Rope climbing systems and methods of use

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9604087-B2
Application number	US-201514849788-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Sep 10, 2015
Priority date	Jun 30, 2015
Publication date	Mar 28, 2017
Grant date	Mar 28, 2017

Abstract

Various apparatuses for rope-climbing and associated methods are provided. Embodiments include a circular loop of rope and a variable braking system allowing for a freely suspended rope-climbing experience a safe distance from the ground and at a speed variable to individual users.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. An apparatus for rope climbing comprising:
a mount comprising a frame and a plurality of attachments;
a plurality of supports;
a rope supported by the plurality of supports and configured for attachment to a user;
a braking mechanism coupled with the mount;
a plurality of pulleys, each fitted into a slot in the mount to allow for the raising and lowering of the pulley to increase or reduce tension on the rope;
a control unit comprising a first wireless transmitter and receiver, wherein the control unit is attached to the braking mechanism and is configured to control the braking mechanism; and
a second wireless transmitter and receiver unit configured to be coupled to the user, wherein the first and second wireless transmitter and receiver units communicate with each other to detect the distance between the first and second wireless transmitter and receiver units, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the braking mechanism in response to the detected distance.

2. The apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the rope has a diameter of 1.5 inches.

3. The apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the rope has a first length of 20 to 30 feet.

4. The apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the rope is formed in an endless loop.

5. The apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the rope comprises natural fibers, hemp, manila hemp, synthetic polymer fibers, polyester polymers, nylon, or polyethylene polymers.

6. The apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the rope is formed with a rough texture to facilitate frictional gripping by the user.

7. The apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the rope is of a three-strand or four-strand twisted construction in either an “S” or “Z” twist.

8. The apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the rope is of a single braid, double braid, or kermantle construction.

9. The apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the rope has a Young's modulus between 5 and 150 GPa.

10. The apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the braking mechanism further comprises:
a spring; and
a threaded screw configured to rotate to compress or decompress the spring to increase or decrease the braking tension on the rope.

11. The apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the braking mechanism comprises a material formed to produce a coefficient of friction of at least 0.75.

12. The apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein the first and second wireless transmitter and receiver units each comprise a radio antenna configured for communication between the two units.

13. A method of manufacture comprising:
a mount comprising a frame and a plurality of attachments;
a plurality of supports;
a rope supported by the plurality of supports and configured for attachment to a user;
a braking mechanism coupled with the mount;
a plurality of pulleys, each fitted into a slot in the mount to allow for the raising and lowering of the pulley to increase or reduce tension on the rope;
a control unit comprising a first wireless transmitter and receiver unit, wherein the control unit is attached to the braking mechanism and is configured to control the braking mechanism; and
a second wireless transmitter and receiver unit configured to be coupled to the user, wherein the first and second wireless transmitter and receiver units communicate with each other to detect the distance between the first and second wireless transmitter and receiver units, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the braking mechanism in response to the detected distance.

Assignees

• Us Navy

Inventors

• Brown Christopher
• Shirley Ii Lawrence

Classifications

• A63B7/045 Primary

  Using endless ropes · CPC title

• A62B1/14

  with brakes sliding on the rope · CPC title

• A63B7/04 Primary

  Climbing-ropes · CPC title

• A62B35/00

  Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion (buckles A44B11/00; accessories for children's furniture A47D15/00; children's seats B60N2/24; safety belts or body harnesses for land vehicles B60R22/00; harnesses for parachutes B64D17/30; harnessing in aircraft B64D25/06; releasable fastenings F16B) · CPC title

• A63B29/02

  Mountain guy-ropes or accessories, e.g. avalanche ropes; Means for indicating the location of accidentally buried, e.g. snow-buried, persons · CPC title