WO2016174633A2

WO2016174633A2 - Reversible attachment system for attaching a foot ascender to a shoe, to a crampon, or to other devices that are wearable and/or constrainable to a user

Info

Publication number: WO2016174633A2
Application number: PCT/IB2016/052453
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carlo Paglioli; Alessandro MAZZA
Original assignee: Aludesign S.P.A.; Arbpro S.R.L.
Priority date: 2015-04-30
Filing date: 2016-04-29
Publication date: 2016-11-03
Also published as: WO2016174633A3; EP3291894B1; EP3291894A2

Abstract

A reversible attaching system (1) to attach a foot ascender for ascending a rope (50) to a device wearable and/or constrainable to a user (60, 70) is described, the system comprising a first element (10) and a second element (11) separated one from another and reversibly constrainable in at least one operative position of mutual attachment. The first element (10) is configured to be at least partially inserted in at least one seat (11a) of said second element (11), and said first element (10) and second element (11) are relatively movable to reach the at least one operative position of mutual attachment. Furthermore, the first element is constrainable to the foot ascender (50) or is made in one piece therewith, and the second element (11) is constrainable to, or made in one piece with, the device wearable or constrainable to a user, or vice versa.

Description

"REVERSIBLE ATTACHMENT SYSTEM FOR ATTACHING A FOOT ASCENDER TO A SHOE, TO A CRAMPON, OR TO OTHER DEVICES THAT ARE WEARABLE AND/OR CONSTRAIN ABLE TO A USER" The present invention concerns the field of jobs involving working at height and, in particular, of the ascent on one or more ropes by means of a foot ascender.

In more detail, the present invention relates to the way of attaching a foot ascender to a user and, in particular, to a shoe or a crampon, or other devices wearable and/or constrainable to the user for carrying out jobs involving working at height, for climbing, practicing arboriculture, etc.

In particular ascenders, known in the art as foot ascenders, are often used when ascending ropes, to help a user of such devices to climb. In fact, foot ascenders are devices able to facilitate the grip of the foot on the rope. In particular, the ascenders allow the rope. to slide therethrough in one way and prevent the rope from sliding in the other way.

It should be noted that, hereinafter, the devices for ascending a rope (ascenders) will be also called foot ascenders for ascending a rope, or simply foot ascenders.

Typically, the ascenders are constrained to a user foot by means of belts and/or buckles, to be tightened around the user's shoe. Such a device is described, for example, in the document EP2103329.

The constraint of the ascender to the shoe is uncomfortable and complex and, if performed incorrectly, may lead to safety problems.

Furthermore, due to the method of constraining the ascender by means of belts, there can be some clearance between the shoe and the ascender resulting in uncomfortable movements of a user during the ascent.

The use of additional aids to stabilize the position of the feet when ascending a plant (or standing thereon), for example while practicing arboriculture or tree climbing, is also known. For example some aids, such as crampons known in the art as "spikes" or "tree spurs", provided with a tip protruding from a main body of the crampon and adapted to be inserted in the bark of a plant, are known. Some of these crampons can be provided with ascenders made integral with the body of the crampon. Such integral ascender is bulky and, when not in use, for example when the user walks to go from a plant to another, may cause an inadvertent collision with external elements and so also the fall of the user. Moreover, the ascender can be damaged by banging on rocks or other objects.

Object of the present invention is to implement an attachment system for attaching a foot ascender to a shoe or a crampon, which is able to solve the above mentioned problems of the prior art.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to implement an attachment system for attaching a foot ascender to a shoe or a crampon, which is able, if needed, to simply, quickly and effectively constrain the foot ascender to a user and in particular to a shoe or a crampon.

Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an attachment system for attaching a foot ascender to a shoe or a crampon, the attachment system allowing to release the ascender from the shoe or the crampon when the ascender is no longer needed.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by an attachment system, a foot ascender for ascending a rope, a shoe and a crampon according to the independent claims. Further aspects and features are set forth in the dependent claims. As better described below, the present invention also relates to a climb system for ascending along one or more ropes, comprising a foot ascender and a shoe (or a crampon, or other device wearable and/or constrainable to a user), according the invention, having characteristics and aspects described and/or claimed herein. In particular, the foot ascender and the shoe (or the crampon) of the climb system for ascending along one or more ropes, can be attached/detached to/from each other by means of a reversible attachment system for attaching the foot ascender to the shoe (or the crampon).

It should be immediately noted that although explicit reference will be made to the attachment of the ascender for ascending a rope (called, as mentioned, foot ascender) to shoes and crampons, the attachment system according to the present invention can be used to reversibly attach the ascender to other devices that can be worn and/or constrained to the user for working at height, climbing, practicing arboriculture, etc. For example, the attachment system according to the present invention can be used for reversibly attaching the ascender for ascending a rope to devices wearable and/or constrainable to the user such as a harness, a belt, and similar wearable devices for safety/protection. In other words, the device wearable/constrainable to a user for working at height, climbing, practicing arboriculture, etc. can be not only a shoe or a crampon, but also a harness or a belt, etc.

In particular, the ascender for ascending a rope and the device wearable and/or constrainable to a user (for example a shoe, or crampon, or harness) of the climb system for ascending along one or more ropes, can be attached/detached to/from each other by means of a reversible attachment system for attaching the foot ascender to the device wearable and/or constrainable to a user.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the reversible attachment system for attaching a foot ascender for ascending a rope to a shoe or a crampon, or another device wearable and/or constrainable to the user, comprises a first element and a second element. The first and the second elements are separated one from another and reversibly constrainable in at least one operative position of mutual attachment. The first element is configured to be at least partially inserted in at least one seat of the second element, furthermore, the first and second element are relatively movable to reach the operative position of mutual attachment. The first element is constrainable to the foot ascender, or made in one piece therewith, whereas the second element is constrainable to, or made in one piece with, shoe or crampon or the device wearable and/or constrainable to a user, or vice versa.

Thanks to the present invention, the reversible attachment system proves to be simple and reliable and allows to selectively constrain and release the ascender to the respective support (shoe or crampon, or other device wearable and/or constrainable to the user) in a quick and safe way. In fact, a first element of the reversible attachment system will be constrained to the foot ascender, or made in one piece therewith, whereas the second element of the reversible attachment system will be constrained to, or made in one piece with, the shoe, or the crampon, or a device wearable and/or constrainable to the user.

Obviously, according to further possible embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to reverse the positioning of the first element and the second element on the foot ascender and the shoe (or the crampon).

According to a possible embodiment, the foot ascender is constrained at the lateral portion of the shoe (or the crampon), preferably the lateral inner portion of the shoe (or the crampon), i.e. the portion substantially facing the other shoe/crampon when the user puts on/wears the latter.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the first element and the second element are substantially rigid, and according to a possible embodiment are made of metal. By using rigid elements as first and second elements of the attachment system, the foot ascender can be attached in an effective and safe way to the shoe (or to the crampon, or other device wearable and/or constrainable to the user).

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the shape of the first element substantially corresponds to the shape of the second element such that said first element and said second element slide and/or rotate relatively, in order to reach the mentioned operative position of mutual attachment. The simple and precise actuation of the attachment system is an advantage of this aspect.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the shape of the first element substantially corresponds to the shape of the second element such that the first element and the second element relatively slide, substantially along a direction, for at least part of the movement needed to reach the operative position of mutual attachment. Advantageously, by sliding along a direction, the first and the second elements cooperate through a coupling substantially corresponding to the guide-slider coupling. Therefore, it is simple as well and safe and reliable to slide along a direction to reach the operative position of mutual attachment between the first element and the second element of the reversible attachment system, and thus of the foot ascender to the shoe or the crampon.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the first element comprises at least one head, or at least one flange, configured to substantially correspond to the mentioned seat of the second element.

It is therefore possible to reliably couple the two elements to one another, by means of embodiments ease to be implemented. According to an aspect of the present invention, the first element comprises at least one pivot, or stem, having the mentioned head arranged thereon. Generally, according to an aspect of the present invention, the head of the first element is provided with a small sized portion. Such implementation allows the first and second elements to cooperate and, in particular, to be inserted into one another and relatively move, thereby allowing the head of the first element to move with respect to the seat of the second element in order to reach the position of mutual attachment.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the second element comprises at least one plate on which the mentioned seat is obtained for the insertion of at least part of the first element.

