FR2883765A1 - "CLIMBING DEVICE AND METHODS OF IMPLEMENTING THEM" - Google Patents

Abstract

Climbing device (1) comprising a light reinforcement structure (6) and climbing panels (7) fixed to said structure, said panels together forming a climbing facade (8), at least some of said panels comprising two skins, said skins forming two opposite faces (71,72) and distant for the panel, at least one of the skins forming a climbing face (71).

Description

"Climbing device and associated methods of implementation"

  The present invention relates to a climbing device, in particular to a climbing wall used for leisure or training, and to methods of implementing such a climbing device.

  Most of the current climbing wall type devices are generally fixed and rigidly implanted devices, mainly within sports facilities. These devices also generally have a fixed configuration, which can be tiresome for a regular user.

  Other devices are provided for dismountable and / or transportable. However, their installation is often laborious and expensive in time and manpower. In addition, they are demountable or monolithic, and particularly in the latter case, their dimensions are limited especially because of their transport conditions and / or assembly. Known devices of this type are currently limited to heights of 6m50.

  Such existing devices are therefore poorly adapted to fair use or by small structures, such as holiday or leisure centers.

  The object of the invention is to provide a climbing wall type device that can be easily mounted and transported. Advantageously, such a device can be moved using a light vehicle, that is to say not requiring a particular driving license of the heavy truck type.

  According to a first object of the invention, such a climbing device comprises a lightweight reinforcement structure and climbing panels fixed to said structure, said panels together forming a climbing wall, each panel among at least some of said panels. , or preferably all the panels, comprising two skins, said skins forming two opposite and remote faces for the panel, at least one of the skins forming a climbing face, that is to say a face bearing sockets for climbing. Thus, by their inertia increased by the distance between the skins, the panels cooperate with the structure to maintain the erected device. The structure can be even lighter as it does not participate alone in maintaining the device.

  Each panel may comprise a substantially rigid frame to attach the skins and keep them away from each other. The frame and the structure may be metallic, for example aluminum to reduce the weight. The skins may advantageously comprise a composite material. The catches can be formed in the skin that carries them. Thus, it avoids the installation of reported plugs, which would weigh down the device.

  Each panel may further comprise a foam of appropriate density to fill a space between the two skins, possibly bonded with the two skins, to avoid deformation and / or approximation of the skins, and improve the inertia of the panel.

  The comfort structure is advantageously articulated so as to reduce the size of the device when not in use, in particular to allow its transport. In particular, the structure can be articulated on a trailer. The trailer can then serve as a base for the structure when it is deployed in the position of use, or the displacement of the structure from one place to another when the structure is folded into a reduced space position.

  Once the structure is deployed, it can be provided on the trailer, opposite the climbing faces of the panels, mounting means for crossing equipment. This crossing equipment can at least partly be integrated into the climbing device according to the invention and be mounted articulated on the trailer. This crossing material may comprise, for example, a catwalk and / or a rope ladder and / or a rope. It can be attached, especially on the side of the wall, on the comfort structure.

  The device may further comprise motorized and / or automatic deployment means, for example hydraulic, pneumatic and / or electric, allowing its deployment by a reduced number, advantageously by a single person.

  At least some of the panels can be provided to be easily movable relative to the structure, for example for their maintenance and / or replacement. Also, the panels can be movable relative to the structure so that a change in their position allows to define at least one new climbing path. Thus, there can be provided square panels, each square panel being rotatable 90 degrees on itself, in a plane parallel to the climbing face, so that in a first position of the panels the device defines a first easy way and a difficult first way, and in a second position of the panels, the device defines a second easy way and a second difficult way. The position change of the panels can be automated or manual. Thus, one can also provide four possible positions for the same panel at a given location, and even a double-sided panel, which doubles the number of possible paths with the same panels of the same climbing device. For example, for a so-called easy way it can be provided eight shots per meter height, and only four for a so-called difficult way.

  The climbing face advantageously has a non-slip surface state on the surface intended for climbing. This surface state can be obtained by an appropriate dressing of the climbing face. This dressing can be a painting. This paint can be added with grains giving it a rough appearance. These grains, usually sand, can advantageously be replaced by polyethylene, which allows a significant weight gain on each panel and particularly over the entire surface of the climbing wall.

