WO2002072209A1

WO2002072209A1 - Climbing device and arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2002072209A1
Application number: PCT/DE2002/000794
Authority: WO
Inventors: Georg Lauterbach
Original assignee: Georg Lauterbach
Priority date: 2001-03-13
Filing date: 2002-03-05
Publication date: 2002-09-19
Also published as: EP1368096A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a climbing unit comprising an external base structure which forms an external device protecting against falls, a plurality of elements protecting against falls which divide the external base structure in a longitudinal direction, said elements being made from a flexible material and configured in a netted or gridded manner and disposed in the hollow base structure for climbing in the longitudinal direction of said base structure.

Description

Climbing device and systems

The invention relates to a climbing device and a climbing system, in particular for free climbing and climbing, without the use of personal fall protection aids, to achieve the greatest heights for commercial use for sport and pleasure.

Climbing is "in", as the increase in climbing walls and net structures for this type of physical activity shows. However, all devices that have been used or designed so far for the purpose of climbing are characterized by the fact that they do not aim to reach the greatest heights, but rather on the one hand only to use the space in its three dimensions, or on the other hand, only to provide a dimension (the height), but not to get to great heights, but to enable climbing and training, usually with the help of an accompanying person.

All of the climbing equipment can currently be divided into two categories:

Category I are the space climbing devices. For this purpose, all types of rope net pyramids, net and rope bridges, net climbing forests, playground climbing systems and also climbing poles etc. are to be counted. Category II is the "sport climbing equipment". For this purpose, the climbing walls, climbing tables and, because the sporting components predominate, and the highest level of care is a prerequisite, limited high ropes courses.

In both categories, heights of approx. 10 m - 20 m can be reached, whereby with some net and fixed climbing constructions there is considerable climbing uncertainty and serious accidents have already occurred, which is why such systems are not used or only to a small extent. Another reason why the first category systems are mostly used to a lesser extent is the lack of a "worthwhile" goal. An attempt is being made to integrate "action" elements into these systems, for example with vibration levels, houses, slide systems, etc., but these elements are often boring even after the first use.

With the climbing devices of the second category, climbing, the practice of climbing itself, is the goal, on the one hand for learning climbing techniques and on the other hand for strength and fitness training, which is why these systems are used very well.

The disadvantage of these climbing devices is the high need for security personnel and also the low climbing capacity due to the necessary security measures.

Corresponding climbing devices are known from the publications DE G 92 1 1 126.2, DE G 91 1 5 383.2, DE G 88 02 141 .6, DE G 81 08 441 .2, DE 23 16 141 B2, DE GM 73 12 204, DE 18 12 593 B2, DE G 89 08 570.1, DE 38 1 1 857 CI, DE 196 43 455 AI, DE 197 03 882 AI and DE G 91 04 657.2.

Insofar as these publications contain structure and / or material information that can be combined with the present invention, the corresponding disclosure content is hereby incorporated by reference into the present documents in order to avoid mere reproductions.

In contrast to these climbing devices, it is the object of the present invention to create a new climbing device that is attractive, safe and with little staff to operate, and a Velcro system constructed with it. The height climbing device according to the invention or climbing device in general and a system constructed with it provide both one or more worthwhile goals and the possibility of being able to climb freely without any personal fall protection aids. It is a completely new category III of climbing equipment.

In particular, the present invention provides a climbing device, in particular also characterized by a hollow basic structure, the wall areas of which contain network and / or lattice structures and which has at least one ascent and descent function area, at least one fall protection and locking function area and at least one fall protection function area.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a burdock ran characterized by such a climbing device or element and a support structure for this climbing device or element.

Advantageous and / or preferred embodiments of the invention result from the claims and from the entire disclosure content of the present documents and in combination with the prior art and specialist knowledge.

In the following and in the drawing, preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention are only exemplary, i.e. in particular not restrictive, explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments, which, however, are not to be understood as restrictive.

Identical designations in the individual figures and illustrations of the drawings designate identical or similar or identically or similarly acting components. Based on the representations in the drawing, features that are not labeled are also made clear, regardless of whether such features are described below or not. On the other hand, features which are contained in the present description but which are not visible or shown in the drawing are also readily understandable for a person skilled in the art.