An advantage of this aspect is that the strength of the system ensures high safety, while maintaining the small size of the same.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the seat of the second element comprises at least one inlet portion for at least part of the first element and at least one attachment portion for relatively attaching the mentioned portion of said first element to the seat itself. The attachment portion is small-sized (provided with smaller dimension) with respect to the inlet portion.

Advantageously, such possible embodiment has proven to be a simple and precise solution in order to ensure the relative movement between the two elements of the attachment system.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the reversible attachment system comprises constraining means to constrain the first or the second element to the foot ascender or the shoe, or the crampon, or another device wearable and/or constrainable to the user. In other words, constraining means such as, for example, one or more screws, bolts or belts, may allow to constrain the first or the second element to the foot ascender, the shoe or the crampon, or another device wearable and/or constrainable to the user.

According to a further aspect of the present invention reversible locking means, to reversibly lock the two elements in said operative position of mutual attachment, are provided. Thanks to this, it is possible to effectively ensure to stably hold operative position of mutual attachment. The locking means can move between a locked position, in which the first and the second elements are held in the operative position of mutual attachment, and a disengaged position to allow the first element and the second element to relatively move away from the operative position of mutual attachment.

According to an aspect of the present invention the reversible locking means comprise a movable lever, or a movable slider, which can move between a position engaged with said second element to hold the first and the second elements in the operative position of mutual attachment, and a position of disengagement from the second element to allow the two elements to relatively move away from the operative position of mutual attachment.

In particular, according to an aspect of the invention, the lever comprises a selection guide shaped to engage at least part of a projecting portion of the second element in order to prevent the relative movement between the two same elements, when these are in the operative position of mutual attachment.

Furthermore, a further aspect of the present invention relates to a shoe, a crampon (or a device wearable and/or constrainable to the user) and a foot ascender, the first element or the second element of the reversible attachment system according to one or more aspects herein described and/or claimed being constrainable thereto or made in one piece therewith.

In more detail, an aspect of the invention relates to a shoe (or a crampon, or a harness) in which the first element or the second element of the reversible attachment system is constrainable to the shoe (or the crampon, or a harness), or made in one piece therewith. An aspect of the invention relates to a shoe or a crampon, or a device wearable and/or constrainable to the user, comprising the first or the second element of a reversible attachment system according to one or more aspects herein described and/or claimed, in which said first element or said second element is constrained to, or is made in one piece with, said shoe or said crampon, or said device wearable and/or constrainable to the user.

Moreover, an aspect of the invention relates to a foot ascender for ascending a rope (or ascender for ascending a rope) comprising a main body having at least one throat, for the sliding of at least one rope therein, and at least one movable locking body, preferably movable in a rotatable way, for the switching between a first position for locking the rope and a second position for releasing the rope. The first element or the second element of the reversible attachment system is constrainable to the foot ascender, or made in one piece therewith. According to an aspect of the invention, the foot ascender comprises the first element or the second element of the reversible attachment system according to one or more aspects herein described and/or claimed, in which the first or second element is constrained to, or made in one piece with, the foot ascender, preferably at an inner surface of the body of the foot ascender.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the shoe (or the crampon) comprises at least one supporting element to support the first or the second element of the reversible attachment system for the attachment to the shoe or the crampon. The supporting element is constrained to at least one portion of the shoe (or the crampon), or is made in one piece therewith, preferably at the upper of the shoe.

The supporting element is arranged at the area of the shoe (or the crampon) and in particular the upper of the shoe, at which the ascender is expected to be constrained, for example the lateral inner area of the shoe and in particular of the upper.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the supporting element to support the first element or the second element of the reversible attachment system for the attachment to the shoe (or the crampon, or another device wearable and/or constrainable to a user) comprises a plate. The plate can be advantageously arranged inside the shoe, preferably next to a layer of the upper, in order to not ruin the appearance of the shoe. According to an aspect of the present invention, the shoe comprises at least one hole, preferably a threaded hole, or similar elements. The at least one hole advantageously allows to pass from the outside to the inside of the shoe, preferably next to the upper. The at least one hole or similar elements allows to connect constraining means (for example a screw) for the constraint of the first and the second elements of the reversible attachment system to the shoe.

The at least one hole can be made on the supporting element of the shoe, for example on a plate, and the first or second element of the reversible attachment system can be constrainable thereto.

As mentioned, an aspect of the invention relates to a crampon, preferably for practicing arboriculture (tree climbing), comprising a preferably elongated body, at least one supporting element to support the user (such as for example one or more belts, or the like) and at least one tip, or the like, protruding from the main body and to be inserted in the trunk of a plant. The first element or the second element of the reversible attachment system is constrainable to the crampon, or made in one piece therewith, preferably at the main body thereof. According to an aspect of the invention, the crampon is characterized by comprising the first element or the second element of the reversible attachment system according to one or more aspects herein described and/or claimed and the first or second element is constrained to the crampon, or made in one piece therewith, preferably with the main body of the crampon.

Advantageously, because the first or the second element of the attachment system can be constrained to (or made in one piece with) the foot ascender and the shoe (or the crampon), or vice versa, this allows the foot ascender to be quickly and easily attached to and detached from the shoe or the crampon.

The present invention also relates to a climb system to ascend along one or more ropes, comprising a foot ascender for ascending a rope and a shoe or a crampon, or a device wearable and/or constrainable to the user, as well as a reversible attachment system according to the present invention which advantageously allows the foot ascender to be attached/detached to/from the shoe, or to/from the crampon or to/from the device wearable and/or constrainable to the user. The foot ascender and the shoe or the crampon, or the device wearable and/or constrainable to the user of the climb system, have one or more characteristics/aspects described and/or claimed herein.

The present invention relates also to a method for reversibly attaching a foot ascender to a shoe or a crampon or a device wearable and/or constrainable to the user, by means of a reversible attaching system according to the present invention and comprising a first element constrainable to the foot ascender, or made in one piece therewith, and a second element constrainable to, or made in one piece with, the shoe or the crampon or the device wearable and/or constrainable to the user, or vice versa.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the method comprises the step of inserting at least part of the first element into at least one seat of the second element and relatively moving the first element and the second element, in order to reach the operative position of mutual attachment.

It should be noted that aspects and characteristics herein described and/or claimed referring to the reversible attachment system for the attachment to the foot ascender, the shoe or the crampon can be applied not only to the climb system to ascend along one or more ropes according to the invention but also to the method according to the invention. Referring to the appended figures, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described, in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a possible embodiment of the reversible attachment system according to the present invention in a position of mutual attachment, wherein the foot ascender can also be seen;

• Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of a possible embodiment of the reversible attachment system according to the present invention, wherein the foot ascender can also be seen;

• Figure 3 is a plan view of a possible embodiment of the reversible attachment system according to figure 1 in a position of mutual attachment, wherein the foot ascender can also be seen;

• Figure 3 a is a sectional view taken along the plane A- A of figure 3.

• Figure 4 is a perspective view of a foot ascender constrained (attached) to a shoe by a reversible attachment system according to the present invention; · Figure 4a is a perspective view of a foot ascender in a position separated

(detached) from the shoe before being constrained to the latter by a reversible attachment system according to the present invention;

• Figure 5 is a view of the shoe according to figure 4, wherein the exploded detail of the layers of the upper of the shoe and the components of the reversible attachment system can be seen;

• Figure 6 is a perspective view of a foot ascender constrained (attached) to a crampon (only partially shown) by a reversible attachment system according to a possible embodiment of the invention;

• Figure 6a is a perspective view of a foot ascender in a position separated (detached) from the crampon before being constrained to the latter by a reversible attachment system according to a possible embodiment of the invention;

• Figure 6b is a plan view of a foot ascender constrained to a crampon (only partially shown), according to figure 6, by a reversible attachment system according to a possible embodiment of the invention;

• Figure 6c is a sectional view taken along the plane B-B of figure 6b.

