GB2386844A

GB2386844A - Support frame for ice structure

Info

Publication number: GB2386844A
Application number: GB0207369A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frederick Robert Brigham
Original assignee: ELLIS BRIGHAM Ltd
Current assignee: ELLIS BRIGHAM Ltd
Priority date: 2002-03-28
Filing date: 2002-03-28
Publication date: 2003-10-01
Also published as: GB0207369D0

Abstract

A support framework for an ice structure such as an ice climbing wall and a method of assembling or rearranging the same are described. The framework has at least two ground engaging upright structural members 1,2 and at least one, and preferably several different, transverse structural members 3,4 mountable to extend laterally between the uprights. All the structural members have ice supporting surfaces adapted for the formation and retention of ice thereon. The upright structural members are provided with translational means 7 so as to be slidably moveable relative to the ground to allow disassembly, rearrangement and movement of the structure with the ice still in situ on the surfaces.

Description

1 2386844

SUPPORT FRAMEWORK FOR ICE STRUCTURE

The invention relates to a support framework for an ice structure, such as an s ice climbing wall for example. The invention relates in particular to temporary structures, for example for indoor use.

Ice climbing structures are known in which artificial ice walls are created for climbing for recreational purposes. Such conventional structures typically 10 comprise two or more uprights, linked together with one or more cross pieces, on the surfaces of both of which are provided or attached surface relief features, for example to provide climbing features. The surfaces are adapted for the formation and retention of ice thereon, to provide the ice wall for climbing. Structures may be permanently or temporarily assembled. It is known to assemble structure for temporary or semi-permanent use, for example at indoor locations and/or for disassembly or transport and erection at another location. Even if structures are not specifically intended for only temporary 20 use at their given location, then once the structure has been climbed over a period of time there is likely to develop a desire to modify features of the structure in order to present those climbing the wall for recreation with new challenges. Thus, not only with structures located at a site on a temporary basis only, but also with structures intended to be present at a particular site 25 over a longer period of time, a need might arise for a dismantle and rebuild.

To facilitate dismantle and rebuild it is known to fabricate support framework structures from modular components. In particular, modular uprights are erected, and cross pieces engaged therewith, the uprights and cross pieces

either incorporating or having means to attach surface relief features which combine with the underlying surface to comprise the surface relief features of the formed ice wall. Once the framework structure is assembled the surfaces are iced by application of water which is frozen thereon in situ.

If the structure is to be disassembled for the reasons given above, it is conventionally necessary first to de-ice the wall, then to remove the cross pieces, then to re-position the main uprights, then to re-attach suitable cross pieces, and then to re-ice the wall in situ. This is an extremely time 10 consuming operation which can typically take up to a week during which time the wall cannot be climbed, and which can necessitate the use of considerable heavy machinery.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a support framework for an 15 ice structure such as an ice climbing wall which facilitates disassembly and rebuild for movement to another site, and/or for use as a temporary structure, especially indoors.

It is a further object to provide a support framework which facilitates redesign 20 by disassembly and reassembly while minimising downtime.

Thus, in accordance with the invention there is provided a support framework for an ice structure comprising at least two ground engaging upright structural members, at least one and preferably a plurality of transverse structural 25 members adapted to be mountable on the said ground engaging upright structural members to extend laterally between at least two such members, the structural members having ice supporting surfaces adapted for the formation and retention of ice thereon, wherein the upright structural members are

provided with translational means so as to be slidably moveable relative to the ground when engaged in position thereon.

The support framework is thus assembled in a conventional manner. The 5 uprights are positioned first, and one or more cross members are attached therebetween to extend laterally, whether generally horizontally or at an angle to the horizontal. This completes the basic structure of the framework. Thus, the framework is readily adapted for easy assembly in situ preferably therefore, the support framework comprises a transverse structural member 10 adapted to be mountable on the said ground engaging upright structural members in a plurality of different positions and/or a plurality of transverse structural members adapted to be mountable in a plurality of positions, both generally horizontally and at an angle to the horizontal.

15 The ice supporting surfaces of the upright structural members and transverse structural members integrally include and/or have means for attachment of structural features which serve to create the structural features of the eventually formed ice wall. Preferably, a choice of eventual wall structures is provided in that additional interchangeable attachable structural features are 20 provided and/or additional cross members are provided of different structure and/or cross members are attachable in a plurality of alternative positions upon the two or more ground engaging upright structural members. Therefore the pattern in the climbing ice wall can be readily changed by re-arrangement of the component modules.