Perhaps the most interesting and newest thing about the climbing device according to the invention and the systems equipped with it is the breathtaking height itself, which can be "climbed". Heights of well over 100 m can be reached. Children can also experience the uniqueness of the free height in the climbing equipment adapted to them. Since no fall protection aids are required in the vertical climbing device, this also gives rise to the possibility of creating a high visitor capacity. If used sufficiently, the high-altitude climbing device is able, due to its high image, which is based on the enormous heights that can be reached, to influence the leisure behavior of many people in such a way that it may lead to a noticeable relief of ecologically highly sensitive, alpine Regions. In addition, given the current trend in leisure behavior, it is a good basis for start-ups, because with simple, manageable means, without large space requirements near metropolitan areas, urgently needed leisure activities serving physical exercise can be created.

The high-altitude climbing device essentially consists of the climbing unit and the "targets" in the form of in particular the "summit" and the "bivouac gondolas". The bivouac gondolas and the summit do not necessarily have to be present, since climbing in the climbing unit is one of the highest heights Represents goal.

The climbing unit

The climbing unit is divided into an ascent and descent function area, one

Fall protection and locking function area and a fall protection function area on, whereby, with an appropriate arrangement, the individual functional areas can also take over the function of others. The functional areas contain structures made of non-slip, non-slip materials, expediently made of non-slip, strong and / or elastic grid or net structures.

The dimensioning and design of the fall protection function area must be designed in such a way that the maximum possible fall height, taking into account the elasticity of the material used, is not exceeded.

The invention is explained below with reference to the figures in different

Embodiments explained in more detail. Show it:

1 shows a simplified perspective illustration of a partial length of a climbing unit according to the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the outer fall protection of the climbing unit of Figure 1; Fig. 3 in a perspective view serving as fall protection and the

Climbing unit dividing floors into floors, together with a central climbing and separating area of the climbing unit of FIG. 1; 4 shows a further possible embodiment of the climbing unit according to the invention in a representation similar to FIG. 1; Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the climbing unit according to the invention with ramp-like inclined

Climbing elements; Fig. 6 in perspective part of the length of the climbing element

Climbing unit of Figure 5; 7 several intermediate floors of the climbing unit of FIG. 5 serving as fall protection; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a partial length of a climbing unit similar to that

Climbing unit of Figure 5; 9 intermediate floors of the climbing unit of FIG. 8;

10 shows a perspective view of a partial length of a further embodiment of the climbing unit according to the invention; Fig. 1 1 intermediate floors and climbing elements of the climbing unit of Figure 10; 12 shows a perspective view of a partial length of a further embodiment of the climbing unit according to the invention; 13 shows a double spiral element of the climbing unit of FIG. 12; Fig. 14 shows a modification of the climbing unit of Figure 4 with laterally arranged

Bivouac gondolas; Fig. 15 is a climbing facility in perspective, consisting of a

Climbing unit and an outer lattice-like support tower; 16 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the burdock according to the invention; Figure 1 7 is a perspective view of a partial length of another embodiment of the climbing unit. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a partial length of the outer and inner

Fall protection of the climbing unit of Figure 1 7; Fig. 19 different, serving as a fall or fall protection intermediate floors

Climbing unit of Figure 17; 20 shows a climbing device consisting of an inside tower and a climbing unit of FIG. 21 shows in a simplified representation a step-through opening with step-through protection for use in a climbing unit according to the invention; 22 shows a simplified perspective illustration of a partial length of a climbing unit corresponding to FIG. 4 with access guards on the

Access hatches.

The climbing unit shown in FIGS. 1-3 and generally designated 1 essentially consists of an external fall protection device 2, which is tubular and in the embodiment shown is made with a square cross-section, namely from the grid or mesh material, and from several intermediate floors 3 arranged one above the other in the vertical direction in the case of use of the climbing unit 1, which are also designed in a grid or mesh-like manner and along their entire circumference the fall protection 2 are connected so that there are no openings for the climbers. By means of these intermediate floors 3, the climbing unit 1 is divided into a plurality of levels or sections arranged one above the other in the vertical direction. The distance between the flexible intermediate floors 3 is chosen so that a climber cannot seriously injure himself even if he falls from a full height. In the middle of the fall protection device 2, a climbing and separating element 4, which is also grid-like or network-like, is provided in the vertical direction over the entire height of the climbing unit and is connected in a suitable manner to the intermediate floors 3 and to the outer fall protection device 2. A plurality of access openings 5 are provided in the intermediate floors 3, on both sides of the separating and climbing element 4.