• Figure 7 is a perspective view of a foot ascender constrained to a crampon (only partially shown) by a reversible attachment system according to a further possible embodiment of the invention, in which the second element of the reversible attachment system is configured in a different way with respect to the embodiment of figures 6 - 6c;

• Figure 7a is a perspective view of a foot ascender in a position separated (detached) from the crampon before being constrained to the latter by a reversible attachment system according to a further possible embodiment of the invention, in which the second element of the reversible attachment system is configured in a different way with respect to the embodiment of figures 6 - 6c;

• Figure 7b is a plan view of a foot ascender constrained to a crampon (only partially shown), according to figure 7, by a reversible attachment system according to a further possible embodiment of the invention, in which the second element of the reversible attachment system is configured in a different way with respect to the embodiment of figures 6 - 6c;

• Figure 7c is a sectional view taken along the plane C-C of figure 7b.

• Figure 8 is a front perspective view of crampons which the foot ascender can be attached to by the reversible attachment system according to the present invention;

• Figure 9a is a plan view (according to figure 3) of a possible embodiment of the reversible attachment system in an operative position of mutual attachment, wherein the locking means are shown in the locked position to hold the first and second elements in the operative position of mutual attachment;

• Figure 9b is a plan view (according to figure 3) of a possible embodiment of the reversible attachment system in an operative position of mutual attachment, wherein the locking means are shown in the disengaged position to allow the first and the second elements to relatively move away from the operative position of mutual attachment;

• Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a foot ascender constrained to a shoe by means of a further possible embodiment of the reversible attachment system according to the present invention, in which the second element is constrainable to the shoe by one or more belts;

• Figures 11a and l ib schematically show two possible embodiments of the relative movement between the first element (not shown) and the second element which move along a direction (straight line) or rotate, respectively;

• Figure 12 schematically shows three steps of reversible constraint (A, B, C) of a further embodiment of the first and second elements of the reversible attachment system according to the present invention, in which the first element comprises a flange (or lip); ^" furthermore such figure schematically shows a possible embodiment of the locking means to lock by a snap-fit movable slider.

Referring to the attached figures, some possible embodiments of the reversible attachment system 1 for attaching a foot ascender 50 for ascending a rope (hereinafter also called foot ascender) to a shoe 60 or a crampon 70 according to the present invention will be described hereinafter. In particular, figures 4, 4a and 5 relate to the attachment of the foot ascender 50 to a shoe 60, whereas figures 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 7, 7a, 7b and 7c relate to the attachment of the foot ascender 50 to a crampon 70.

As mentioned, the ascender or foot ascender 50 is a device used for working at height, for example for ascending one or more ropes. As shown for example in figure 2, the foot ascender 50 comprises a main body 51 having at least one throat 51a for allowing the slide of at least one rope 55 therein (shown for the sake of simplicity only in figure 2), and at least one locking body 52. The locking body 52 is movable, preferably in a rotatable way (for example around the pivot 56), for the switching between a first position for locking the rope and a second position for releasing the rope.

It should be immediately noted that "shoe" means a footwear, a boot and similar accessories to be worn by a user or constrained thereto. The shoe can be made of various materials preferably suitable for working at height, for example for practicing mountain-climbing, arboriculture, tree climbing, etc.

It should also be noted that "crampon" is referred herein to an aid device for a user, suitable for stabilizing the feet during the ascent.

In particular, as shown for example in figure 8 the crampon 70, to which the foot ascender 50 can be attached by the reversible attachment system 1 according to the present invention, is used in ascending a plant, for example in tree climbing.

This type of crampons, as can be seen for example in Figure 8, comprises a main elongated body 71 preferably shaped so as to adapt to a user's leg, and at least one connecting element 73 for the connection to the user, comprising one or more slings, belts and the like.

The crampon further comprises at least one tip 72, or a similar element protruding from the main body 71 to be inserted in the trunk of a plant in order to facilitate the user in ascending the plant and/or standing thereon.

It should be noted that, for ease of illustration, in figures 6 - 6c and 7 - 7c appended herein, only part of the main body 71 of the crampon 70 can be seen. Although reference has been explicitly made to the attachment for attaching the foot ascender 50 to shoes 60 and crampons 70, the attachment system 1 according to the present invention can be used for reversibly attaching the foot ascender 50 to other devices wearable and/or constrainable to the user in order to work at height, climb, practice arboriculture, etc. For example, the attachment system 1 according to the present invention can be used for reversibly attaching the foot ascender 50 to devices wearable and/or constrainable to the user such as a harness, a belt, etc.

The reversible attachment system 1 for attaching a foot ascender 50 to a shoe 60 or a crampon 70, according to the present invention, comprises a first element 10 and a second element 11. The first element 10 is constrainable to the foot ascender 50 or made in one piece therewith. The second element 11 is constrainable to, or made in one piece with, the shoe 60 or the crampon 70.

It should be understood that the arrangement of the first element 10 and second element 11 of the reversible attachment system on the foot ascender 50 and the shoe 60 (or the crampon 70) can be reversed.

In particular, even if not illustrated in the appended figures, according to a possible embodiment the first element 10 of the attachment system 1 according to the invention is constrainable to the shoe 60 (or the crampon 70), or made in one piece therewith, whereas the second element 11 is constrainable to the foot ascender 50 or made in one piece therewith.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the first element 10 and the second element 11 of the attachment system 1 are separated one from another and reversibly constrainable in at least one operative position of mutual attachment. By so doing, when needed, the foot ascender 50 and the shoe 60 (or the crampon 70) can be usually separated and constrained (attached) to one another, by the cooperation of the first and the second elements 10, 11 of the reversible attachment system 1. In fact, as mentioned, such elements 10, 11 are arranged on (and in particular constrained or made in one piece with) the shoe 60 (or the crampon 70) and the foot ascender 50.

In other words, by the reversible attachment system 1 according to the present invention, the foot ascender 50 can be quickly and easily attached and detached to/from the shoe 60 (or to/from the crampon 70).

According to an aspect of the present invention, the first element 10 is configured to be at least partially inserted in at least one seat 1 la of the second element 11, and the first element 10 and second element 11 are relatively movable to reach the at least one operative position of mutual attachment.

It should be noted that the first element 10 of the reversible attachment system substantially can function as a male element able to cooperate with the second element 11 and, in particular, with the at least one seat 1 la, the latter substantially being able to fulfill the function of a female element. In fact, the shape of first element 10 substantially corresponds to the shape of the second element 11 so as to cooperate with each other in order to reach an operative position of mutual attachment. In particular, as already mentioned, the first element 10 is configured to be at least partially inserted in at least one seat 11 a of the second element 11.

It should be noted that "relatively movable" is used to mean that the first element 10 and the second element 11 can move to allow to reach the operative position of mutual attachment in which the foot ascender is attached to the shoe (or the crampon). It should be noted that, according to possible embodiments, the first element 10 can be movable with respect to the second element 11, or vice versa.

According to a possible embodiment, shown for example in figures 1 - 7, 9a, 9b, 10, 11a, l ib, the first element 10 of the reversible attachment system 1 comprises at least one head 10a shaped to substantially correspond to at least one seat 11a of the second element 11 of the reversible attachment system. Preferably, the head 10a is shaped according to a shape known in the art as "mushroom".

It should be noted that the substantially "mushroom-like" shape shown in figures 1 - 7, 9a, 9b, 10, 1 la, 1 lb is not to be considered as restrictive. In fact, the at least one head 10a can also have an elongated shape, for example such as to form a projecting guide configured to be at least partially inserted in a seat 11a also having an elongated shape. For example, an elongated head forming a projecting guide (for example having a substantially "T-shaped" section) can be used in place of the two heads 10a of the embodiment shown in figures 1 - 7, 9a, 9b, 10, 1 la, 1 lb.

Moreover, according to a possible further embodiment (for example schematically shown in figure 12), the first element 10 can comprise a flange (or lip) 10a' intended to cooperate with at least one seat 11a of the second element 11. According to this possible embodiment, the flange 10a' is at least partially inserted inside of the seat 11a, the latter being shaped for example as a groove, or slot, of the second element 11.

The head 10a, or the flange 10a', is intended to be at least partially inserted into a corresponding seat 1 la of the second element 11 so that they are relatively movable to reach a position of mutual attachment, in which the first and second element 10, 11, and therefore the foot ascender and the shoe (or the crampon), are fixedly attached to each other and cannot be separated without moving (away) from the operative position of attachment.

Turning back to the possible embodiment in which the first element comprises at least one head 10a, the latter is preferably arranged at the outer surface of the foot ascender 50 and, in general, the at least one head 10a of the first element 10 is constrained to, or made in one piece with, the main body 51 of the foot ascender 50.