2s The structure is constructed in situ, in that the uprights are suitably positioned, one or more transverse members are attached, optionally additional surface features are put in place, and the ice retaining surfaces of the resultant structural framework are iced by application of water frozen in situ. The

advantages of the invention become apparent when it comes to disassembly for reassembly, in particular for reassembly of the same general site but incorporating a different climbing wall pattern.

5 In the case of the present invention it has been surprisingly found that provided the upright members are made readily and slidably movable relative to the ground it need not be necessary, as is conventionally the case to de-ice the wall to disassemble and reassemble. Instead, it is possible to remove the relatively much lighter transverse structured members with the ice still in 10 place. The upright members are then readily rearranged, again with the ice still in place on the ice retaining surfaces, by means of the translational means provided to enable them to be slidably moved relative to the ground.

Transverse members may then be reattached in an alternative configuration to produce an alternative wall structure. Alternatively, transverse members may 15 be interchanged or replaced for variety of design. Substantial re-icing is not required. Re-icing can be limited to repair of any minor imperfections produced by the reassembly process (or icing of any new members of applicable). 20 The time taken to reassemble the structure is thus drastically reduced, perhaps by as much as several days. This is of considerable significance, particularly where a climbing wall is being disassembled and reassembled to produce a redesigned recreational challenge on a periodic basis, for example where a climbing wall is provided over a long period of time at a particular location 25 such as in particular an indoor location, but it is desired that it should be possible to vary the wall arrangement periodically. The down time during which the facility cannot be used is much reduced.

Any suitable translational means may be used to enable easy translation of the large and heavy upright pieces whilst still iced. For example, the translational means may comprise means generally at the foot of the upright structural members to slidingly engage the ground. Additionally or alternatively the 5 translational means may comprise means elsewhere on the upright structural members to slidingly engage an external support structure (for example in the case of indoor structures, means located towards the top of the uprights to slidingly engage a support structure for example associated with the roof).

10 The translational means preferably comprise means associated with the ground or support structure as the case may be and/or with the parts of the upright structural members in contact therewith to reduce sliding friction therebetween. 15 The translational means may comprise rollers in rolling engagement with the ground or external support structure as the case may be. For example, the translational means may comprise wheels, castors, retained rolling ball structures, structures comprising a plurality of ball-bearings, cylindrical rollers or the like.

Additionally or alternatively, the translational means may comprise sliders adapted to slide over the ground surface or on within or in association with the support structure as the case may be.

2s Friction reduced surfaces and/or tracks may be provided on the ground or within the support structure as the case may be adapted to engage with rollers, sliders or other translational means to facilitate sliding movement of the upright structural members.

Additionally or alternatively, the translational means may comprise means to create an air cushion, for example associated with the foot of the upright structural means, to reduce sliding friction with the ground.

5 The different translational means described above may be provided separately or in any appropriate combination in association with any or all of the upright members in a framework.

The upright structural members are heavy, particularly when iced.

10 Accordingly' the translational means preferably further comprises a powered drive acting in association with the translational means to effect translational movement thereof when the framework is being rearranged. Suitable drives include mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic and compressed air drives adapted to push or pull the upright structural members to effect translational 15 movement relative to the ground.

Suitable drive translational means include: structure on wheels moved on wheel tracks; structures on wheels moved by worm screw methods pushing or pulling; structures on wheels moved by pulley wheel systems; structures on 20 wheels moved by compressed air systems; structures on runners moved sledge style; structures on overhead gantries moved by pulley wheel systems; structures on overhead gantries moved by compressed air systems.

Locks, chocks, removable screws, bolts or other fixings, or other 25 immobilization means are preferably provided to stably retain the upright structural members in position relative to the ground and prevent further sliding when the framework structure is assembled and in use, to give a semi-

perrnanent character to the structure.

The structural members are made of any suitable structural material, for example structural metallic material and in particular structural steel or other skoctura1 alloys, wood, chains, ropes or bands, or combinations thereof and/or other materials suitable for the ice to bond upon a surface thereof. The 5 surfaces of the structural members are preferably adapted to provide a keyed surface for retention of ice, for example by provision of surface roughness, e.g. by attachment of chains, cables or the like thereto.

Engagement of transverse structural members onto upright structural members 10 (and engagement of other additional structural pieces onto upright or transverse structural members where applicable) is by suitable releasable engagement means to allow for disassembly. Preferably, the releasable engagement means is lockable into position once the structure is assembled, for safety and to give a semi-permanence to the structure.

Suitable engagement means will include mutually cooperable projections and recesses/apertures, preferably provided with locking mechanisms; mutually cooperable apertures for the insertion of a fixing member such as a screw, bolt or the like; mutually cooperable projections and hooks; means for snap fit 20 engagement, screw fastenings, sliding engagements or any other suitable form.