As shown in FIGS. 1 5 or 16, the climbing unit 1 is arranged in a tower 6 or 7, which has a height of approximately 100 meters, for example, and is designed in the form of a lattice mast in the embodiment shown. The climbing unit 1 and the respective tower 6 or 7 then form a climbing device or system. Of course, other heights are also possible for this climbing device.

In FIG. 3, arrows A and B show possible routes when climbing upwards (arrows A) through the access openings 5 and possible routes when climbing downwards (arrow B) through the access openings 5, the climbing area being both the outer fall protection 2 and the inner separating and climbing element 4 serve. The access openings corresponding to the access openings 5 are also provided in the climbing element 4. By the Climbing and separating element 5 also achieves a separating function between an ascent area and a descent area.

As FIG. 3 in particular shows, the access openings 5 are offset from intermediate floor to intermediate floor in such a way that the vertical projection of a access opening in an intermediate floor 3 onto the intermediate floor 3 below it is laterally offset from the access openings 5 provided in this intermediate floor 3, so that in the event of a fall, a climber cannot fall through the access openings 5 of a plurality of intermediate floors 3 which follow one another in the vertical direction.

Figure 4 shows a climbing unit 1 a, which differs from the climbing unit 1 in that the outer fall protection 2a has a circular cross-section and the intermediate floors 3a are accordingly designed circular.

In the climbing unit 1 b shown in FIG. 5, intermediate floors 3 b are provided in the interior of the outer fall protection device 2, which have access openings 8, each of which extends on one side of the climbing unit 1 b over its entire width. The access openings 8 are provided offset from intermediate floor 3b to intermediate floor 3b on opposite sides. Furthermore, a climbing element 9 designed as an inclined or inclined plane is provided in the interior of the outer fall protection 1 b, which extends in a zigzag shape over the length of the climbing element 1 b, specifically through the access openings 8 and 9 'and with a straight line Lengths each running between two access openings 8. The climbing unit 1 c shown in FIG. 8 differs from the climbing unit of FIG. 5 only in that the access openings 5 are provided in the climbing element 9.

In FIG. 9, arrows A and B in turn show different possibilities for climbing up and down in climbing unit 1 c, climbing unit 1 c through access openings 5 and climbing unit 1 b through openings 9 ', in particular also Offer the opportunity to climb up or down directly on the outer fall protection device 2.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show, as a further possible embodiment, a climbing unit 1 d, which differs from the climbing unit 1 b essentially in that two climbing elements 9d each having inclines are provided, which double-helically, a middle one, which extends in the vertical direction Enclose climbing and separating element 4 and of which one climbing element 9d is used for climbing upwards and the other climbing element 9d is used for climbing downwards. Transitions or changes are formed between the two climbing elements 9d, specifically in the form of openings in the vertical climbing or separating element 4. The intermediate floors 3d each form platforms 11 between two adjoining slopes of a climbing element 9d.

In the climbing unit 1 e shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a double-spindle-like climbing element 12 is provided inside the outer fall protection 2a, which is also made from the mesh or mesh material and has a helical climbing area for climbing upwards and a separate, helical one Climbing area for climbing down forms. Climbing openings 12 'are provided in the climbing element 12, which change between the climbing area provided for post-climbing and allow the climbing area intended for downward climbing, but at the same time also allow climbing along the outer fall protection 2a.

FIG. 14 again shows a partial length of the climbing unit 1 a. On one level of this climbing unit there are several tubular elements or accesses 13, which protrude radially from the climbing unit, which are also made of the lattice or net-like material using reinforcing rings 14 and, in the case of use of the climbing unit, by means of ropes 15 on the respective supporting structure, for example are held on the tower 6 or 7. The entrances 1 3 are each provided with a grid-like bivouac gondola 16 (destination) at their end. It is understood that the entrances 1 3 and also the bivouac gondolas 1 5 are each dimensionally stable. The bivouac gondolas 1 5 can be reached from the respective floor of the climbing unit 1 a via an access 13. The bivouac gondolas 16, which, as shown in FIG. 16, are at a greater height on the climbing facility, can also be used by the climbers, for example, to relax be used.