Otherwise, according to a possible embodiment not shown in the figures, the at least one head 10a is constrained to the shoe 60, or the crampon 70, or made in one piece therewith (as mentioned, according to this embodiment, the second element 11 of the reversible attachment system is arranged on the foot ascender 50).

According to a possible embodiment, the first element 10 comprises at least one pivot 10b, or stem, having the head 10a arranged thereon. It should be noted that, in general, the head 10a can be configured to have a small sized portion, in order to form the pivot, or stem, 10b.

According to a possible embodiment, the mutual attachment system comprises two heads 10a intended to cooperate with two corresponding seats 11a of the second element 11.

In detail, the first element 10 of the reversible attachment system 1 can comprise two heads 10a, for example formed on two pivots 10b jutting from a surface, preferably an outer surface, of the body 51 of the foot ascender 50.

As mentioned, the head 10a can be made in one piece with the foot ascender or can be constrained thereto. It should be noted that, according to a possible embodiment shown for example in the appended figures, the head 10a is an element separated from the pivot 10b, and these two elements are then constrained to one another. For example, the head can be screwed at the end of the pivot 10b and/or the head 10a can be welded on the pivot 10b, and/or pivot 10b can be riveted on the head 10a.

However, possible embodiments in which the head 10a is made in one piece with the pivot 10b should be considered. Furthermore, also the pivot 10b can be made in one piece with the foot ascender or can be constrained thereto. For example, according to a possible embodiment, the pivot can pass through a hole made on the surface of the body 51 of the foot ascender 50, as shown for example in the sectional views of figures 3a, 5, 6c, 7c.

It should also be noted that the first element 10 can comprise a plate constrainable to the foot ascender 50 or to the shoe 60, or the crampon 70. For example, according to a possible embodiment, the at least one head 10a can be made on a plate that, in turn, is constrainable to the foot ascender, the shoe, or the crampon.

In the embodiment schematically shown in figure 12, the first element 10 comprises a plate constrainable to the foot ascender 50, or the shoe 60, or the crampon 70. As mentioned, according to such embodiment, the first element comprises a flange 10a'. It should be noted that the at least one flange 10a', according to possible embodiments not shown in the appended figures, can be made in one piece with the foot ascender 50 (and in particular with the main body 51 of the foot ascender) or with the shoe 60, or the crampon 70.

According to a possible embodiment, the at least one seat 11a of the second element 11 comprises at least one inlet portion 1 la for at least part of the first element 10 and in particular the head 10a, and at least one attachment portion 11c for attaching the first element 10, and in particular the head 10a, to the second element 11.

The attachment portion 11c has small size compared to the inlet portion l ib so as to allow the first element 10 to engage the second element 11, thereby achieving the mutual attachment in the operative position of mutual attachment.

The inserting portion l ib allows the insertion of the head 10a of the first element 10 and the displacement, at the attachment portion 11c, allows to reach the operative position of attachment, in which the first and second elements 10, 11 are prevented - from separating one from another. - - In fact, as it can be seen for example in the sectional figures 3 a, 6c, 7c, the head 10a remains engaged in the attachment portion 1 lc of the seat 11a.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the second element 11 comprises at least one plate on which the at least one seat 1 la is arranged for the insertion of said first element 10.

The seat 11a can be made on the plate 11, thus being shaped substantially as a hole (such as, for example, the upper seat shown in figures 1 - 7, 9a, 9b, 10, 1 la, 1 lb), or can be made at a plate end (such as, for example, the lower seat shown in figures 1 - 7, 9a, 9b, 10). According to this possible embodiment, as shown for example in figure 12, the seat 11 a can be shaped substantially as a groove, or slot, of the second element 11. The plate of the second element 11 can be constrained to, or made in one piece with, the shoe 60 or the crampon 70, (as in the embodiment shown in figures 6 and 7), or the foot ascender according to a possible embodiment not shown in the appended figures.

According to a possible embodiment, as shown for example in figures, the second element 11, and thus at least one seat 1 la, is constrained, preferably so as to be removable, to the shoe 60 (see for example figures 4, 4a, 5), or to the crampon 70 (see for example figures 6 - 6c and 7 - 7c). Clearly, the following description can be applied to the constraint of the second element 11 to the foot ascender 50 in the possible embodiment, not shown, in which the first element 10 is constrained to the shoe 60, or the crampon 70, or made in one piece therewith.

The second element 11, and in particular the plate, can be constrained to the shoe 60, or the crampon 70, by constraining means 12, 12a. The constraining means 12 may comprise threaded elements, such as one or more screws, or bolts (screw and nut). According to a possible embodiment, shown for example in the appended figures (except figure 10), the constraining means 12 comprise one or more screws (for example three screws in the embodiment depicted in figures 1 - 7, 9a, 9b, 10) passing through at least one corresponding hole 13 of the second element 11 and in particular of the plate. Even if not shown, the constraining means 12, 12a can be used also in the embodiment shown in figure 12.

However, further embodiments of the constraining means 12, 12a allowing the second element 11, and in particular the plate, to be constrained to the shoe 60, or the crampon

70, should be considered. In fact, according to a possible embodiment (see for example figure 10), the constraining means 12a to constrain the second element 11 to the shoe 12 or the crampon 70, may comprise one or more belts, possibly adjustable by suitable buckles or other adjusting elements.

For example there can be two belts, one of which is constrained substantially at the user's ankle, whereas the other belt is passed under the sole of the user's foot.

The second element 11, and in particular the plate, can be suitably provided with proper seats 14 for connecting the belt or the belts.

The constraining means 12 directly, or indirectly, cooperate with the shoe 60 or the crampon 70. In particular, the shoe 60 and the crampon 70 can be provided with at least one supporting element 62, 75 to allow the second element 11 to be constrained thereto. The shoe 60 may comprise at least one supporting element 62 to support the second element 11 of the reversible attachment system 1 for the attachment to the shoe 60. The supporting element 62 is constrained to at least one portion of the shoe, or is made in one piece therewith, preferably at the upper 61 of the shoe 60.

The supporting element 62 may comprise at least one plate, for example made of nylon or another resistant and light material, and is preferably constrained to the upper 61 and in particular to one of the layers 61a, 61b, 61c making up the upper (see for example the detail of figure 5). Such constraint can be made, for example, by gluing.

The plate 62 (schematically shown also in figure 4a) can be shaped according to different shapes, for example it can take a shape substantially semicircular, substantially circular, substantially trapezoidal, substantially triangular, etc. These shapes are not to be considered as exhaustive, in fact generally the plate 62 can be suitably shaped in order to allow to support an element 10, 11 of the reversible attachment system 1.

The function of the supporting element 62 is to support the shoe and therefore provide it with greater rigidity at the area where the second element 11, and particularly the plate, is constrained to the shoe. Preferably, the supporting element 62 is positioned inside the shoe so that it cannot be seen from outside and the appearance of the shoe is not ruined. The shoe 60 comprises at least one hole 63, preferably a threaded hole, in order to allow the consfraining means 12 of the second element 11 to be connected to the shoe. The at least one hole 63, preferably threaded, is constrained to, or is made in one piece with, at least one portion of the shoe, preferably at the upper 61 of the shoe 60.

As shown for example in figure 5, the holes 63 extend outside the upper or, anyway, can be accessed from the outside of the upper so that the consfraining means 12, for example one or more screws, can be constrained from the outside.

It should also be noted that the supporting element 62 can be provided with one or more holes 63, preferably threaded holes, in order to ensure the second element 11 to be connected to the shoe 60 by constraining means 12, for example one or more screws 12. In other words, one or more holes 63 can be formed on the supporting element 62 and, in particular, on the plate of the shoe or they can be formed separately therefrom. According to a possible embodiment one or more threaded holes 63, formed for example as bodies provided with a nut screw (for example a screw provided with a female thread) can be arranged (and possibly constrained) inside the upper 61 and in particular inside one of the layers 61a, 62b, 61c making up the upper (see for example the detail of figure 5).

Clearly, other constraining means 12 to constrain the second element 11 to the shoe or the crampon, can be used instead of the screws 12 above described and intended to cooperate with respective threaded holes 63.