The structural members preferably incorporate refrigeration units to facilitate formation of ice on the ice retaining surfaces thereof.

25 In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for the assembly of a plurality of alternative designs of support frameworks for an ice structure such as an ice climbing wall, comprising a plurality of structural members having ice support surfaces for formation and retention of ice thereon, which structural members comprise at least two

ground engaging upright structural members, a plurality of transverse structural members adapted to be mountable on the upright structural members and/or a transverse structural member adapted to be mountable on upright structural members in a plurality of positions and/or a plurality of 5 interchangeable climbing features adapted to be attached to the ice support surfaces, wherein the upright members are provided with translational means so as to be slidably movable relative to the grounds.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a 10 method of rearranging an ice structure provided upon a modular support framework made up of at least two ground engaging upright structural members and at least one and preferably a plurality of transverse structural members, the structural members provided with ice support surfaces on which ice has been formed, the method serving to alter the shape and configuration 15 of the resultant ice structure, the method comprising: de-mounting the at least one transverse structural member from the ground engaging upright structural members; slidably moving to reposition and/or rearrange the upright structural members relative to the ground; 20 reattaching the transverse structural member(s), in particular in different position and/or relatively different arrangement upon the ground engaging upright structural members.

It is thus a particular feature of the method that the surfaces are not de-iced 25 prior to rearrangement, so that the rearrangement process is much simplified.

Preferably, the resultant structure is locked into place, both in that the transverse structural members are locked into position upon the upright

structural members, and in that the upright structural members are locked into position relative to the ground, once the new structure has been assembled.

Other preferred features of the method will be understood by analogy to the 5 foregoing.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, which are schematic representations of two alternative framework structures in accordance with the 10 invention, in elevational (la, 2a) end plan (lb, 2b) views respectively..

Illustrated in Figure 1 is a framework structure comprising two uprights (1, 2) and two transverse structural members (3, 4). The two uprights (1 and 2) engage the ground (5) by means of rotating wheels (7). The wheels (7) 15 provide a point of ground engagement for the upright (1, 2) of relatively reduced sliding friction. The wheels (7) are lockable to retain the structure '.

stably in position when assembled and prevent unwanted further sliding.

The structure members are made of structural steel with suitable surfaces for 20 the bonding of ice, for example incorporating other materials. This will be familiar from conventional permanent structures. For example metal chains, cords, ropes or bands are attached to provide a keying surface for the ice. The surfaces (11, 12, 13, 14) of the structural members (1, 2, 3) may be provided with attached surface relief features (not shown) for climbing purposes. After 25 attachment of any such relief features, ice is formed on the surfaces, so that the assembled structure forms a climbing wall.

The structural members (3, 4) are mounted upon the uprights (1, 2) by releasable bolts (not shown). Structural member (3) is mounted generally

horizontally between the two upright (1, 2). Structural member (4) is mounted at an angle to the horizontal. When it is desired to move the structure in Figure l, for example to allow for reassembly in a different configuration and/or to incorporate a different transverse structural member presenting 5 different climbing problems, these bolts are unlocked. The transverse structural support members (3, 4) are demounted from the uprights. The wheels (7) are unlocked, and the uprights (1, 2) are moved and rearranged by sliding relative to the ground (5) on the wheels (7). The transverse structural members may be then reattached in alternative positions and or different l O structural members attached. Any minor damage to the ice wall can be repaired at this point. It is not necessary to fully de-ice and re-ice the wall during the assembly and disassembly process.

The ice structure is shown in a suitable indoor location. This comprises the ]5 floor (5), roof/ceiling (15), and side walls (16). The side walls (16) are preferably insulated, and conveniently glazed, for example double/triple glazed. The internal area this defines may be kept relatively insulated and at a relatively low temperature to minimise melting of the surface ice. However, the primary refrigeration function is performed by refrigeration units (not 20 shown) provided in association with the structural member surfaces.

A drainage system is provided in an underfloor area (18).

The structure of Figure la is shown in plan view in Figure lb. In Figure lb, 25 additional upright and transverse members are provided to complete an ice structure and maximise effective use of the space described by the side walls (16).

Figure 2 illustrates a variant of the structure, with certain alternative features, and where applicable like numerals have been used to describe like components. 5 As before, the part of the structure shown in end elevation in Figure 2a consists of two upright members (1, 2), and attached thereto a generally horizontal transverse member (3) and a angled transverse member (4).

