WO1980000794A1

WO1980000794A1 - Pole climbing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1980000794A1
Application number: PCT/US1979/000800
Authority: WO
Inventors: F Fonte
Original assignee: F Fonte
Priority date: 1978-10-18
Filing date: 1979-10-01
Publication date: 1980-05-01
Also published as: JPS5811230B2; EP0020533A1; AU5174379A; EP0020533A4; AR216620A1; DK231880A; GR70707B; FI792984A; BE878910A; IT7969025A0; JPS55500710A

Abstract

A pole climbing apparatus for use in installation and repair of telephone lines and the like comprising an upper work platform (10) and a lower climbing platform (12) wherein the upper work platform (10) includes an upper base plate (14) for positioning substantially horizontally against a pole having a first (16) and second (18) upper pole engaging element each comprising a blade (30/46) including a plurality of pole engaging surfaces (42/44) and the lower climbing platform (12) includes a lower base plate (94) for positioning substantially horizontally against the pole below the upper work platform (10) having a first (96) and second (98) lower pole engaging element each comprising a blade (114/ 116) including a plurality of pole engaging surfaces, (42/44), the lower climbing platform (12) further including feet engaging elements (114) formed on the lower base plate (94) to secure the operator's feet thereto whereby the operator stands on the lower climbing platform (12) raising the upper work platform (10) with his arms to separate the upper work platform (10) and lower climbing platform (12) vertically relative to each other and then while seated on the upper work platform (10) raises his feet lifting the lower climbing platform (12) toward the upper work platform (10) successively to adjust the elevation of the upper work platform (10) relative to the pole.

Description

DESCRIPTION

POLE CLIMBING APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A pole climbing apparatus for use in the installation and repair of telephone lines and the like comprising an upper work platform and a lower climbing platform.

PRIOR ART

A number of tree or pole climbing devices are found in the prior art. For example, U. S. 3,856/111 shows a hand-climber-accessory for tree-climbing platforms for hunters and a horizontal base plate having a tree engaging blade. Angularly disposed frame members extend from the base plate to support a second blade or strap to engage the opposite side of the tree. The hand-climber accessory is positioned on the tree above the platform and includes parallel bars to engage the tree. Blades are attached to the bars to engage the tree. A hunter standing on the base plate alternately adjusts the elevation of the hand-climber accessory with respect to the base plate and raises or lowers the base plate by lifting and lowering his feet to first disengage and reengage the platform with respect to the tree at a different elevation.

An earlier patent U. S. 3,460,649 disclosed a similar climbing platform having a base plate positioned against the pole or tree. The operator places his arms around the pole or tree and pulls his feet upwardly to climb the pole or tree by raising the plate with respect to the pole or tree. U. S. 3,955,645 discloses another hand-held climbing device in combination with a standing platform for climbing a tree by lifting his body with his feet in foot straps on the platform. This pivots the platform away from the tree so that the platform may be slipped up into a new position. When the platform is then pressed against the tree, it will be held in place so that the hand-held climbing device may then be pivoted upward to release and shimmied up the tree.

U. S. 3,463,320 illustrates a device for climbing a tree by this approximate method. The upper framework is shimmied up the tree against the force of a series of elastic vertical straps attached between the frame and a lower platform. The framework is then pivoted against the tree to lock it in place and the weight of the person is supported on the upper framework with the feet being raised so that the elastic straps may pivot the lower platform away from the tree to release it and raise it up the tree. When the person then places his weight again on the bottom platform, this pivots the platform against the tree to lock it in place whereby the upper framework may then be raised by the person's hands to release it from the and shimmy it further up. A series of these actions will raise the platform and the person up the tree to a selected position. U. S. 3,419,108 discloses a portable tree stand engaging a tree and held in place by means of a series of spikes on the platform.

U. S. 2,392,538 and U. S. 2,842,300 show pivoting frameworks with a strap to engage a tree, the entire arrangement being moved upwardly by pivoting free from the tree and shimming up the tree under hand power. The combination of hand-held pole grippers and foot operated pole grippers are shown in U, S. 213,715.