According to a possible embodiment shown for example in figure 5 and, in particular, in detail in the sectional view of such figure, the upper 61 of the shoe 60 comprises an outer layer 61a, a padding layer 61b and an inner coating layer 61c. Preferably, the supporting element 62 is arranged internally with respect to the outer layer 61a, preferably between the outer layer 61a and the padding 61b. The supporting element 62 and/or the at least one hole 63 can be at least partially arranged inside the shoe, for example in the space designed to accommodate the padding, or can be at least partially sunk in the padding 61b.

It should be noted that different configurations of the upper 61 of the shoe 60 can be contemplated, and in general only one outer layer 61a can be provided.

It should be noted that the second element 11 and, in particular, the plate can be shaped in accordance with the shoe 60 or the crampon 70, to which has to be constrained.

The embodiment depicted in figures 6 - 6c and 7 - 7c shows two possible embodiments of the second element 11 that is constrained, preferably in a reversible way, to the crampon 70 and in particular to the elongated body 71 of the crampon 70 (only partially shown in figures 6 - 6c and 7 - 7c for ease of illustration).

The second element 11 can be shaped so as to cooperate with a supporting element 75 and, in general, with a further plate (shown for example in the embodiment depicted in figures 6 - 6c). The second element 11 of the reversible attachment system 1 and the supporting element 75 are preferably arranged at two substantially opposite surfaces of the crampon, and in particular of the elongated body 71 of the crampon, so that, once they have been constrained by suitable constraining means 12, the second element 11 is constrained to the crampon 70.

The supporting element 75 and the second element 11 of the reversible attachment system comprise one or more holes (respectively denoted by the numeral 13 and 76) (for example four holes in the embodiment depicted in figures) in order to allow suitable constraining means, such as one or more screws 12 or bolts, to pass therethrough, as in the embodiment shown in figures 6 - 6c.

According to a further embodiment the second element 11 of the attachment system, and in particular the plate having at least one seat 11a arranged thereon, is shaped so as to at least partially surround the perimeter of the elongated body 71 of the crampon (see for example the embodiment of figures 7 - 7c).

In other words, the plate 11 is substantially "U"-shaped, so that the supporting element 75 is not needed, as in the embodiment depicted in figures 6 - 6c.

Suitable constraining means 12, such as one or more screws 12 or one or more bolts (screw and nut) or similar constraining elements, can be arranged at suitable holes 13 arranged on two substantially parallel portions of the plate 11 substantially bent in a "U" shape, so as to allow to connect substantially opposite surfaces.

Turning back to the reversible attachment method of the system 1 according to an aspect of the present invention, the configuration of the first element 10 substantially corresponds to the configuration of the second element 11 such that the first element 10 and the second element 11 slide and/or rotate relatively, in order to reach said at least one operative position of mutual attachment.

In more detail, according to an embodiment the configuration of the first element 10 and, in particular, the at least one head 10a (or the at least one flange 10a'), substantially corresponds to the configuration of the seat 1 la of the second element 11 so as to allow the first and the second elements to relatively move to reach a position of mutual attachment.

According to some possible embodiments, the first element 10 and the second element 11 of the reversible attachment system relatively move by sliding and/or rotating substantially within a plane. In other words, as a result of the insertion of at least part of the first element 10, and in particular the head 10a, into the seat 11a, they move to the operative position of mutual attachment by moving relatively within a plane that, according to a possible embodiment, is substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the first element 10, and in particular the head 10a, is inserted inside the seat 1 la of the second element.

In other words, according to a possible embodiment, during at least part of the relative movement between the first element 10 and the second element 11 to reach the operative position of mutual attachment, the distance between the first element 10 and the second element 11 and therefore between the foot ascender 50 and the shoe, or the crampon, is kept constant along at least part of their relative movement. Despite this, further possible embodiments can be provided in which the first element 10 and the second element 11 of the reversible attachment system relatively move by sliding and/or rotating substantially not only within a plane, and it is also possible, for example, that at least part of the first element 10, and therefore of the foot ascender 50, approaches the second element 11 and therefore the shoe or the crampon.

For example, after at least part of the first element 10 has been inserted in the seat 11a of the second element 11 it is possible to subsequently rotate them in order to approach these elements to each other and therefore to approach the foot ascender to the shoe, or the crampon, so as to reach the operative position of mutual attachment.

This embodiment can be seen for example in the A, B and C views of figure 12, sequentially showing the relative movement of the first and second elements 10, 11 in order to reach the operative position of mutual attachment. In particular, after at least part of the flange 10a' has been inserted into the seat 11a (for example by a movement from bottom to top), the lower portion of the first element 10 is approached to the second element 11 by rotation.

According to a possible embodiment (see for example figures 2, 3, 6a, 7a, 9a, 11a) shown for example in the appended figures, the first element 10 at least partially moves relative to the second element 11 by a sliding movement and, in particular, by a linear movement along a direction D (i.e. along a straight line).

In other words, the configuration of the first element 10 substantially corresponds to the configuration of the second element 11 such that they relatively slide substantially along a direction D (straight line) between said first element 10 and second element 11, to reach said at least one operative position of mutual attachment.

It should be noted that the first element 10 and the second element 11 are configured to form a guide-slider type of constraint, and therefore the two elements, in particular the head 10a and the seat 11a, at least partially move with respect to each other along a direction D (a straight line). For example, two or more heads 10a can be aligned with two or more correspondent seats 1 la along a straight line, so that the two elements 10, 11, and in particular the head 10a and the seat 11a, move with respect to each other along a direction D (a straight line).

In detail, according to a possible embodiment and as shown for example in the appended figures 4a, 6a, 7a, 9a, 9b, 1 la, the two heads 10a are intended to be at least partially inserted in the corresponding seat 11a of the second element 11 and then moved along a direction D (by a sliding movement) in the attachment portion 11c of the seat 1 la so as to reach the position of mutual attachment.

In particular, the two heads 10a are aligned with the two seats 11a along a straight line, so that once the head 10a is inserted into the seat 11 and in particular in the inserting portion 1 lb, the first element 10 and the second element 11 can relatively move along a direction coincident, or parallel, with the straight line along which the heads 10a are aligned with the seats 11a.

As mentioned, according to further possible embodiments, the first and the second elements 10, 11 can relatively move by rotation, possibly combined with a sliding movement.

For example, the rotation movement between the first element 10 and the second element 11 may allow the mutual- attachment by means of a bayonet connection. For example, according to a possible embodiment not shown, the shape of the head 10a can correspond to the shape of the seat 11a in order to allow them to be inserted into one another and, after being relatively rotated, to reach the operative position of attachment. For example, in the relative rotation movement, for example a bayonet-like movement, the head 10a can be rotated around an axis passing through the head 10a.

According to a further possible embodiment such as shown in figure l ib, the relative movement between the first element 10 and the second element 11 occurs by rotating. For example, the rotation can take place around an axis R not passing through the first element 10 and in particular the head 10a.

In the embodiment shown in figure l ib, the relative movement of the elements 10 and 11 can be also considered as a relative movement in which the head 10a, once inserted into the seat 10a, slides along a curved path C.

In detail, according to a possible embodiment and as shown for example in figure l ib, the two heads 10a are intended to be at least partially inserted in the corresponding seat 1 la of the second element 11 and then rotated in the attachment portion 1 lc of the seat 11 a so as to reach the position of mutual attachment.

In particular, the two seats 1 la are arranged along a curve C, so that once the head 10a is inserted into the seat 11 and in particular into the inserting portion l ib, the relative rotation movement of the first element 10 and second element 11 is allowed, and in particular the heads 10a can move in the seats 11a towards the attachment portions 11c along the curve C.

Generally, the configuration of the first element 10 and in particular the at least one head 10a, can substantially correspond to the configuration of the second element 11, and in particular the seat 1 la, such that they slide substantially along a curved line C in order to reach the at least one operative position of mutual attachment.

For example, two or more heads 10a can be aligned with two or more corresponding seats 11a along a curve C, so that the two elements move along such curve C, in particular the head 10a moves relative to the seat 11a (thereby causing also a relative rotation movement of the first and the second elements 10, 11).

According to an aspect of the present invention, the operative position of mutual attachment allows to separate the first and the second elements 10, 11 one from another by reversing the sliding way and/or the rotating way with respect to the way of the movement to reach the operative position of mutual attachment.