In this embodiment, the sliding mechanism whereby the uprights ( 1, 2) are slid 10 across the ground (5) differs. Instead of wheels, mutually cooperable friction reducing elements (22) at the feet of the uprights (1, 2) and truck or pathway members (21) on the ground (5) are provided. These serve to reduce the sliding friction where the uprights (1, 2) engage the ground (5).

15 In the present embodiment, these members consist of carriage sliders (22) which engage upon tracks (21) on the ground. Other friction reducing systems will readily suggest themselves, and may include systems based on air cushions, wheels on tracks, rollers, sliders, balls and any other combination.

20 In both Figures 1 and 2, most specific mechanism is illustrated for moving the structural members (1, 2). Given the size of the structure, it will usually be necessary to provide some form of drive means to effect this, for example a mechanical drive, a hydraulic drive, a compressed air drive, a pulley or like arrangement, acting to push and/or pull the uprights into new positions.

The figures are schematic only. In practice a number of uprights and cross members could be provided to give optimal functionality and allow the assembly and ready reassembly of multiple designs offering multiple climbing challenges. This is especially advantageous for the provision of semi

permanent structures, for example in an indoor sport location, where down time during reassembly is thereby minimised.

Claims

1. A support framework for an ice structure comprising at least two 5 ground engaging upright structural members, at least one transverse structural member adapted to be mountable on the said ground engaging upright structural members to extend laterally between at least two such members, the structural members having ice supporting surfaces adapted for the formation and retention of ice thereon, wherein 10 the upright structural members are provided with translational means so as to be slidably moveable relative to the ground when engaged in position thereon.

2. A support framework in accordance with claim 1 provided with a 15 plurality of transverse structural members.

3. A support framework in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the ice supporting surfaces of the upright structural members and transverse structural members integrally include and/or have means for attachment 20 of structural features which serve to create the structural features of the eventually formed ice wall.

4. A support framework in accordance with claim 3 wherein a choice of eventual wall structures is provided in that additional interchangeable 25 attachable structural features are provided and/or additional cross members are provided of different structure and/or cross members are attachable in a plurality of alternative positions upon the two or more ground engaging upright structural members.

5. A support framework in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the translational means comprise means associated with the ground and/ or with an external support structure for the framework in contact therewith to reduce sliding friction between the ground and/ or external 5 support structure and the framework.

6. A support framework in accordance with claim S wherein the translational means comprise rollers in rolling engagement with the ground or external support structure as the case may be.

7. suppor framework in accordance with claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the translational means comprise sliders adapted to slide over the ground surface or on within or in association with the external support structure as the case may be.

IS

8. A support framework in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the translational means further comprises a powered drive to effect translational movement thereof when the framework is being rearranged.

9. A support framework in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the surfaces of the structural members are adapted to provide a lceyed surface for retention of ice by provision of surface roughness, e.g. by attachment of chains, cables or the like thereto.

A support framework in accordance with any preceding claim wherein the structural members incorporate refrigeration units to facilitate formation of ice on the ice retaining surfaces thereof.

11. An ice climbing wall comprising a support framework in accordance with any preceding claim.

12. An ice climbing wall in accordance with claim 11 deployed as a 5 temporary structure for indoor use.

13. A kit of parts for the assembly of a plurality of alternative designs of support frameworks for an ice structure such as an ice climbing wall, comprising a plurality of structural members having ice support 10 surfaces for formation and retention of ice thereon, which structural members comprise at least two ground engaging upright structural members, a plurality of transverse structural members adapted to be mountable on the upright structural members and/or a transverse structural member adapted to be mountable on upright structural 15 members in a plurality of positions and/or a plurality of interchangeable climbing features adapted to be attached to the ice support surfaces, wherein the upright members are provided with translational means so as to be slidably movable relative to the grounds.

20

14. A method of rearranging an ice structure provided upon a modular support framework made up of at least two ground engaging upright structural members and at least one and preferably a plurality of transverse structural members, the structural members provided with ice support surfaces on which ice has been formed, the method serving 25 to alter the shape and configuration of the resultant ice structure, the method comprising: de-mounting the at least one transverse structural member from the ground engaging upright structural members;

slidably moving to reposition and/or rearrange the upright structural members relative to the ground; reattaching the transverse structural member(s), in particular in different position and/or relatively different arrangement upon the 5 ground engaging upright structural members.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the resultant structure is then locked into place, both in that the transverse structural members are locked into position upon the upright structural members, and in that the upright 10 structural members are locked into position relative to the ground, once the new structure has been assembled.

16. support framework for an ice structure or a method of assembling or rearranging the same substantially as hereinbefore described with 1 S reference to the accompanying drawings.