Additional constructions for tree stand and climbing devices are shown in U. S. 758,200; 857,430; 1,106,098;

1,307,468; 2,174,525; 2,654,638; 3,237,720; 3,340,961;

3,606,315; 3,727,723; 3,944,022; and 4,008,785.

However, none show a pair of working platforms using leg power to position the apparatus vertically on the pole or tree.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application of copending application serial number 857,003 filed December 2, 1977.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pole climbing apparatus for use in the installation and repair of telephone lines and the like comprising an upper work platform and lower climbing platform, More particularly, the upper work platform comprises an upper base plate including a first upper pole engaging element and a second upper pole engaging element coupled to the upper base plate by an upper interconnecting element comprising a pair of substantially parallel upper interconnecting members to position the upper work platform in a substantially horizontal position when in use.

The upper base plate comprises a seat member while the first upper pole engaging element comprises a blade member including a plurality of pole engaging surfaces held in fixed spaced relation relative to the seat member to cooperatively form a leg opening therebetween. The second upper pole engaging element comprises a pair of support members coupled in substantially U- or V-shaped configuration supporting a blade member including a plurality of pole engaging surfaces. Each upper interconnecting member includes a plurality of apertures formed on the outer portion thereof to receive interlocking coupling elements attached to the pair of support members to permit lateral adjustment with poles or trees of various diameters. When in use, upright support members fixedly support the second upper pole engaging element diagonally upward relative to the first upper pole engaging element.

The lower climbing platform is similarly constructed. Specifically the lower climbing platform comprises a lower base plate including a first lower pole engaging element formed on the inner portion thereof and a second lower pole engaging element coupled to the lower base plate by a lower interconnecting element comprising a pair of substantially parallel lower interconnecting members to position the lower climbing platform in a substantially horizontal position when in use.

The lower base plate comprises a foot support member having a pair of feet engaging elements. The feet engaging elements each comprise foot holds and adjustable straps to cooperatively secure the operator's feet to the lower climbing plate when in use. The first lower pole engaging element comprises a blade member including a plurality of pole engaging surfaces.

The second lower pole engaging element comprises a pair of support members coupled in substantially U- or V-shaped configuration supporting a blade member including a plurality of pole engaging surfaces. Each lower interconnecting member, includes a plurality of apertures formed on the outer portion thereof to receive interlocking coupling elements attached to the pair of support members to permit lateral adjustment thereof to facilitate use of the pole climbing apparatus with poles or trees of various diameters. When in use upright support members fixedly support the second lower pole engaging element diagonally upward relative to the first lower pole engaging element.

In use, the upper working platform and lower climbing platform are secured to the pole or tree. The operator then places his legs through the leg aperture and secures his feet to the lower climbing platform by feet engaging elements. The operator then stands up while lifting the upper work platform to provide maximum vertical separation between the upper work platform and lower climbing platform. While seated on the upper work platform the operator raises his legs lifting the lower climbing platform upwardly to reduce the vertical separation between the two platforms. This process is continued until the desired vertical height on the pole is reached. Once in place the operator may sit on the upper work platform. Of course, as necessary or desired the operator may also stand on the lower climbing platform during use. Thus the operator is able to freely manuever while working on the pole. To descend the pole, the operation, is simply reversed. The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an upper working platform,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lower climbing platform,

FIG. 3 is a side view of a pole climbing apparatus in use.

FIG. 4 is a detailed top view of the blade member.

FIG. 5 is a detailed side view of the interlocking coupling element. FIG. 6 is a detailed side view of the clip.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in Figs, 1 through 3 the present invention relates to a pole climbing apparatus for use in the installation and repair of telephone lines and the like comprising an upper work platform and lower climbing platform 10 and 12 respectively.