According to a possible embodiment the first element 10, and in particular the head 10a, substantially moves from bottom to top with respect to the second element 11 , and in particular the seat 11a. "From bottom to top" means the way substantially corresponding to the ascending way along the rope once the foot ascender is constrained to the shoe or the crampon. Such way of movement (from bottom to top) of the first element 10 and the second element 11 to reach the operative position of mutual attachment is advantageous in that is substantially opposite to the stress, and in general the forces, applied on the foot ascender and then on the shoe or crampon, during the rope ascent.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the reversible attachment system 1 according to the present invention comprises reversible locking means 15 to reversibly lock the first element 10 and the second element 11 in the operative position of mutual attachment.

It should be noted that "reversible locking means" is used to indicate that the locking means 15 allow to temporarily lock, during use, the attachment system 1 and in particular to lock the first element 10 and the second element 11, and thus the foot ascender 50 to the shoe 60 (or the crampon 70). When the foot ascender 50 is not to be used anymore and has to be separated from the shoe 60, or the crampon 70, the user operates the locking means 15 in order to allow the relative movement of the first element 10 and the second element 11 of the attachment system, thereby allowing them to move away from the operative position of mutual attachment.

In fact, according to an aspect of the present invention, the locking means 15 can move between a locked position, in which the first and the second elements 10, 11 are held in the operative position of mutual attachment, and a disengaged position to allow the first element 10 and the second element 11 to relatively move away from the operative position of mutual attachment.

The locking means 15 can comprise at least one elastic element 20 made for example by a plate having a jutting portion 21 (see for example figure 2) or by a spring (such as in the embodiment of figure 12), which controls the movement of the locking means so that they are prevented from undesirably move from the locked position to the disengaged position where the first element 10 and the second element 11 can relatively move away from the operative position of mutual attachment.

According to a possible embodiment (shown for example in figures 1-7, 9a, 9b, 10), the locking means 15 comprise a lever 15a movable between a locked position, in which the lever engages the second element 11 to hold said first and second element 10, 11 in the operative position of mutual attachment, and a disengaged position in which the lever 15a is disengaged from the second element 11 to allow the first element 10 and the second element 11 to relatively move away from the operative position of mutual attachment.

According to a further possible embodiment (see for example figure 12), the locking means 15 comprise a snap-fit movable slider 15a' preferably controlled by an elastic element 20, for example by a spring.

The movable slider 15a' cooperates with a corresponding seat preferably formed on the second element 11, and is movable between a locked position, in which the slider 15a' engages the second element 11 to hold said first and second elements 10, 11 in the operative position of mutual attachment, and a disengaged position in which the slider 15a' is disengaged from the second element 11 to allow the first element 10 and the second element 11 to relatively move away from the operative position of mutual attachment.

Turning back to the embodiment in which the locking means comprise a lever 15a, the latter is constrained at a head 10a and, in particular, at the lower pivot 10b so that the lever is rotationally constrained with respect to said pivot 10b.

In detail, the lever 15a comprises a hole 15b through which the pivot 10b passes to allow the lever 15a to rotate around it. When the head 10a is installed and constrained to the pivot 10b, the lever 15a is combined with the first element 10 and therefore with the foot ascender 50, as in the embodiment depicted in figures.

The lever 15a further comprises a slot 15c intended to pass at a second head 10a and, in particular, at the second pivot 10b so as to allow to define two ends (limits) of the rotational movement of the lever around the other pivot 10b. The ends of the slot 15c define the limits of the movement of the lever 15a and thus, according to a possible embodiment, define a locked position of the first and second elements 10, 11 in the operative position of mutual attachment (see for example figure 9a) and a disengaged position in which the first and second elements 10, 11 are movable away from said operative position of mutual attachment (see for example figure 9b).

It should be noted that, according to a possible embodiment, also the elastic element 20 is combined with the first element 10 of the attachment system 1, such as shown for example in figure 2, in which also the plate 20 provided with a jutting portion 21 to control the position of the lever 15a is arranged at the two pivots 10b by means of two holes 20a, 20b the plate 20 is provided with.

According to a possible embodiment, the lever 15a comprising a selection guide 16 (shown for example in figure 2 and schematically in figures 9a and 9b) is configured to engage at least part of a projecting portion 18 of the second element 11 to prevent the relative movement between the first element 10 and said second element 11, when the first and the second elements are in the operative position of mutual attachment.

In particular, according to a possible embodiment, the selection guide 16 prevents the first element and the second element 10, 11 from moving and, in particular, prevents the first and the second elements 10, 11 from sliding along the direction D along which they are movable.

According to a possible embodiment, as shown for example in figures 2 and 9a, 9b, the selection guide 16 can be substantially "L"-shaped. When the lever 15a is in the disengaged position, the first branch of the "L" is substantially aligned with the direction D along which the first element 10 and the second element 11 relatively slide, so that these elements can freely move when the projecting portion 18 slides in the branch 16a of the guide 16.

The guide 16 further comprises a second branch 16b substantially perpendicularly arranged with respect to the first branch 16a (or anyway tilted with respect thereto). The second branch 16b allows the lever 15a to rotate around the lower pivot 10b as the first and the second elements 10, 11 are in the operative position of mutual attachment. In fact, the projecting portion 18 of the second element 11 is at the second branch 16b and, when the lever 15a is in the disengaged position (see for example figure 9b), the projecting portion 18 is at the meeting point (intersection) of the first and the second branches 16a, 16b thereby allowing, as a result of the projecting portion moving in the first branch 16a, the movement away from the operative position of mutual attachment. On the other hand, by turning the lever 15a in the locked position (see for example Figure 9a), the projecting portion 18 reaches the end of the second branch 16b, where the first element is prevented from moving away from the second element 11.

The movement away from the position of mutual attachment is possible only by rotating the lever 15a to the disengaged position, where the projecting portion 18 is at the meeting point between the first and the second branches 16a, 16b, because as mentioned, the first branch 16a is substantially coincident with or parallel to the direction D in which the first element and the second elements 10, 11 relatively slide. The present invention also relates to a climb system 100 to ascend along one or more ropes 55 (shown only in figure 2 for ease of illustration), comprising a foot ascender 50 and a shoe 60 (or a crampon 70), in addition to a reversible attachment system 1 according to the present invention advantageously allowing to attach/detach the foot ascender 50 to/from the shoe 60 or to/from the crampon 70.

It should be noted that the climb system 100 can be seen for example in figures 4, 6 and 7, wherein the foot ascender 50 is shown in the attachment position for the attachment to a shoe 60, or a crampon 70, by the reversible attachment system 1 according to the present invention.

It should be noted that aspects and characteristics herein described referring to the reversible attachment system for the attachment to the foot ascender, the shoe or the crampon, can be applied to the climb system 100 to ascend along one or more ropes according to the invention.

Hereinafter the steps of the method for reversibly attaching a foot ascender 50 to a shoe 60 or a crampon 70 by a reversible attachment system 1 according to the present invention, will be described. Even in this case, it should be noted that aspects and characteristics described above referring to the reversible attachment system 1 for the attachment to the foot ascender, the shoe or the crampon, can be applied to the method according to the invention. Likewise, aspects and characteristics described referring to the method for reversibly attaching a foot ascender 50 to a shoe 60, or a crampon 70, can be applied to the reversible attachment system, the foot ascender, the shoe, or the crampon according to the invention, as well as to the climb system 100 to ascend along one or more ropes.

As mentioned, a first element 10 of the attachment system 1 and a second element 11 of the attachment system 1 are arranged (constrained to or made in one piece with) on the foot ascender 50 and the shoe 60 (or the crampon 70), respectively, such as in the embodiment depicted in figures, and vice versa.

The foot ascender 50 comprising the first element 10, and in particular at least one head 10a for example supported by a pivot 10b, is approached to the shoe 60 (or crampon 70) and in particular to a second element 11 of the reversible attachment system constrained to the shoe 60 (or the crampon 70) or made in one piece therewith.

The method comprises the step of inserting at least part of the first element 10 into at least one seat 1 la of the second element and relatively moving the first and the second elements 10, 11, in order to reach the operative position of mutual attachment.

The at least one head 10a is at least partially inserted in a corresponding seat 11a of the second element, for example a plate constrained to, or made in one piece with, the shoe 60 or the crampon 70.