  Thanks to the weight gains achieved, in particular by the use of double-skinned panels participating with the structure to the rigidity of the device, without their low weight requires strengthening the structure. It is thus possible to make a mobile device movable, of a sufficiently low weight to be towed with a so-called tourism vehicle. Thus, and in accordance with current European legislation, the weight of such a device, including its transport trailer may be limited to 3t500. In addition the use of an articulated structure allows in particular to limit the width of the device, during its transport, for example to 2m50.

  Such a climbing device is particularly advantageous for small sports or associative units that can thus share the same equipment, quickly transportable, mountable and removable without special qualifications, which significantly reduces the cost.

  Such a device can also be mounted station on a site. The comfort structure can then be an existing structure of the site, for example a wall or a metal frame. This structure can possibly be used without being reinforced, because the panels themselves participate in the inertia, which would be more difficult with the panels of the prior art. This device can equip a gym and can be foldable to make room for other activities in the same gym.

  According to a second object of the invention, a method of implementing a climbing device, is characterized in that the device is implemented by deployment from a trailer, from a transport position into a position of use.

  According to a third object of the invention, a method for modifying the configuration of the climbing wall of a device according to the invention is characterized in that the panels are moved relatively to the comfort structure. In particular, the movement of a panel may correspond to a rotation of the panel on itself, in a plane parallel to the climbing face.

  Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description below, relating to non-limiting examples. In the accompanying drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective plunging view of a climbing device according to the invention, in a position of use; - Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the upper part of a climbing panel according to the invention; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an expanded frame for the device of FIG. 1; Figures 4 and 5 are views in vertical section of a climbing wall according to the invention; - Figure 6 is a front view of another embodiment for a climbing wall, different from that of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1, completely folded on its trailer, and ready to be moved; and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, in the course of deployment or refolding.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a climbing device 1, in its position of use. The device 1 mainly comprises a climbing wall 2 and crossing equipment 3, and a trailer 4 for transporting the assembly.

  The wall 2 comprises a metal reinforcing structure 6, more particularly illustrated in FIG. 3, and panels 7 juxtaposed on the structure 6 so that they together form a climbing facade 8. The reinforcing structure 6 is raised at the rear of the trailer, so that it rests on the ground, at least through wedges. The climbing facade 8 is opposite the trailer relative to the structure 6.

  The reinforcing structure 6 comprises a tower 61, two lateral flaps 62, and an upper flap 64. The tower consists of a lattice of metal studs forming a mesh of about 2m by 2m, and equipped with appropriate braces. The base of the tower, in its use position illustrated in Figure 3, is about 2m by 2m and the height of the tower is about 6m, a height of 3 meshes superimposed.

  The side flaps are arranged on either side of a side 63 of the tower remote from the trailer. Like the tower, the lateral shutters are constituted by a metal lattice. They each comprise two meshes superimposed, substantially square and about 2m by 2m, each level with a mesh on the side 63, and a triangular mesh, superimposed on the two previous, vis-à-vis with the upper mesh of the side 63 The triangular mesh is adjacent to the adjacent mesh by two of its sides.

  The upper flap 64 is disposed above the tower, so that it extends upward the side 63 of the tower (this flap is illustrated in Figures 1, 7 and 8, but not in Figure 3). It consists of a single square mesh of about 2m by 2m, articulated with the side 63 so that it can be folded down on the top of the tower 61. Pits 66 allow 3o maintain the upper flap in a position of use erected, as shown in Figure 1.

  Each shutter is articulated by means of hinges 65 with the remote side 63. The shutters 62, 64 and the remote side 63 together form means for positioning the panels 7. The panels form between them, as particularly illustrated in FIG. a climbing facade 8 2883765 6- comprising eight square panels and two triangular panels. The panels are arranged in two superposed first layers of three square panels, a third layer superimposed on the previous ones, comprising a square panel framed by two triangular panels, and a fourth layer formed of a single square panel superimposed on the square panel of the third layer. . In Figure 1, one of the triangular panels is not shown to allow a better view of the crossing equipment.