In all of the above-described embodiments, the intermediate floors are connected over their entire circumference to the external fall arrest device, at most with the passages 8 kept clear, which in turn, however, are divided several times.

In FIG. 15, an observation or bivouac room 16 is provided on the top of the tower 6 as a further goal, the walls of which are also designed in a grid or net-like manner.

FIG. 16 shows a viewing or bivouac platform 17 on the top of the tower 7 there. Bivouac gondolas 16 are provided on this platform and can be reached via the platform 18. There is also the possibility here to design at least some of these gondolas to be lowerable so that in an emergency an affected climber can be transported down from the climbing facility. In the climbing systems shown in FIGS. 1 5 and 16, the climbing units 1 - 1 e described above can optionally be used within the respective tower 6 or 7.

Figures 1 7 - 19 show a climbing unit 1 f, which differs from the climbing unit 1 a essentially in that, in addition to the outer fall protection 2a, an inner fall protection 19 is provided, which is surrounded concentrically by the fall protection 2a and coaxially with the fall protection 2a extends. Openings 20 are provided in the disk-shaped intermediate floors 3f, which are connected on the inner and outer circumference to the inner fall protection 19 and to the outer fall protection 2a, through which the inner fall protection 19 is passed. The intermediate floors 3f are connected to both the outer and the inner fall protection. Furthermore, the access openings 5 are again provided in the intermediate floors, so that climbing according to arrows A in FIG. 19 is possible in various ways upwards but also downwards accordingly.

As shown in Figure 20, the climbing unit 1 f is used together with an internal tower 21, i. H. with a tower that is enclosed by the climbing unit 1 f or by the climbing area of this climbing unit.

FIG. 21 shows an access opening 5 on an enlarged scale. This opening is provided with a safety device which prevents a climber from accidentally falling down through the access opening 5. This securing essentially consists of a resilient ring 22 which determines the diameter of the passage opening 5 and of several blanks protruding radially inwards from the ring from an inelastic but flexible flat material, for example fabric. The tips of the blanks 23 are common elastic inner ring 24 connected to each other so that passage through the passage opening 5 is only possible by stretching the inner elastic ring 24.

FIG. 22 again shows the climbing unit 1 a with fuses at the access openings 5. These fuses are essentially formed by grid-like or net-like wall sections 25, which are each held in a suitable manner above an access opening 5, so that in the event of a fall within a floor the climbing unit 1 a falling through a manhole into the floor below is not possible.

The following should be noted about the figures:

The simplest climbing unit (see FIG. 4 with a second exemplary embodiment for a climbing unit with an ascent / descent function area, which also functions as a fall protection function area with a partition function area) consists of an ascent and descent function area combined with a fall protection function area and a combined one

Fall protection / latching function area. The cross section of the climbing unit can be chosen arbitrarily, e.g. also square (see FIGS. 1-3 with a first exemplary embodiment for a climbing unit with an ascent / descent function area, which simultaneously functions as a fall protection function area with a partition function area).

The ascent and descent function area can be used for the purpose of directing visitors with the help of partition function areas (see FIGS. 1-3) or staircase-like, double-barreled (double-helixed) ascent and descent function areas (see FIGS. 10 and 11 with a further exemplary embodiment of a climbing unit with an ascent - / Descent function area as double-running inclined planes, and Figures 12 and 13 with another embodiment for a climbing unit with an ascent / descent function area structured as inclined planes in double helix form) and separated into upward and downward paths.

To keep the ascent and descent more varied, the individual functional areas can be combined and supplemented with climbing details, e.g. with inclined planes also in one-row form, with and without partition function area (see FIGS. 5-6 with an embodiment for a climbing unit with an ascent / descent function area, as single, open inclined planes with and without partition function area, as well

FIG. 8 with a fourth exemplary embodiment for a climbing unit with an ascent / descent function area, as a single-track, closed inclined plane without a partition function area), in a double-barreled, double-spiral form for the complete separation of ascent and descent function area (see FIGS. 10 and 1) 1), in helix or double helix form (for complete separation of the ascent and descent function area) (see Figures 12 and 13) or with climbing elements such as rope ladders, climbing ropes and climbing walls.