In the possible embodiment (shown for example in figure 12) in which the first element 10 comprises at least one flange 10a' for example constrained to the foot ascender (not shown), or made in one piece therewith, the flange is at least partially inserted in at least one corresponding seat 11a of the second element 11, for example a plate constrained to, or made in one piece with, the shoe 60 or the crampon 70 (see for example the view A of figure 12).

Subsequently, the foot ascender is moved with respect to the shoe (or the crampon) and, in particular, the first element 10 is moved at the seat 1 la in order to reach an operative position of mutual attachment.

In particular, the first element 10 and in particular the head 10a move along a direction D, preferably from bottom to top, so that the head 10a moves to the attachment portion 1 lc of the seat 1 la in order to reach the operative position of mutual attachment.

In more detail, due to the small size of the head 10a placed behind the attachment portion 11c with respect to the inserting portion 1 lb of the seat 1 la, the foot ascender can be separated from the shoe (or the crampon) only as a result of the movement along the sliding direction D, but in the opposite way with respect to movement made to reach the operative position of mutual attachment.

In general, according to an aspect of the present invention, the operative position of mutual attachment allows to separate the first and the second elements 10, 11 by reversing the sliding way and/or the rotating way with respect to the way of the movement made to reach the operative position of mutual attachment.

In the embodiment shown in figure 12, see for example view B, after at least part of the first element 10 (and in particular the flange 10a') has been inserted in the seat 11a of the second element 11, it is possible to subsequently rotate them in order to approach these elements to each other and therefore to approach the foot ascender to the shoe, or the crampon, so as to reach the operative position of mutual attachment.

In particular, after at least part of the flange 10a' has been inserted into the seat 11a (for example by a movement from bottom to top), the lower portion of the first element 10 is approached to the second element 11 by rotation.

In the position of mutual attachment, the locking means 15 are operated so as to hold the first element 10 and the second element 11 in the position of mutual attachment.

In particular, the locking means prevent the movement, which led to reach the position of mutual attachment between the first element 10 and the second element 11, from being inverted.

In the embodiment shown in the appended figures 1 - 7, 9a, 9b, 10, 11a, the locking means 15 prevent the head 10a from sliding along the direction D from the attachment portion 11 c to the inserting portion 11 b of the seat 11a.

In particular, the lever 15a positioned in the disengaged position allows the first element and the second element 10, 11 to relatively move and, in particular, to slide along the direction D, due to the position of the first branch 16a of the selection guide 16 of the lever 15a substantially coincident with, or parallel to, the movement direction D.

Therefore, the projecting portion 18 will slide in the first branch 16a up to the meeting point with the second branch 16b (see for example figure 9b). As will be clear at this point of the description, such position corresponds to reaching the operative position of mutual attachment, as a result of the sliding of the first element 10.

At this point, the user rotates the lever 15a to the locked position, preferably by hand. In particular, the rotation of the lever around the lower pivot 10b allows the rotation of the slot 15c at the other pivot 10b.

The rotation of the lever to the locked position (see for example figure 9a) causes the projecting portion 18 to be moved into the second branch 16b of the selection guide 16, substantially at the end of the branch 16b far from the meeting point with the first branch 16a.

By so doing, the movement away from the operative position of mutual attachment is prevented, because the first and the second elements 10, 11 are not able to relatively move. In fact, the projecting portion 18 of the second element 11 engaged in the second branch 16b of the guide 16 of the lever 15a prevents the first and the second elements from relatively moving, and in particular from sliding along the direction D.

In the embodiment shown in figure 12, the movable slider 15a' is temporarily moved to the disengaged position (by overcoming the elastic force generated by the spring 20) (see the view B of figure 12). In this way, the locked position in which the slider engages the second element 11 can be reached, thus preventing the first and the second elements 10, 11 from relatively move away from the operative position of mutual attachment (see the view C of figure 12). When the foot ascender is no longer needed and thus the user wants such device to be detached from the shoe or the crampon, the method provides the step of arranging the constraining means 15 in the disengaged position, so as to allow the first and the second elements 10, 11 to move away from the operative position of mutual attachment.

According to a possible embodiment, the user rotates the lever 15a to the disengaged position, wherein the projecting portion 18 is at the meeting point between the second branch 16b and the first branch 16a of the selection guide 16 (see for example figure 9b). This allows the movement away from the operative position of mutual attachment and, in particular, allows the first element 10 and the second element 11 to relatively slide.

In particular, due to the first element 10 moving from top to bottom with respect to the second element 11 along the direction D, the projecting portion 18 will slide within the first branch 16a of the selection guide 16.

As a result, the head 10a will reach the inserting portion 1 lb of the seat 11a, thereby allowing the first element 10 to be separated from the second element 11 and thus the foot ascender 50 to be separated from the shoe 60, or the crampon 70.

In the possible embodiment in which the locking means comprise the movable slider

15a', the user will move the slider 15a' to the disengaged position, see for example the view B of figure 12, for example by applying a force opposite to that applied by the spring 20. This allows the movement away from the operative position of mutual attachment and, in particular, allows the first element 10 to rotate away from the second element 11.

Claims

1. Reversible attachment system (1) for attaching a foot ascender (50) for ascending a rope, to a device (60, 70) wearable and/or constrainable to a user, comprising a first element (10) and a second element (11) separated one from another and reversibly constrainable in at least one operative position of mutual attachment, said first element (10) being configured to be at least partially inserted in at least one seat (1 la) of said second element (11), and wherein said first element (10) and said second element (11) are relatively movable to reach said at least one operative position of mutual attachment, and wherein said first element is constrainable to said foot ascender (50), or made in one piece with said foot ascender (50) for ascending a rope, and said second element (11) is constrainable to said device (60, 70) wearable and/or constrainable to a user or is made in one piece with said device (60, 70) wearable and/or constrainable to a user, or vice versa.

2. Reversible attachment system according to claim 1, wherein said device (60, 70) wearable and/or constrainable to a user is a shoe (60) or a crampon (70).

3. Reversible attachment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the configuration of said first element (10) substantially corresponds to the configuration of said second element (11) such that said first element (10) and said second element (11) slide and/or rotate relatively, to reach said at least one operative position of mutual attachment.

4. Reversible attachment system according to claim 3, wherein the configuration of said first element (10) substantially corresponds to the configuration of said second element (11) such that they relatively slide substantially along a direction (D) between said first element (10) and said second element (11), to reach said at least one operative position of mutual attachment.

5. Reversible attachment system according to claim 4, wherein said first element (10) cooperates with said second element (11) through a coupling corresponding to the guide-slider coupling as they slide along a direction (D).

6. Reversible attachment system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first element (10) and said second element (11) relatively move by sliding and/or rotating substantially within a plane.

1

7. Reversible attachment system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first element (10) and said second element (11) are rigid.

8. Reversible attachment system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first element (10) comprises at least one head (10a) or at least one flange (10a') shaped to substantially correspond to said at least one seat (1 la) of said second element (11).

9. Reversible attachment system according to claim 8, wherein said first element (10) comprises at least one pivot (10b) on which said head (10a) is arranged.

10. Reversible attachment system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first element (10) comprises at least one elongated head forming a projecting guide, preferably said projecting guide having a substantially "T-shaped" section.

11. Reversible attachment system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first element (10) comprises two or more heads (10a) cooperating with two or more corresponding seats (1 la) of the second element (11).

12. Reversible attachment system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second element (11) comprises at least one plate on which said at least one seat (1 la) is arranged for the insertion of at least part of said first element (10).

13. Reversible attachment system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one seat (1 la) of said second element (11) comprises at least one inlet portion (l ib) for at least part of said first element (10) and at least one attachment portion (11c) for at least part of said first element (10), said attachment portion (11c) having small size compared to said at least one inlet portion (1 lb).

14. Reversible attachment system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising constraining means (12, 12a) to constrain said first element (10) or said second element (11) to said foot ascender (50) for ascending a rope or said device (60, 70) wearable and/or constrainable to a user, preferably said constraining means (12, 12a) being selected from at least one screw, at least one bolt, at least one belt.

15. Reversible attachment system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising reversible locking means (15) configured to reversibly

2 lock said first element (10) and said second element (11) in said operative position of mutual attachment.