As best shown in Fig. 1, the upper work platform 10 comprises an upper base plate generally indicated as 14 including a first upper pole engaging element generally indicated as 16 formed on the inner portion thereof and a second upper pole engaging element generally indicated as 18 coupled to the upper base plate 14 by an upper interconnecting element comprising a pair of substantially parallel upper interconnecting members each indicated as 20 to cooperatively position the upper work platform 10 in a substantially horizontal position when in use. As best shown in Fig. 1, the upper base plate 14 comprises a seat member 22 having a pair of substantially parallel side frame members each indicated as 24 extending outwardly from opposite sides thereof. The first upper pole engaging element 16 comprises a cross-bar element 26 extending between the side frame members 24 in fixed spaced relation relative to the seat member 22 to cooperatively form a leg opening 28 therebetween and a first upper blade member 30 removable attached to the cross-bar element 26 by fastener means 32, As best shown in Fig. 4, the first upper blade member 30 includes a base 34 having a first and second wing elements 36 and 38 respectively extending outwardly from opposite ends thereof to cooperatively form a first upper pole engaging channel 40 forming inner pole engaging surfaces 42 inclined outwardly and outer pole engaging surfaces 44 formed on the outer portion of wing elements 36 and 38.

As best shown in Fig, 1, the second upper pole engaging element 18 comprises a second upper blade member 46 removable attached to a pair of support members 48 coupled in substantially U or V shaped configuration by fastner means 50. As best shown in Fig. 4, the second upper blade member 46 is substantially identical to the first upper blade member 30. Each upper interconnecting member 20, pivotally attached to the side frame members 24 by fastner means 52 immediately forward of seat member 22, includes a plurality of apertures 54 formed on the outer portion thereof to receive fastner means or interlocking coupling elements 56 attached to the second upper pole engaging element 18 to permit lateral adjustment thereof to facilitate use of the pole climbing apparatus 10 with poles or trees of various diameters. Of note is the location of fastner means 52 to balance the pivot movement of the upper work platform 10 during use. Since the upper interconnecting members 20 are pivotally coupled to the side frame members 24, the second upper pole engaging element 18 may be collapsed. When in use, upright support members 58, coupled to side members 24 by fastner means 60 and pivotally attached to the upper interconnecting members 20 by fastner means 62, fixedly support the second upper pole engaging element 18 diagonally upward relative to the first upper pole engaging element 16, It is envisioned that the removable blade members 30 and 46 may comprise metal or hard rubber type knife edges, serrated elements or friction pressure pads which permits selective use of poles constructed of various material.

As best shown in Fig, 5, each interlocking coupling element 56 comprises a first locking element 64 having an elongated body and enlarged head 66 and 68 respectively having apertures 70 and 72 respectively formed in combination with a second locking element or clamp means 74. The clamp means 74 comprises a U-shaped member 76 having a first leg 78 attached to the enlarged head 68 through aperture 72 and a second leg 80 including loop 82 in surrounding relationship relative to elongated body 66, The interlocking coupling element 56 further includes a clip 84 having a first and second leg 86 and 88 respectively together with loop 90, First leg element 86 is configured to pass through aperture 70 to clamp support members 48 to upper interconnecting members 20 as elongated body 64 passed through apertures 54 and 92 formed in upper interconnecting members 20 and support members 48. As best shown in Fig. 2, the lower climbing platform 12 is similarly constructed. Specifically as best shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the lower climbing platform 12 comprise a lower base plate generally indicated as 94 including a first lower pole engaging element generally indicated as 96 formed on the inner portion thereof and a second lower pole engaging element generally indicated as 98 coupled to the lower base plate 94 by a lower interconnecting element comprising a pair of substantially parallel lower interconnecting members each indicated as 100 to position the lower climbing platform 12 in a sub stantially horizontal position when in use.

As best shown in Fig, 2, the lower base plate 94 comprises a foot support member 102 having a pair of feet engaging elements each generally indicated as 104. Feet engaging element 104 each comprise foot holds

106 fixedly attached to the upper surface of foot support member 102 and quick release, adjustable straps 108 to cooperatively secure the operator's feet to the lower climbing plate 12 when in use. The first lower pole engaging element 96 comprises a cross-bar element 110 extending between the side frame members 112 and a first lower blade member 114 removable attached to the cross-bar element 110 by fastener means 116. The blade member 114 is identical to blade member 30 as best shown in Fig. 4.

