[0001] The present invention relates to a releasable cover for a climbing hanger device.
In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a releasable
cover for at least partially covering an aperture provided in a climbing hanger device
by which climbing accessories are attached to the device.
[0002] In the field of climbing, a wide range of equipment is utilised to assist in the
safe ascent and descent of a rock face. Such equipment is also utilised on artificial
climbing structures, such as artificial rock walls, which are used by climbers to
practise rock climbing and, in particular, to simulate different climbing challenges.
[0003] Generally speaking, two main climbing styles are employed both in real and artificial
climbing environments. In a first climbing style, a first or 'lead' climber ascending
a rock face couples a safety rope (which is tied to a harness worn by the climber)
to climbing hanger devices, in the form of climbing hanger plates, secured in the
rock face. The safety rope is coupled to the hanger plates using couplings known as
karabiners, and supports the climber in the event of a fall. In more detail, the lead
climber couples a first safety rope karabiner to a first hanger plate in the rock
face, which is located around the level of the lead climber's head. The climber then
ascends and secures a second karabiner to a second hanger plate provided in the rock
face at a higher location. This process continues as necessary until the top of the
rock face is reached. During the ascent, the lead climber is supported from below
by a second climber or 'belayer', who holds the safety rope and pays out sufficient
slack to enable the lead climber to ascend, and bears the weight of the lead climber
in the event of a fall. This technique is employed in real climbing environments,
where a 'sport route' has been previously set in a rock face, which is defined by
a path of hanger plates secured in the rock face, and in artificial environments,
where the hanger plates are secured to an artificial wall.
[0004] In a second climbing style known as 'top-roping', a hanger plate is coupled at or
near the top of a rock or artificial wall face, and a climber is coupled to the hanger
plate by a safety rope in the fashion described above. The climber is supported during
his ascent by a belayer who takes up slack in the rope, and bears the weight of the
climber in the event of a fall. Top-roping is particularly prevalent with beginners
and in relatively permanent climbing structures, such as artificial climbing walls.
[0005] Many different types of climbing hanger plates exist, manufactured by a wide range
of different companies. However, each is of generally similar structure. One such
hanger plate is shown in the attached Figure 1, and comprises an angled plate A having
a portion B which is secured to the rock or wall face using an anchor bolt or the
like (not shown), and a portion C having an aperture D which forms a loop in the plate
by which a coupling such as a karabiner (not shown) is coupled to the plate A. The
aperture D must be sufficiently large to enable easy coupling of the karabiner to
the plate A. The hanger plate A is shown in Figure 2 secured to an artificial climbing
wall E of a type having a number of artificial hand/foot holds, two of which are shown
and given the references F and G.
[0006] Unfortunately, as illustrated in Figure 2, there is a tendency for these hanger plates
to be used as finger holds or grips, particularly by children, and especially when
ascending an artificial climbing wall in a top-roping procedure, which uses only one
plate at the top of the wall. This is because, in such circumstances, the hanger plates
secured along the route of the climber are not utilised for coupling of the safety
rope to the wall face. Whilst this can aid the climber in ascending the wall, it has
been found that this can lead to severe finger trauma in the event of a fall. This
is because, should the climber slip and fall at a time when their finger H is inserted
through the aperture D in the plate A, a sudden load is applied to the finger H which
can lead to de-gloving, breakage and/or soft tissue trauma.
[0007] Such disadvantages also exist in relation to other types of climbing hanger devices,
such as those used with fall arrest equipment on buildings. For example, modern United
Kingdom Health and Safety laws require climbing hanger devices such as eye-bolts to
be provided on buildings, so that users may secure themselves to the building using
fall arrest equipment. This enables safe access to, for example, clean windows at
height on the building.
[0008] It is amongst the objects of embodiments of the present invention to obviate or mitigate
at least one of the foregoing disadvantages.
[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a releasable
cover for a climbing hanger device of a type having an aperture therein which facilitates
attachment of a climbing accessory to the device, the cover adapted to releasably
engage the climbing hanger device to at least partially cover the aperture, to thereby
prevent insertion of a digit into the aperture.
[0010] By providing a cover which releasably engages a climbing hanger device to at least
partially cover an aperture in the device, thereby preventing insertion of a digit
(a finger or thumb) of a climber into the aperture, the invention prevents accidental
trauma associated with inappropriate use of climbing hanger devices. Additionally,
the invention provides a cover which is releasably engageable with a climbing hanger
device, so that the cover may be released from the device when not required, for example,
when full access to the device is required, such as to couple a climbing accessory
to the device.
