GB2621614A

GB2621614A - CocoGym tree

Info

Publication number: GB2621614A
Application number: GB2212009.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Zubayr Jeffrey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-08-17
Filing date: 2022-08-17
Publication date: 2024-02-21
Also published as: GB202212009D0

Abstract

Climbing apparatus configured to resemble a tree comprising a trunk part 5, a head part 4, and a plurality of climbing parts 9 arranged to enable a climber to climb the trunk part. The trunk part is preferably an elongate member and may be linear or curved. The trunk part may resemble a palm tree and may be arranged to incline in one or more directions. Preferably the trunk part comprises an inner core (11, fig 2) and an outer cladding (7, fig 2). The trunk part may be embedded in a surface or comprise a base part (77, fig 4), which may be embedded in a surface (76, fig 4). Preferably the climbing parts are independent and/or displaceable. The apparatus may comprise means of denoting a successful climb by removable parts or by electrical audio or visual means.

Description

A REPLICA TREE APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a replica tree in particular a replica tree apparatus arranged for climbing purposes.

ackrtyrttirld increasing numbers of peopie are becoming aware of the healif befits of climbing, either of trees or of walls.

Accordingly facilities are unsightly and not easily placed intc environments. or as

In addition typicafty in orderenjoyment from cilmbing a level of aptitude and equipment enjoyed, and beginners or children may lind it problematic to particip CN 442 (HU et el) 'es a chiId climbing device comprising and a tree trunk, stumps and ro tube disposeJ interiorly to irictua connect these. The bottom end of tube is inserted into the ground and secured, and the *iti on the ground. The canopy comprises chemilumiscence. The distance between the canopy and the roots are divided into 8-10 segments, each segment provided with two outwardly extending climbing aids and including a handrail.

CN 201 216 832 4: 'MOHANdiscloses climbing device whirl-base, F fixing plate and a steel frame, wherein, the fixing plate is arranged on the e: the -et frame is arranged on the fixing plate; a climbing ladder is arranged on frame: and rotational device is arranged on the fixing plate and the base.

US 2006 0 019 798 (CHECKETTS eta!) discloses an artificial climbing tree assembly consisting of one or more artificial climbing trees constructed of a steel pipe or tubular framework, in segments or welded together, covered with molded segments having the outward appearance of a natural tree trunk texture. The trees attach to a base plate with a central support tower housing a safety belaying and rapell system. The invention is created by inclination of the trees away from the top of the central support tower. A tether line attaches from the back of the climber to the top of the tree through a pulley system in the extension arm to the safety belaying and repelling system housed by the central support tower. The climbers are required to ciimb the face of the trees, where if they let go, they will fail away from the tree and will be slowly lowered by the safety belaying and repelling system to the foam-cushioned pad below. Varying degrees of climbing difficulty will be added to the trees by changing the textured surface, the shape of the tree trunks, and/or the inclination angle of the tree away from the top of the central support tower.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a replica tree apparatus comprising a trunk, a head section and a plurality of climbing portions, said portions arranged to enable a user to climb the trunk to the head.

The trunk may be an elongate member, which member may be linear or curved, In some embodiments the trunk may replicate a palm tree trunk, which trunk is arranged to incline in a single direction or may be arranged to curve or deviate in more than one direction.

The trunk may comprise an inner core and an outer surface. The inner core may be formed in a different material to the outer surface, for example wherein the inner core provides a robust and substantially rigid structural skeleton.

The outer surface may comprise a bark replicating surface, for example comprising coloured thermoplastics with a raised and lowered profile.

The climbing portions a-y be arranged on the trunk. Such portions may tit. arranged to extend from runk. Such portions may be arranged iongitudinally along the trunk. Such portions may comprise the raised and lowered profile of the trunk.

The trunk may be embedded in a surface in use, such lot liable to displace in an unauthorised manner.

The trunk may cornt *lich base n wherein the base comprises a counterbalance ci k and head in use. Such base may be &ran to be SeCOr or surface prior to or in use, and/or may comp which may be filled with sand or water in use to provide extra We example better enable tr of the apparatus When the * the s may comprise independent and/or displaceable parts, For e.xample in some embodiments climbing portions on the trunk may be comprised by indentations, Or perforations, wherein such displaceable parts may comprise hooks or pegs or in xaL surface, or s to beiance to rid d for ortions mayprovide a pier,-, of different cli in some wrists In some ernhodmients the trunk Ma o for customisation of the trunk, periodically P.1 in use or befcre use, for example comprising a piuraiity of trunk parts, which parts may be rearranged, displaceable end/or articulated..

in some embodiments the head may comprise a plurality Qom;Mg thermoplastic or other substantialiy material shaped leaves or fronds. Such leaves may be structural or purely aesthetic, for exaMple wherein structural ieaves may comprise a cil ortion or portions, or may support a climbing portion or portions, nit; in some embodiments the head may comprise coconuts. Such replica fruit may he arranged to displace0 such that a user d to displace the fruit after climbog. This may enabie th essfu climb, In other embodiments may comprise another marking means of marking a successful climb. Such markir is May comprise an elect:deal energy source, for pie at least one photovoltaic cell and/or a battery. The head or marking means may further comprise a right source or other audio or visual feedback marking means, The head may comprise wireiess or wired connectivity, so as to provide a:local and/or remote mark cr a A preferred embodiment oi: the ios be described by way of exan only aria with reference to the Figures in whir.