16. Reversible attachment system according to claim 15, wherein said reversible locking means (15) comprise a lever (15a), or a slider (15a'), movable between a locked position, in which the lever (15) or slider (15a') engages said second element

(11) to hold said first and second elements (10, 11) in said operative position of mutual attachment, and a position of disengagement from said second element (11) to allow said first element (10) and said second element (11) to relatively move away from said operative position of mutual attachment.

17. Reversible attachment system according to claim 16, wherein said lever (15a) comprises a selection guide (16) shaped to engage at least part of a projecting portion (18) of said second element (11) to prevent the relative movement between said first element (10) and said second element (11), when the first and the second elements are in said operative position of mutual attachment.

18. Foot ascender (50) for ascending a rope, comprising a main body (51) having at least one throat (51a) for the sliding of at least one rope (55) therein and at least one movable locking body (52), preferably movable in a rotatable way, for the switching between a first position for locking the rope and a second position for releasing the rope, characterized in that the first element (10) or the second element (11) of the reversible attachment system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims is constrained to, or made in one piece with, said foot ascender (50) for ascending a rope.

19. Shoe (60) characterized in that the first element (10) or the second element (11) of the reversible attachment system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, is constrained to said shoe (60) or made in one piece therewith.

20. Shoe (60) comprising at least one supporting element (62) to support the first element (10) or the second element (11) of the reversible attachment system according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for the attachment to the shoe, said supporting element (62) being constrained to at least one portion of the shoe or being made in one piece therewith, preferably next to at least one layer (61a, 61b, 61c) of the upper (61) of the shoe (60).

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21. Shoe (60) according to claim 20, wherein said supporting element (62) of said first element (10) or said second element (11) of said reversible attachment system for the attachment to the shoe, comprises a plate.

22. Shoe (60) characterized by comprising at least one hole (63), preferably a threaded hole, for connecting constraining means (12) to constrain the first element

(10) or the second element (11) of the reversible attachment system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for the attachment to the shoe.

23. Crampon (70) comprising a main body (71) preferably shaped so as to adapt to a user's leg, at least one connecting element (73) for connecting to the user and at least one tip (72) protruding from said main body, characterized in that the first element (10) or the second element (11) of the reversible attachment system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 is constrained to said crampon or made in one piece therewith.

24. Method for -reversibly attaching a foot ascender (50) for ascending a rope, to a device (60, 70) wearable and/or constrainable to a user, by means of a reversible attaching system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a first element (10) constrainable to the foot ascender (50) or made in one piece therewith, and a second element (11) constrainable to, or made in one piece with, said device (60, 70) wearable and/or constrainable to a user, or vice versa, the method comprising the step of inserting at least part of the first element (10) in at least one seat (1 la) of the second element (11) and relatively moving the first element (10) and the second element (11) to reach said at least one operative position of mutual attachment.

25. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) comprising a foot ascender (50) for ascending a rope and a device (60, 70) wearable and/or constrainable to a user, and a reversible attachment system (1) comprising a first element (10) and a second element (11) separated one from another and reversibly constrainable in at least one operative position of mutual attachment, said first element (10) being configured to be at least partially inserted in at least one seat (Ha) of said second element (11), and wherein said first element (10) and said second element (11) are relatively movable to reach said at least one operative

4 position of mutual attachment, and wherein said first element is constrainable to said foot ascender (50), or made in one piece with said foot ascender (50), and said second element (11) is constrainable to said device (60, 70) wearable and/or constrainable to a user, or is made in one piece with said device (60, 70) wearable and/or constrainable to a user, or vice versa, said foot ascender (50) being reversibly attachable to said device (60, 70) wearable and/or constrainable to a user by means of said reversible attachment system (1).

26. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to claim

25, wherein said device wearable and/or constrainable to a user is a shoe (60) or a crampon (70).

27. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to claim 25 or 26, wherein said foot ascender (50) comprises a main body (51) having at least one throat (51a) for the sliding of at least one rope (55) therein and at least one movable locking - body (52), preferably movable in a rotatable Way, for the switching between a first position for locking the rope and a second position for releasing the rope.

28. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to claim

26, wherein said shoe (60) comprises at least one supporting element (62) to support the first element (10) or the second element (11) of the reversible attachment system for the attachment to the shoe, said supporting element (62) being constrained to at least one portion of the shoe, or being made in one piece therewith, preferably next to at least one layer (61a, 61b, 61c) of the upper (61) of the shoe (60).

29. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to claim 28, wherein said supporting element (62) to support said first element (10) or said second element ( 11 ) to the shoe comprises a plate.

30. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein said shoe (60) comprises at least one hole (63), preferably a threaded hole, for connecting constraining means (12) to constrain the first element (10) or the second element (11) of the reversible attachment system (1) to the shoe.

31. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to any

5 one of claims 26 to 30, wherein said crampon (70) comprises a main body (71) preferably shaped so as to adapt to a user's leg, at least one connecting element (73) for connecting to the user and at least one tip (72) protruding from said main body, said first element (10) or said second element (11) of the reversible attachment system (1) being constrained to said main body (71) or made in one piece therewith.

32. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein the foot ascender (50) is reversibly attachable to said shoe (60), or said crampon (70), by means of said reversible attaching system (1), at the lateral portion of the shoe (60) or the crampon (70), preferably the lateral inner portion of the shoe (60) or the crampon (70).

33. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to any one of claims 25 to 32, wherein the configuration of said first element (10) substantially corresponds to the configuration of said second element (11) such that said first element (10) and said second element al 1) slide and/or rotate relatively, to reach said at least one operative position of mutual attachment.

34. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to any one of claims 25 to 33, wherein the configuration of said first element (10) substantially corresponds to the configuration of said second element (11) such that they relatively slide substantially along a direction (D) between said first element (10) and said second element (11), to reach said at least one operative position of mutual attachment.

35. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to claim 34, wherein said first element (10) cooperates with said second element (11) through a coupling corresponding to the guide-slider coupling, as they slide along a direction (D).

36. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to any one of claims 25 to 35, wherein said first element (10) and said second element (11) relatively move by sliding and/or rotating substantially within a plane.

37. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to any one of claims 25 to 36, wherein said first element (10) and said second element (11) are rigid.

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38. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to any one of claims 25 to 37, wherein said first element (10) comprises at least one head (10a) or at least one flange (10a') shaped to substantially correspond to said at least one seat (1 la) of said second element (11).

39. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to claim

38, wherein said first element (10) comprises at least one pivot (10b) on which said head (10a) is arranged.

40. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to any one of claims 25 to 39, wherein said first element (10) comprises at least one elongated head forming a projecting guide, preferably said projecting guide having substantially "T-shaped" section.

41. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to any one of claims 25 to 40, wherein said first element (10) comprises two or more heads (10a) cooperating with two or more corresponding seats (1 la) of the second element (11).

42. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to any one of claims 25 to 41, wherein said second element (11) comprises at least one plate on which said at least one seat (1 la) is obtained for the insertion of at least part of said first element (10).

43. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to any one of claims 25 to 42, wherein said at least one seat (1 la) of said second element (11) comprises at least one inlet portion (l ib) for at least part of said first element (10) and at least one attachment portion (11c) for at least part of said first element (10), said attachment portion (11c) having small size compared to said at least one inlet portion (l ib).

44. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to any one of claims 25 to 43, characterized by comprising constraining means (12, 12a) to constrain said first element (10) or said second element (11) to said foot ascender (50) for ascending a rope or to said device (60, 70) wearable and/or constrainable to a user, preferably said constraining means (12, 12a) being selected from at least one screw, at least one bolt, at least one belt.

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45. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to any one of claims 25 to 44, characterized by comprising reversible locking means (15) configured to reversibly lock said first element (10) and said second element (11) in said operative position of mutual attachment.

46. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to claim

45, wherein said reversible locking means (15) comprise a lever (15a), or a slider (15a'), movable between a locked position in which the lever (15) or slider (15a') engages said second element (11) to hold said first and second elements (10, 11) in said operative position of mutual attachment, and a position of disengagement from said second element (11) to allow said first element (10) and said second element (11) to relatively move away from said operative position of mutual attachment.

47. Climb system (100) to ascend along one or more ropes (55) according to claim

46, wherein said lever (15a) comprises a selection guide (16) shaped to engage at least part of a projecting portion (18) of said second element (11) to prevent the relative movement between said first element (10) and said second element (11), when the first and the second elements are in said operative position of mutual attachment.

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