  Alternatively, Figure 6 illustrates another arrangement of the panels. This other arrangement differs from the arrangement of Figure 1 in that, for the third layer, one of the triangular panels is replaced by a second square panel, and for the fourth layer, a triangular panel is superimposed on the second square panel of the third layer. The comfort structure of the variant illustrated in Figure 6 is adapted to this other arrangement of the panels. Thus, the facade 8 of Figure 6 comprises eleven panels of which nine are square, for a total area of about 40 m2.

  The crossing equipment includes a bridge 9 erected on a plate 41 of the trailer 4, at one end of the trailer remote structure 6. The bridge 9 comprises two uprights 90, interconnected by three substantially horizontal cross 91.92 , 93, each at a different level. Two bridges 11 extend between the structure 6 and the intermediate cross member 92, for the crossing of a gap that separates the structure and the bridge, above the plate 41 of the trailer. Two lifelines 12 extend respectively above each gangway 11, between the structure and the upper cross member 93. Two ladders 13 (only one of which is visible in FIG. 1) make it possible to reach a deck 14 arranged in the structure 6, at the level of the bridges 11. It is thus possible to access the bridges from the ground, via the ladders 13 and the 3o decking 14. At the other end of each bridge, a smooth rope 15, suspended at the top rail 93, allows to reach the ground or the plate 41 of the trailer 4. Two independent crossing paths are thus defined by the crossing equipment.

  For easier mounting of the climbing device 1, the bridge 9 and the structure 6 are articulated on the plate 41 of the trailer 4, by means of hinges 97.67 respectively. In addition, the jacks 68 make it possible to maneuver the tower 61 between an elongate position on the trailer, illustrated in FIG. 7, and a position erected in the position of use illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. The jacks 68 are hinged at once on the tray 41 of the trailer, and inside sides of the tower, so that in the extended position, the cylinders are in the tower. The bridge is itself operable by means of a jack 98, articulated both on the plate 41 and on the lower cross member 91 of the bridge 9. The bridge has a shape such that in the transport position, it can to be folded in the tower, between the cylinders 97. The cylinders 68, 98 are fed by a hydraulic unit 42 mounted on the plate 41 of the trailer 4 (see FIG. 8) so that in the folded position of the climbing device 1 , for its transport, the central unit 42 is inside the tower 61, between the cylinders 68.

  Figure 7 illustrates the device 1 fully folded on the trailer, that is to say in a position for its road transport. In this position, the volume of the device, above the plate, only slightly exceeds the volume of the tower 61. A front face of the package thus formed consists of the panel mounted on the upper flap, itself folded against the tower . The side faces of this package consist of respective side flaps and panels they carry, the side flaps being folded against the tower. The upper face of the package is itself formed by the side 63 of the tower and the 3 panels attached thereto.

  Figure 8 illustrates an intermediate position of the wall, between its transport position and its upright position for its climbing use. The upper flap is deployed substantially in the plane of the side 63 of the tower.

  The panels forming the climbing wall will now be described in greater detail.

  Figure 2 illustrates a section of a panel 7 for the climbing wall. In the example shown, the panel consists essentially of two skins 71,72 fixed on a foam 73. A first skin 71 constitutes a front face for the wall. This first face is irregular in appearance, that is to say that it is generally not smooth and has unevenness distributed to form holds 74 for the feet and / or hands a climber. The second face 72 is substantially flat and smooth and extends substantially parallel to the first face. The faces are formed of a substantially rigid material, here a composite material. This material may consist of layers of glass fibers embedded in an epoxy resin. The respective thickness E71, E72 of the plies 71, 72 is small relative to an average thickness E7 of the panel 7. In fact, the two faces are separated and voluntarily separated from each other by the foam which connects the two faces. between them, by marrying their inner forms. This distance provides a great deal of inertia for the panels, without significantly increasing the weight, the foam having a low density relative to that of the faces.

  The panels are intended to be fixed rigidly, but removably on the structure 6. Thus, it is possible to provide the structure so that it is self-stable when the panels 7 are disassembled, but insufficient inertia to support only the weight of the panels. Thus, the combination of the inertia of the structure, and that obtained by the removal of two opposite faces, ensures the stability of the wall on its structure. This gives a significantly lighter weight of comfort than if it had been able to bear alone the weight of the panels. This weight gain allows the transport of the device on a trailer that can be towed by a light vehicle, a van or a van. In the illustrated example, the device, including its trailer, its cylinders, its hydraulic unit and the panels, does not exceed a weight of 3500 kg, and a template of 2m50 in width, compatible with the circulation on most French roads, or other countries.