Descriotion of Ficures Figure 1 shows side views of 7 pair of embo present invention, embedded In a s as 2 show1° laws of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Fig wherein Figure 2a shows an exododed isometric view of the trunk of the embothi and Figure 2b shows the head of the embodiment; Figure 3 ShOWS a Side view the retut? and its " surface; Figure 4 shows side vi of second embodmenls of apparatus accord to the present invention, embedde Figure 5 shows at as shov 4, e 6 second isometric view of the nt shown an bodiment shown in Figure 4; Figure 8 Shows isometric data views of the embodü gure 4; Figure 9 shows an isometric exploded, vOW of a detail of the embodiment shown in Figure 4; Figure 10 shows a view of a third embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention in use; Figure 11 Si -s an sometdc exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 0; and Figure 12a shows an isometric view of a lbodiment as shown in Figure 11, and Figure 12b shows a side view of three of he embodiments shown in Figure 10, With bases for embedding inn a surface.

Detailed"pffigyesj.:AlarlA5 With reference to Figures 1 to a there is shown embodiment of the apparatus 75 which has been envisaged for playground use, for example situated in a sand park or 20 other soft surface environment. The embodiment comprises an elongate replica paint trunk 5 and a plurality of replica leaves 3 and coconuts 1 in the head 4.

The embodi.ment comprises an inner core of an 1-beam steel structur Nth comprises a base 77 embedded deep into the ground surface 76 using a cast concrete base 77.

In the pictured embodiment steel have been roiled to produce a 28' curvature and welded together to produce a full length inner core.

Wooden cladding sections 7 are pre-cut end routed to be installed on-si e onto the inner core 11, so as to form an outer surface with minimal joints 8. Plastic moulded grips 9 are screwed into place at the same time as the cladding to extend beyond the outer surface and provide climbing portions for the user.

Nuts 111 are pre-welded to the inside of the I-beam 11 and screws 12 are placed through pre-drilled holes 10 in cladding sections 7 and the 1-beam 11, securing into the welded nuts 111, with guards (not shown) used to protect the screws 12 from tempering.

In order to produce the head 4, HDPE plastic replica palm leaves 3 are screwed into 5 place and replica coconuts 1 with an internal bell (not shown) are secured in the head 4, wherein each replica fruit makes a different tone when shaken. The coconut fruits 1 are hung on steel eyes 2, between the palm fronds 3.

This head 4 is arranged at an approximate height of 3m and consequently the 10 apparatus may be intended for use without a harness, and may comprise a suitable soft surface below the trunk 5.

With reference to the second embodiment as pictured in Figures 4 to 9 the embodiment is intended as a piece of gym equipment to be used within a supervised 15 environment.

A hydraulic ram mechanism allows the angle of the trunk 5 to be adjusted from 80" to 40°.

The mechanism is protected by a padded outer wall 35. This wall 35 is connected at the bottom and top of the trunk 5 and is designed to flex as the angle of the trunk changes.

The angle of the trunk 5 is controlled by a remote control 49 which may be operated 25 by trained staff upon user request.

Flexible plastic moulded wall sections 44 are slipped over an inner core 1-beam structure, providing a textured surface for climbing portions, and provide an aesthetically pleasing outer surface. In addition or the alternative the plastic sections comprise texture of coconut tree bark for the, because the user is envisaged to ciimb with bare feet and needs the friction? The sections 44 comprise an inner square perforation 48.

Such plastic outer surface sections 44 are moulded in four different sizes, so as to reduce the trunk diameter towards the head 4.

A harness system 78 78 is integrated into the top of the structure to augment or provide the climbing portions, and removable coconut fruits 36 are located under a substantially soft replica palm canopy 34 in the head 4. The harness system has a 5 frame hotted 38 into the I-bearri inner core 11 of the trunk.

The head has a replica palm canopy 34 produced from upholstered foam and EE EE iEncorporating Velcro H(STM,), portions."48i, In this way in some embcdiments the head 4 may be rearranged and/or climb marking means may be provided by displaceable 10 replica fronds, leaves or in the pictured embodiment fabric coconuts 36 that are attached to the Velcro (RIM) pads 43E 88 the underside of the canopy 34 to provide the climb marking means.

The l-beam 11 is connected to a steel se 444, with a pivot 446 and a welded 1-15 beam bracket 49 with a large diameter axle 449, The ram mechanism comprises a hydraulic ram 442, pump 445 and reservoir 447 to form a closed system mechanism which pushes and pulls the I-beam 11 to the required angle when activated.