[0011] In preferred embodiments, the cover is for a climbing hanger device in the form of
a climbing hanger plate. The climbing hanger plate is typically an angled plate having
an anchor portion adapted to be secured to a rock or wall face using an anchor bolt
or the like, and a coupling portion extending from the face at an angle (non-parallel)
to the anchor portion, the coupling portion having an aperture which forms a loop
by which a climbing accessory is coupled to the plate. It will be understood, however,
that the climbing hanger device may be any device of a type which provides an anchor
in a rock or wall face (whether real or artificial) capable of supporting the load
of a climber through associated climbing accessories. Indeed, it will also be understood
that the climbing accessory may be any suitable accessory desired to be coupled to
the device, but typically takes the form of a karabiner, loop bolt or the like which
facilitates coupling of a safety rope to the rock or wall face.
[0012] In preferred embodiments, the cover comprises a first cover element and at least
one further cover element, the first and further cover elements adapted to releasably
engage the climbing hanger device to thereby at least partially cover the aperture
in the device. Where the climbing hanger device comprises a plate having a coupling
portion defining the aperture, the first and further cover elements may be adapted
to straddle the coupling portion.
[0013] The first and further cover elements may be adapted to be directly releasably coupled
together, to thereby indirectly releasably engage the climbing hanger device. Thus
by coupling the first and further cover elements to one-another, the cover may releasably
engage the device. The first and further cover elements may be connected by a hinge,
arm, linkage, connector or the like, and may be connected in a clam-shell type arrangement.
This may assist in preventing separation and loss of one of the cover elements.
[0014] In embodiments of the invention, the first cover element may comprise a first engaging
member and the further cover element may comprise a further engaging member, the first
and further engaging members adapted to be releasably coupled together to thereby
releasably engage the cover with the climbing hanger device. The first and further
engaging members may be adapted to be coupled together in a push (interference) fit
or snap fit, and may thus be shaped to engage in a push or snap fit. One of the first
and further engaging members may be a male member and the other a female member, the
male and female members cooperating for releasably coupling the cover elements together.
One or both of the first and further engaging members may be adapted to extend through
the aperture of the device, to thereby releasably engage the cover to the device.
[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the first and further cover elements may be adapted
to be directly releasably coupled to the device. The first and further cover elements
may each comprise a respective engaging member shaped to engage the device. For example,
each cover element may comprise an engaging member shaped to engage within the device
aperture, such as through an interference fit with a side wall of the aperture, and/or
may be shaped to extend through the aperture and to engage with a surface of the part
of the device in which the aperture is formed. In a variation, where the climbing
hanger device comprises a plate having a coupling portion defining the aperture, the
first and further cover elements may each comprise an engaging element shaped to engage
with or around at least part of an outer edge of the coupling portion of the device.
[0016] At least one of the first and further engaging members may be shaped to have an outer
perimeter matching a perimeter of the aperture. This may provide a close fit of the
engaging member(s) in the aperture, to prevent unwanted movement of the cover, in
use.
[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the cover may comprise a body adapted to engage around
at least a part of the device, to thereby close the aperture. For example, I the body
may comprise a slot, channel or the like shaped to engage the device in an interference
fit, snap fit or the like, and may comprise at least one engaging member for releasably
engaging in the aperture of the device. Additionally or alternatively, where the climbing
hanger device comprises a plate having a coupling portion defining the aperture, the
slot may be shaped for engaging with or around at least part of an outer edge of the
coupling portion of the device.
[0018] Preferably, the cover is shaped to cover the entire aperture of the device. However,
it will be understood that the cover need only be shaped to cover a sufficient portion
of the aperture so as to prevent insertion of a digit of a climber into the aperture.
By providing a cover which covers a part or portion of the aperture (whilst preventing
insertion of a climber's digit into the aperture), a part or area of the aperture
may be left open for access of, for example, a safety rope, karabiner, or other climbing
accessory shaped to fit the open area.
[0019] The cover may have an outer perimeter shaped to match a perimeter of the aperture.
The cover may therefore be provided as a plug for closing the aperture.
[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a releasable
cover for a climbing hanger device of a type having an aperture therein which facilitates
attachment of a climbing accessory to the device, the cover comprising first and second
cover elements, the first and second cover elements adapted to releasably engage the
climbing hanger device to thereby cover and close the aperture.