As best shown in Fig. 2, the second lower pole engaging element 98 comprises a second lower blade member 118 removable attached to a pair of support members 120 coupled in substantially U or V shaped configuration by fastner means 122. As best shown in Fig. 4, the second lower blade member 118 is substantially identical to the first upper blade member 30. Each lower interconnecting member 100, pivotally attached to the side frame members 112 by fastner means 124, includes a plurality of apertures 126 formed on the oifer portion thereof to receive fastner means or interlocking coupling elements 128 attached to the second lower pole engaging element 98 to permit lateral adjustment thereof to facilitate use of the pole climbing apparatus 10 with poles or trees of various diameters. Of note is the location of fastner means 124 to balance the pivot movement of the lower climbing platform 12 during use. It should be noted that the feet engaging elements 104 are attached to the mid-portion of the foot support member 102 such that the forward portion of the eperator's feet are in line with the pivot point. Since the lower interconnecting member 100 are pivotally coupled to the foot support member 102, the second lower pole engaging element 98 may be collapsed for storage. When in use upright support members 130, detachable coupled to the foot support member 104 by fastner means 132 and pivotally attached to the lower interconnecting member 100 by fastner means 134, fixedly support the second lower pole engaging element 98, diagonally upward relative to the first lower pole engaging element 96, It is envisioned that the removable blade members 114 and 118 may comprise metal or hard rubber type knife edges, serrated elements or friction pressure pads which permits selective use on poles constructed of various materials.

To facilitate the storage and carrying of the upper working platform 10 and the lower climbing platform 12, the pole climbing apparatus 10 further includes blade covers means each generally indicated as 136, Each blade cover means 136 comprises a blade cover 138 movable between a covered and uncovered position. The outer loose portion of the blade cover 138 includes a velcro fastner 140 to selectively engage first or second velcro bases 142 and 144 respectively to selectively open or close the blade cover means 136 to cover or expose the various blade members.

In use, the upper working platform 10 and lower climbing platform 12 are secured to the pole or tree as shown in Fig, 3, Specifically upper and lower interconnecting members 20 and 100 respectively are passed on opposite sides of the pole and then the second upper and second lower pole engaging elements 18 and 98 respectively are secured to the upper work platform 10 and lower climbing platform 12 respectively as previously described.

The operator then places his legs through leg aperture 28 and secures his feet to the lower climbing platform 12 by feet engaging elements 106. The operator then stands up while lifting the upper work platform 10 to provide maximum vertical separation between the upper work platform 10 and lower climbing platform 12. While seated on the upper work platform 10, the operator raises his legs lifting the lower climbing platform 12 upwardly to reduce the vertical separation between the two platforms 10 and 12. This process is continued until the desired vertical height on the pole is reached. Once in place the operator may sit on the upper work platform 10. Of course, as necessary or desired the operator may sit on the upper work platform 10. Of course, as necessary or desired the operator may sit on the upper work platform 10. Of course, as necessary or desired the operator may also stand on the lower climbing platform 12 during use. Thus the operator is able to freely manuever while working on the pole. It should be noted that the upper work platform 10 may be used to attach various work implements and tools within easy reach of the operator without additional equipment. Moreover, since the operator used his legs to climb, minimum effort is expended. To descend the pole, the operation is simply reversed.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which as a matter of language , might be said to fall therebetween. Now that the invention has been described,