If the device carrying the climbing unit is designed as a solid central support tower (see FIG. 20) and this is fitted with Velcro grips, it can also be used as an ascent and descent functional area, such as a climbing wall, if the fall protection and locking function areas are designed accordingly (similar to FIG. 4) become. If a central support tower is not used as a climbing wall, the area created by the central support tower can be used as an ascent / descent functional area by appropriately training the fall protection and ascent / descent functional areas. If staircase-like ascent and descent functional areas (similar to Figures I O and 1 1) are installed, it is advantageous if they are equipped with a fall protection functional area in the spiral eye (similar to the staircase eye). are Partition wall / spiral eye functional areas are present, these preferably change at regular intervals, ie possibilities for trouble-free reversal.

If the fall protection function area is used simultaneously as an ascent and descent function area, it is preferred if the fall protection and latching function area has access hatches. The entrances or access openings 5 are preferably to be dimensioned as the narrowest possible slip and to be arranged with a maximum entanglement with one another. A color-coded identification of the ascents in the ascent and descent is of particular advantage and therefore useful if there is no partition function area.

The size / height of the climbing unit depends on the application profile. Application profiles are e.g. Age groups, temporary or non-stationary operation, number of climbers, etc. The floor plan shape is arbitrary, advantageously based on the minimal surface area at a given height.

The function or use of the climbing unit: The climber climbs completely freely, without individual or personal fall protection aids, taking into account the color coding of the ascent and descent zones (color coding only for undivided ascent / descent function areas) via the various ascent and descent function areas - reach his goal (see eg Figures 1 - 4). If several ascent and descent function areas are available in parallel, he can choose the one that suits him or is located in his direction (ascent and descent areas marked by colors), possibly also taking into account various levels of difficulty that can be implemented in individual ways , The climber only moves in the fall protection function area, there are none different possibility. If there are steps, he can or must use them (if there is no other possibility of climbing).

Due to the staggered arrangement of these steps, the climber has to leave the direct area of the step after slipping through. The climber therefore climbs in a "zigzag" shape (see figures of the drawing). The climber can always and everywhere turn around in climbing units without a partition function area (taking into account the marked ascent and descent zones). If there are partitions, he must climb on until the next change and there in the Aufbzw. Change descent zones. The fall protection levels also serve as rest areas.

The summit (goal)

With the right design, a real summit increases the value of the "height" goal immensely. It is advisable to choose the design of the summit in such a way that on the one hand there is space for a large number of people, and on the other hand the experience of the climbing facility is further increased. This can be achieved through several summit levels and e.g. convex and transparent outer cladding that allows one to lean out over the "abyss". The bottoms of the summit levels can be created in a mesh-like, filigree version or as a floor that is impermeable to the smallest objects, which can be an advantage when summit meals are held.

It is also advisable to design the flat floors as a trough with raised edges so that the stronger winds occurring at such heights prevent the possibility of objects being blown away. A watertight design of the floors must be made dependent on the overall design of the material used for the climbing device, as must a roof. A roof would severely restrict the freedom of a summit. Various examples of summit executions show that 1 5, 16 and 20.

Such a "summit" with the appropriate design provides space, which enables a higher visitor turnover and a corresponding length of stay for the visitors to the "summit". With some application profiles, however, a summit is not practical, e.g. with suspensions.

The bivouac level

One or more bivouac levels (also in the form of bivouac gondolas) increase the experience of high-altitude climbing considerably, as they represent sections, intermediate destinations and rest and complete the simulation of the abstract mountain. The design of the bivouac level (s) should be chosen so that on the one hand there is space for a large number of people, and on the other hand the experience value of the climbing facility is further increased. This can be achieved through multi-storey levels and through e.g. convex and transparent outer cladding that allows one to lean out over the "abyss". The floors of the bivouac levels can be created in a mesh-like, filigree version or as floors impermeable to the smallest objects, which can be an advantage in the event of organized bivouacs. It is also advisable to design the flat floors as a trough with raised edges so that the possibility of objects being blown away is prevented in stronger winds that occur at such heights. A watertight design of the floors must be made dependent on the overall design of the material used for the climbing device, as must a roof.