  The faces can be bonded in different ways with the foam, for example, by simple adhesion, the foam being molded between the two faces. The connection can also be done by means of inserts fixed on one or both sides and embedded in the foam. The shape of the surface, particularly that of the plugs, can also allow an effective bond with the foam.

  The panel illustrated in FIG. 2 has in an edge 75 a shoulder 76 designed to completely or partially hide an adjacent amount 63A on the remote side 63 of the structure 6. Two adjacent panels are thus designed so that their front faces are continuous. between them, that is to say that the panels of the wall together form a continuous climbing surface. This climbing surface then has substantially no other roughness than those provided in the respective front faces 71 of the panels 7 to form catches, which can allow to hang with the hands and / or feet.

  In the same way, as particularly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the shoulders of the panels may be arranged so that both the front faces and the rear faces of the panels are continuous. Thus, as particularly illustrated in FIG. 5, for panels having a plane rear face 72, and described previously with reference to FIG. 2, the wall can constitute, at the rear of the panels, a suitable flat and continuous rear surface 80. to form a support for advertising or a decorative image.

  For this purpose, for two adjacent panels 7A, 7B, a first panel 7A may comprise a shoulder 75A provided to mask the front of the adjacent post 63A and ensure the continuity of the climbing face 8. The shoulder 75B of the second panel 7B is then provided to hide the rear of the adjacent post 63A and ensure the continuity of the rear surface 80.

  As shown in Figure 4, instead of being flat, the rear surface 80 may also be a climbing surface.

  Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described and many adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

  Thus, the inclination of the structure can be adjustable to present, in use a certain adjustable overhang with the inclination of the structure. Similarly, means may be provided for such adjustment of the inclination of one or more panels relative to the structure.

  Other means than foam can be used to keep two opposite faces of the same panel away from each other. For example, this can be done by means of spacers, without the void between the faces and around the spacers being filled.

  Only some of the panels may be provided with a double skin, the others may have only one skin to form the climbing face, as long as the holding of the device is ensured.

Claims (22)

  A climbing device (1) comprising a light reinforcement structure (6) and climbing panels (7) fixed to said structure, said panels together forming a climbing wall (2), at least some of said panels comprising two skins, said skins forming two opposite faces (71,72) and distant for the panel, at least one of the skins forming a climbing face (71).   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that all the panels of the wall comprise two skins, said skins forming two opposite faces (71,72) and distant for the panel, at least one of the skins forming a face of climbing (71).   3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each panel comprises a substantially rigid frame to fix the skins and keep them at a distance from one another.   4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the skins (71,72) comprise a composite material.   5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the panels comprise a foam (73) to fill a space between the two skins.   6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that each skin is bonded with the foam.   7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that plugs (74) for a climber are formed in the climbing skin (71).   8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the reinforcing structure is articulated between a transport position and a position of use.   9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a trailer and in that the structure is articulated on said trailer (4).   10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that there is provided on the trailer, mounting means (90) for a crossing material (9).   11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that at least a portion (90) of the crossing material is mounted articulated on the trailer.   Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the crossing material comprises a bridge (11) and / or a rope ladder (13) and / or a rope (15) and / or life lines (12).   13. Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that at least one portion (11,12) of the crossing material is attached on one side to the comfort structure and another on a easel (90).   14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises motorized deployment means and / or automatic, including hydraulic, pneumatic and / or electric.   15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the deployment means are hydraulic, pneumatic and / or electric.   16. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at least some of the panels are provided to be movable relative to the structure.   17. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises means for a change of position of the panels to define at least one new climbing path.   18. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the climbing face has a non-slip surface state.   19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the surface finish is obtained with a paint added with polyethylene grains.   20. A method of implementing a climbing device, characterized in that the device is implemented by deployment from a trailer, from a transport position to a position of use.   21. A method for modifying the configuration of the climbing wall of a device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that one moves the panels relative to the reinforcing structure.   2883765 -12- 22. The method of claim 21, characterized in that the displacement of a panel corresponds to a rotation of the panel itself, in a plane parallel to the climbing face.