan include an outer surface. A support polecan be slid into and received into the inner bore. For example, the tubecan be in the form of a steel pipe into which a support poleis slid. The support polecan be secured into the tubein any suitable manner. For example, the tubecan be provided with a weld nutand corresponding apertures extending through the tube. Relatedly, the received support polecan include a corresponding aperture at a desired location. Accordingly, a screw or bolt can extend through both the tubeand the support polereceive therein, so as to secure the support poleinto the tube. However, any suitable attachment mechanism can be utilized. For example, multiple bolts can be utilized to secure a support poleinto the tube.

As shown in, the pole housingcan include a bushing housing. The bushing housingcan be welded onto an end of the tube. The bushing housingcan include an inner surfaceIS. A flanged sleeve bearingcan be received into the bushing housing. The flanged sleeve bearingcan include a bearing sleevethat includes an inner bore surface. The inner bore surfacecan define a bore. The borecan receive a fastener, such as a bolt, to attach the pole housingonto an end base assembly. An end flangecan be provided at an outer end of the bearing sleeve. The end flangecan rest against an outer annular surface of the bushing housing, so as to position the flange sleeve bearingrelative to the bushing housing. The bearing sleevecan be provided with grease or oil so as to lubricate the connection between the pole housingand a connecting end base assembly.

As shown in, the pole housingcan also include an adjustability plate. The adjustability platecan be provided with a plurality of attachment holes. An attachment hole, of the plurality of attachment holes, can be attached to one of the adjustment holesof the adjustability bracket. As described above, the adjustability bracketis provided upon a tubeT of an end base assembly. Accordingly, by varying which holeis attached to which hole, the angle at which the pole housingis positioned relative to the end base assemblycan be varied. As shown in, the attachment holescan include a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole.

The adjustability platecan include a shaped edge. The shaped edgecan be “petal” shaped in harmony with the positioning of the attachment holes. The adjustability platecan also include an attachment edge, as shown in.

The pole housingcan include a pair of flange connection tabs. Each flange connection tabcan be attached, by attachment holes, to a stabilization plate. As shown in, the stabilization platecan provide stabilizing and reinforcement structure to the climbing system. The flange connection tabcan include a bodyin the form of a flat plate. The flange connection tabcan include an attachment edgethat can be welded onto the tube. A connection tabcan be provided so as to accurately position and orient the flange connection tabonto tube.

is a side perspective view of an adjustability plateof a pole housing. As shown, the adjustability platecan include the plurality of holes.also shows the details of the attachment edgeand multiple attachment tabs. The attachment tabscan be received into receiving holes or apertures in the tube. The attachment tabscan serve to orient, position, and support the adjustability plateupon the tube, such as prior to welding of the adjustability plateonto the tube.

is a bottom perspective view of a pole housing, the same as or similar to the pole housing of, with the flanged sleeve bearingsexploded, in accordance with principles of the disclosure. As described above, each flanged sleeve bearingincludes a bearing sleeveand an end flange. As shown in, the bushing housingcan receive a respective flanged sleeve bearinginto the opposing ends of the bushing housing. The bushing housingcan be constructed of metal and the flange sleeve bearingscan be constructed of nylon, plastic, or some other suitable material that can provide a lower friction surface and provide sufficient structural strength so as to not deteriorate under load.