The bivouac level can be designed as a solid or fragile but compact platform or as a construction for accommodating bivouac gondolas or nests. 22-24 show possible exemplary embodiments of the bivouac levels with and without bivouac gondolas. The bivouac gondola

The bivouac gondola 16 also increases the value of climbing immensely, since it represents sections, intermediate destinations and rest according to a professional steep wall bivouac and thus completes the simulation of the abstract mountain. If the bivouac gondola is built over fragile constructions that make the height and width tangible, e.g. Accessed to rope net bridges or tunnels, the entry into the bivouac gondolas is an experience in itself, similar to the bivouacs on steep walls. The floors of the bivouac gondolas can be created in a mesh-like, filigree version or as floors impermeable to the smallest objects, which can be an advantage when bivouacs are organized.

It is also advisable to design the flat floors as a trough with raised edges so that the possibility of objects being blown away is prevented in stronger winds that occur at such heights. A watertight design of the floors has to be made dependent on the overall conception of the choice of material for the climbing device, as well as a roof, whereby a roof would severely restrict the feeling of freedom similar to a steep wall bivouac.

The design of the bivouac gondolas should be chosen so that only - based on reality - smaller groups (approx. 4-6 people) can be accommodated. If the reference to reality is to be preserved, mesh-like materials are recommended for execution. The shape of the gondolas, from cubic, cylindrical and conical to convex (for reasons of leaning out), can in principle be designed freely, but should be based on the requirements of accessibility and experience. For the sake of diversity and variety, a wide variety of shapes are even recommended.

For financial reasons, however, standardized, uniform gondolas and accesses should be cheaper.

FIGS. 1 7 and 18 schematically show an exemplary embodiment of a climbing unit with an ascent / descent function area, which at the same time functions as a fall protection function area, but without a partition function area, as a double cylinder, in particular for mounting on a central support tower.

With regard to the materials, material combinations and structures that can be used, any suitable components can be used. However, grids and / or nets are preferred, the latter with steel cables and / or chains, which are preferably coated with a non-slip, comfortable to grip, elastic, flexible, cushioning and / or weather-resistant plastic layer. In particular, such steel cables and chains with a surrounding plastic hose or such a plastic cover are already known for use in play and climbing devices and are freely available, which has a relatively low cost for the climbing device according to the invention, since standard material can be used. Any grids and net structures and types can be combined, for example to design different levels of difficulty and climbing conditions, whereby the stability properties of grids compared to nets and different thicknesses of bars, ropes or chains and mesh sizes of grids and nets can be used.

Further advantageous and / or preferred configurations of the present invention, which, however, are also independently are finder meaning, are given and explained nachfogen.

The situation of fall protection within the climbing unit can be problematic for the following reasons. If the entrances are unsecured, they may be a source of accidents. The following accident situations could occur:

A) If you do not choose the "zigzag-shaped climbing line, but climb in a vertical line through a step and continue in a vertical line to the next fall protection level, there is a possibility of falling through the step.

B) When staying on a fall protection and rest level, there is the possibility of falling into the step through a careless step.

C) When staying on a fall protection and rest level there is the possibility of falling objects and / or people being hit by the next higher fall protection and rest level.

A combined step-through protection and steering element remedies this. In order not to allow the possible accident situations to arise, a combined step-through protection and Steering element installed over the hatches. The mounting height is expediently to be selected such that it is just possible to climb the steps appropriately and according to the circumstances, and at the same time the element can also take on the function of a “deflection bar” for the users of the locking levels. The installation profile of the climbing device must also be taken into account for the installation height. For example, the mounting height for pure children's height climbing devices must be lower than for height climbing devices for adults and adolescents.

The combined access protection and steering elements should be created with non-slip, non-slip and edge-free materials, expediently with materials that are matched to the climbing units, for example in the case of net constructions with corresponding, non-slip, strong and elastic grid or net structures (see Fig. 22).