The 'apparatus comprises bolts 448 through to a subordinate surface into the structural beams of the building, and a flexible base 39.

The harness system 78 comprises the arm 38, braced by a brace 42, at one 'end, and 25 comprising a hook 41 at the other free end; which hoc* allows banging of a retractable line housing 40, supplying a climbing line 51 having a distal sarabineer 46, The braced end of the arm 33 is attached to the head at a depending support 30 member and disc 47 bolted to the 1 beam 11. The disc is coveted by a thermoplastics top cap 46, covering the metal disc 47.

h reference to Figures 10 to 12 the embodiment shown is envisaged as a. n ce of equipmentvailable alongside climbing walls.

Of the three pictured embodiments the third embodiment is the tallest and requires the most extensive installation.

Harness systems in common with the second pictured embodiment may be mounted 5 either on the top of the head 4, or horn a ceiling or rail 78, depending on the existing wall installation of a location.

The inner core of the trunk 5 may comprises filament wound fibreglass tubing 67 which may be a single full-length part made for the requirements of the apparatus or installation location.

In order to provide the outer surface cladding sections 68 may screwed into place through the fibreglass tubing 67, comprising RIM moulded polyurethane cladding sections 68. Such sections 68 are more lightweight than using injection Moulded where the material inside foams to form many &hall holes, making the resulting material less dense, advantageously reducing the apparatus' weight.

As pictured although due to manufacturing limitations it may not be possible to produce tubing which bends using wound fibreglass, the whole trunk may he installed 20 at an angle to the surface, instead of reaching directly upwards. This may advantageously aid in climbing purposes.

The base comprises a concrete setting 64 into the surface 76.

Trunk heights of approximately 8m may be envisaged using the embodiment pictured.

A harness system for taller structures may be mounted to ceiling joists, from the top of the head 4 or trunk 5, using a method similar to as pictured in the second embodiment, or across from a climbing wall, if this already incorporates belay systems; and comprising a retractable housing 40, having a topmost carabineer hook 41 and depending retractable line 51.

The head's leaves 65 are also produced from PU RIM mouldings and may be 35 moulded in single leaf sections, then screwed into place to create a full circle around the top of the fibreglass tubing trunk.

oulded top cap 66 is screwe to place using the same fixings as the leaves 65.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated: that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing: he scope of invention as defined by the Claims.

Claims

CLAIMAccording to the present invention there is provided a replica tree apparatus comprising a trunk, a head section and a plurality of climbing portions, said portions arranged to enable the user to climb the trunk to the head.The trunk may be an elongate member, which member may be linear or curved.In some embodiments the trunk may replicate a palm tree trunk, which trunk is arranged to incline in a single direction or may be arranged to curve or deviate in more than one direction.The trunk may comprise an inner core and an outer surface. The inner core may be formed in a different material to the outer surface, for example wherein the inner core provides a robust and substantially rigid structural skeleton.C\J The outer surface may comprise a bark replicating surface, for example comprising coloured C\I thermoplastics with a raised and lowered profile.The climbing portions may be arranged on the trunk. Such portions may be arranged to extend from the trunk. Such portions may be arranged longitudinally along the trunk. Such portions may comprise the raised and lowered profile of the trunk.The trunk may be embedded in a surface in use, such that the apparatus is not liable to displace in an unauthorised manner.The trunk may comprise a base,which base may be embedded in a surface,or wherein the base comprises a counterbalance or weight,arranged so as to balance the trunk and head in use. Such base may be arranged to be secured to the ground or surface prior to or in use, and/or may comprise a fillable volume, for example which may be filled with sand or water to provide extra weighting and for example better enable transport of the apparatus when the volume is filled.In some embodiments the climbing portions may comprise independent and/or displaceable parts. For example in some embodiments climbing portions on the trunk may be comprised by indentations or perforations, wherein such displaceable parts may comprise hooks or pegs or lines.In some embodiments the portions may provide a plurality of different climbing aids, for example as known in the art, allowing for customisation of the trunk, periodically or at construction.In some embodiments the trunk may be articulated in use or before use, for example comprising a plurality of trunk parts, which parts may be rearranged, displaceable and/or articulated.In some embodiments the head may comprise a plurality of leaves, for example comprising thermoplastic or other substantial material shaped into replicas of leaves or fronds. Such leaves may be structural or purely aesthetic, for example wherein structural leaves may comprise a climbing portion or portions, or may support a climbing portion or portions.In some embodiments the head may comprise a replica fruit or seeds, for example coconuts. Such replica fruit may be arranged to displace from the head, for example such that a user or climber may be able to displace the fruit after climbing. This may enable the user to mark their successful climb. In other embodiments the head may comprise another marking means of marking a successful climb. Such marking means may comprise an electrical energy source, for example at least one photovoltaic cell and/or battery. The head or marking means may further comprise a light source or other audio or visual feedback marking means. The head may comprise wireless or wired connectivity, so as to provide a local and/or remote mark for the marking means.