Claims

1. A pole climbing apparatus for use in the installation and repair of telephone lines and the like comprising an upper work platform and a lower climbing platform, said upper work platform includes an upper base plate having a seat member held in fixed spaced relation relative to a first upper pole engaging element by a pair of substantially parallel side frame members to cooperatively form a leg opening therebetween and a second upper pole engaging element coupled to said upper base plate by an upper interconnecting element comprising a pair of substantially parallel upper interconnecting members extending from opposite sides of said upper base plate to opposite sides of said second upper pole engaging element, said first upper pole engaging element comprises a first upper blade member including a base having a first and second wing element extending outwardly from opposite sides thereof to cooperatively form a first upper pole engaging channel to form inner pole engaging elements inclined outwardly from said base and an outer pole engaging surface formed on the outer portion of each of said wing elements, said second upper pole engaging element comprises a second upper blade member including a base having a first and second wing element extending outwardly from opposite sides thereof to cooperatively form a second upper pole engaging channel to form inner pole engaging elements inclined outwardly from said base and an outer pole engaging surface formed on the outer portion of each of said wing elements, said lower climbing platform includes a lower base plate having a foot support member formed thereon and a first lower pole engaging element formed on the inner portion of said lower base plate and a second lower pole engaging element coupled to said lower base plate by a lower interconnecting element comprising a pair of substantially parallel lower interconnecting members extending from opposite sides of said lower base plate to opposite sides of said second lower pole engaging element, said first lower pole engaging element comprises a first lower blade member including a base having a first and second wing element extending outwardly from opposite sides thereof to cooperatively form a first lower pole engging channel to form inner pole engaging elements inclined outwardly from said base and an outer pole engaging surface formed on the outer portion of each of said wing elements, said second lower pole engaging elemert comprises a second lower blade member including a base having a first and second wing element extending outwardly from opposite sides thereof to cooperatively form a first lower pole engaging channel to form inner pole engaging elements inclined outwardly from said base and an outer pole engaging surface formed on the outer portion of each of said wing elements, said lower climbing platform further including feet engaging elements formed on said foot support member to secure the operator's feet thereto whereby the operator stands on said lower climbing platform raising said upper work platform with his arms to separate said upper work platform and lower climbing platform vertically relative to each other and then while seated on said upper work platform raises his feet lifting the lower climbing platform toward said upper work platform successively to adjust the elevation of said upper work platform relative to the pole.

2. The pole climbing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pair of substantially parallel upper interconnecting members are coupled to said second upper pole engaging element by a pair of interlocking coupling elements, each said interconnecting coupling element comprising a first locking element having an elongated body configured to extend through apertures formed in said pair of substantially parallel upper interconnecting members and corresponding apertures formed in said second upper pole engaging elements and said pair of substantially parallel lower interconnecting members are coupled to said second lower pole engaging element by a pair of interlocking coupling elements, each said interconnecting coupling element comprising a first locking element having an elongated body configured to extend through apertures formed in said pair of substantially parallel lower interconnecting members and corresponding apertures formed in said second lower pole engaging elements.

3. The pole climbing apparatus of claim 2 wherein each said interconnecting coupling element further comprises a second locking element operatively coupled to said first locking element to clamp said interconnecting member to corresponding interlocking coupling elements.

4. The pole climbing apparatus of claim 3 wherein said second locking element comprises a substantially

U-shaped member having a first leg attached to an enlarged head formed on an end of said elongated body having the aperture formed therein and a second leg including a loop in surrounding relation to said elongated body.

5. The pole climbing apparatus of claim 4 wherein said interlocking coupling element further including a clip having a first and second leg respectively forming a loop therebetween, said first leg being configured to pass through the aperture formed in said elongated body to lock said corresponding interconnecting members to said pole engaging elements.

6. The pole climbing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pair of substantially parallel upper interconnecting members are pivotally attached at one end thereof to said side frame members immediately forward of said seat member.

7. The pole climbing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said substantially parallel upper interconnecting members each includes a plurality of apertures formed on the puter portion thereof to receive coupling elements formed on said second upper pole engaging element to permit lateral adjustment of said second upper pole engaging element relative to said upper base plate and wherein said substantially parallel lower interconnecting members include a plurality of apertures formed thereon the outer portions thereof to receive coupling elements formed on said second lower pole engaging element to permit lateral adjustment of said second lower pole engaging element relative to said lower base plate.

8. The pole climbing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said feet engaging elements comprise a pair of foot holds fixedly attached to the upper surface of said foot support member and a corresponding pair of adjustable straps operatively attached to each said foot hold to cooperatively secure the operator's feet to said lower climbing platform when in use.

9. The pole climbing apparatus of claim 8 wherein said substantially parallel lower interconnecting members are pivotally attached to said lower base plate adjacent said pair of foot holds.