The function / use of the combined access protection and steering element is described below.

The climber climbs through the access and has to leave the area of the access due to the combined access protection and steering element, which he encounters after he has climbed the access with about half his body.

Even if he then climbs again vertically above the step, no fall can be made through the step, since the combined step protection and steering element intercepts and stops the fall beforehand within the permitted fall heights. If climbers use the fall protection and locking levels to rest or to enjoy the view, the combined access protection and steering element takes over the function of a deflection bar or railing, secures and clearly and easily visible the danger point and thus prevents falling into the access.

21 as an exemplary embodiment is a type of "diaphragm" or "membrane" which sits in or very close to the access. An elastic ring, which is held by folding or net structures, narrows the access opening to a minimum diameter that is tailored to the application profile of the climbing device. The

Access protection elements should be created with non-slip, non-slip and edge-free materials, expediently with materials that are matched to the climbing units, for example in the case of net constructions with corresponding, non-slip, strong and elastic grid or net structures (see Fig. 21) or with handy, membrane-like folding structures.

The function and use of the access protection element is as follows:

If the combined access protection and steering element is, as it were, an active protection element because it does not allow a dangerous situation to arise in the first place, the access protection element is a passive protection element that takes effect when a misstep or a fall has occurred. The climber climbs through the step by pushing the elastic ring apart with his body. The tension or a folding membrane gives way and lets the climber pass. The climber can follow any climbing line after passing through the climb. If the climber falls exactly over the access, it is caught by the membrane, or better still by the net-like tension of the access protection element. Climbers use the fall protection and Resting levels to rest or to enjoy the view, the access protection element also protects the climbers from falling into the entrance, caused by a careless step.

A possible high-altitude emergency situation is discussed below.

Since the height climbing device is accessible to the general public, but it places considerable demands on the condition and general health of the visitor, the setting up of a rescue system should be considered.

If a cylindrical climbing device is installed in an outside support tower, a rescue elevator can be installed between the outside support tower and the climbing device. The rescue elevator can e.g. have the shape of a guided rescue cage. The fall protection and ascent / descent function area should have rescue openings that can be closed at regular intervals. When installed on a central support tower, the tower can accommodate a rescue elevator.

If a cylindrical climbing device is installed in an outside support tower, an emergency staircase can be installed between the outside supporting tower and the climbing device. The fall protection and ascent / descent function area should have rescue openings that can be closed at regular intervals. When mounted on a central support tower, the tower can accommodate an emergency staircase.

The number of climbers in the high-altitude climbing device must be controlled less for static reasons, but rather for reasons of the mobility options of the climbers in the high-altitude climbing system and for the resulting safety reasons as well as for reasons of time limits and admission fees and be controlled. The number of visitors and climbers is constantly monitored and controlled with the help of entry and exit locks that cannot be overcome.

The operational profiles:

The application profile is both the way and for which

Purpose and for which target groups the climbing device is used.

An application profile would be e.g. the age group for which the height climbing device is created. So it is conceivable to build height climbing devices only for children, e.g. for use in children's playgrounds or in kindergartens or outdoor pools or as accompanying systems for large high-altitude climbing facilities.

Because of the simplicity of the climbing unit, a wide range of other application profiles is possible. Examples include: Temporary or permanent suspension of cranes, towers, high-rise buildings, bridges, etc., transient complete devices, e.g. Mounted extendable on a semitrailer, or as stationary leisure facilities on or in systems designed for this purpose, e.g. Towers, arches, pyramids or the like, see below Embodiments.

The most important application profile is the use of the vertical climbing device as a competitive sports device. The high-altitude climbing device opens up a new dimension of sporting events. The height climbing device is the basis of a new sport, a new sport that was not possible until now.

Design and examples: If the climbing device is used not only as a leisure facility but also as a facility for sporting events and sporting competitions, it is advisable to standardize the climbing unit so that comparative competitions are possible.

A filigree or transparent construction of the climbing unit and the load-bearing systems is also necessary for this. So that the necessary professionalism is given, the height climbing device should have a sufficient height. A height that cannot be reached straight away by untrained people. A level that can also be achieved with reasonable financial expense, which is suitable for large facilities in the area of conventional sports facilities such as Sports halls or sports fields moved, can be built.

In principle, the design of the systems supporting the climbing units can be freely selected; even a wide variety of shapes would be desirable due to the varied, external competition environments, unless financial requirements also stipulate a standardization of the supporting systems.

The invention is not restricted to the features and combinations of features of the exemplary embodiment described above and shown in the drawing. The individual aspects, features and combinations of features of the configurations, features and functions disclosed in the present sub-sections are both individually and in their combination implementable and worthy of protection, even if they are not explicitly referred to as the invention. In addition to the general and specific information contained in the present documents for realizing a climbing device and a climbing system according to the invention, the scope of the invention also includes all variations, modifications, substitutions and combinations which the person skilled in the art can easily derive from the documents themselves and / or with the help of his specialist knowledge. As explained in connection with FIGS. 1 7 and 18, there is the possibility, in addition to the outer fall protection 2a, to also provide an inner fall protection 19 formed by a grid or net material, so that annular intermediate floors result between the individual climbing areas.

Furthermore, regardless of the further design of the climbing unit, there is basically the possibility of providing the intermediate floors with at least one padding or a fall protection mat. When using an external fall arrest device 2a and an inner fall arrest device 2, the covers 25 securing the access openings 5 and arranged above each of an access opening can each be fastened to the outer and inner fall protection devices.

Reference numerals list

, 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d, 1 e, 1 f climbing unit, 2a outer fall protection device, 3a, 3b, 3d, 3f intermediate floor inner climbing or separating element access opening, 7 wheel construction or tower access opening, 9d climbing element 'access opening platform Climbing unit 'Access opening Accesses Reinforcements Ropes Bivouac gondola or target Viewing or bivouac platform Internal fall protection opening Inner tower flexible ring Cut inner ring lattice or net-like wall section

Claims

claims

1 . Climbing unit, characterized by at least one outer hollow basic structure (2, 2a, 19), which forms a fall protection, by a plurality of fall protection elements (3, 3a, 3b, 3d, 3f, 9, 9d, 12) dividing the basic structure in a longitudinal direction a resilient material and by means of net-like or lattice-like climbing elements inside and / or on the hollow basic structure (2, 2a, 19) for climbing in the longitudinal direction of this basic structure.

2. Climbing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the fall protection of intermediate floors (3, 3a, 3b, 3d, 3f) are preferably formed with steps.

3. Climbing unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fall protection elements (3, 3a, 3b, 3d, 3f, 9, 9d, 12) are each provided with at least one padding or fall protection mat.

4. Climbing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fall protection devices are formed by helical and / or inclined wall sections (9, 9a, 12) or ascent and / or descent elements within the basic structure.

5. Climbing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one climbing and / or separating area (4) extending in the longitudinal direction of the hollow basic structure.

6. Climbing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer hollow basic structure (2, 2a) hose or is designed like an annular channel.

7. Climbing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to the at least one outer basic structure (2, 2a) at least one, for example, tubular inner basic structure (19) is provided.

8. Climbing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow outer basic structure (2, 2a) has a round cross section or a cross section formed by a polygon.

9. Climbing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer and / or inner basic structure (2, 2a, 19) and / or the fall protection devices (3, 3a, 3b, 3d, 3f, 9, 9d, 12) and / or the at least one separation and climbing area (4) are each formed from a lattice or net-like, resilient material, for example from a rope-like material.

10. Climbing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one bivouac gondola (16).

1 1. Climbing unit according to claim 10, characterized in that the bivouac gondola (16) is arranged outside the basic structure and is accessible via an access from the basic structure.

12. Climbing unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one platform or a space (1 7) at the upper end of the outer basic structure.

1 3. climbing system, characterized by at least one climbing unit (1, 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d, 1 e, 1 f) according to one of the preceding claims and by a supporting structure (6, 7, 21) carrying this climbing unit ,

14. Climbing system according to claim 13, characterized in that the

Support structure is a tower (6, 7, 21) enclosing the climbing unit, preferably in the form of a lattice-mast-like construction.

1 5. burdock ran according to claim 13, characterized in that the

Supporting structure is a tower (6, 7, 21) enclosed by the climbing unit.