[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional climbing hanger device in the form
of a climbing hanger plate;
Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the climbing hanger plate of Figure 1
mounted on an artificial climbing wall of a conventional type;
Figure 3 is a front view of a releasable cover for a climbing hanger device in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention, the device shown in Figure 3 in an open
configuration prior to engagement with a climbing hanger device;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a releasable cover for a climbing hanger device
in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, shown from
a first angle and illustrated engaged with a climbing hanger device;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cover and climbing hanger device of Figure 4
taken from an alternative angle;
Figures 6 and 7 are front and plan views, respectively, of the cover and climbing
hanger device of Figure 4;
Figure 8 is a plan view of a releasable cover for a climbing hanger device in accordance
with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, shown engaged with
a climbing hanger device;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of a releasable cover for a climbing hanger device
in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention, the device
shown in Figure 9 in an open configuration prior to engagement with a climbing hanger
device; and
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a releasable cover for a climbing hanger device
in accordance with a yet further alternative embodiment of the present invention,
shown engaged with a climbing hanger device.
[0022] Turning firstly to Figure 3, there is shown a releasable cover for a climbing hanger
device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the releasable cover
indicated generally by reference numeral 10, and shown in the Figure in an open configuration
prior to engagement with a climbing hanger device such as the device A shown in Figure
1.
[0023] The releasable cover 10 is adapted to releasably engage the climbing hanger device
A to at least partially cover the aperture D and thereby prevent insertion of a digit
such as the finger H of a climber into the aperture D. In this fashion, accidental
trauma in the event of a fall from the artificial climbing wall E of Figure 2 is prevented,
as the climber is unable to insert his finger H into the aperture D following engagement
of the cover 10 with the hanger plate A.
[0024] The cover 10 generally comprises a first cover element 12 and a further cover element
in the form of a second cover element 14, which is connected to the first cover element
12 in a clam-shell type arrangement by virtue of a hinge 16. The first and second
cover elements 12 and 14 are shaped to engage around and straddle the coupling portion
C of the hanger plate A and are generally elliptical in shape, and curved in cross-section,
to provide a smooth, contoured shape which prevents a climber from gaining a foot
or hand hold during ascent or descent of the climbing wall E.
[0025] The first cover element 12 includes a first, female engaging member 18 which is generally
oval in shape and the second cover 14 includes a second, male engaging member 20,
which is shaped to cooperate with the female member 18 in a push or interference fit.
Additionally, the female and male engaging members 18 and 20 are shaped to closely
fit within the aperture D of the hanger plate A, and thus outer perimeters 22 and
24 of the respective female and male members 18 and 20 are shaped to correspond with
a perimeter of the aperture D. In this fashion, a close-fit is provided when the cover
10 is engaged with the hanger plate A.
[0026] The cover 10 is engaged with the hanger plate A as follows. With the cover 10 in
the open configuration shown in Figure 3, the cover 10 is fitted around the coupling
portion C such that the coupling portion is received in an opening 26 defined between
the first and second cover elements 12 and 14. The female and male engaging members
18 and 20 are aligned with the aperture D, and the cover elements 12 and 14 are then
brought together, pivoting about the hinge 16. This brings the female and male engaging
members 18 and 20 into engagement, extending through the aperture D. The female and
male engaging members 18 and 20 are pushed together in a tight fit, thereby clamping
the cover elements 12 and 14 around the coupling portion C of the plate A, closing
the aperture D. It will be understood that, in a closed configuration of the cover
10, a spacing is provided between the first and second cover elements 12 and 14 which
is equivalent to the width of the coupling portion C. With the cover 10 releasably
engaged to the plate A, it is no longer possible for a climber to insert his or her
finger H into the aperture D during ascent or descent of the climbing wall E.
[0027] When it is desired to release the cover 10 from the hanger plate A, for example,
if it is desired to couple a climbing accessory such as a karabiner to the plate A,
the cover plates 12 and 14 are levered open using a blade, screwdriver or the like,
to release the female and male engaging members 18 and 20 from engagement. The cover
10 may then be fully opened and removed from the plate A. The cover 10 is typically
of a plastics material having a degree of resilience such that the hinge 16 may be
provided as a living hinge. However, it will be understood that alternative suitable
materials may be employed.
[0028] Turning now to Figure 4, there is shown a releasable cover in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention, the cover indicated generally by
reference numeral 100. The cover 100 is illustrated in the Figure from a first perspective
angle, and is shown coupled to an alternative climbing hanger plate 28. The cover
100 is also shown in the further perspective view of Figure 5, which is taken from
a different angle to the view of Figure 4, as well as in the front and plan views
of Figs 6 and 7. The cover 100 of Figures 4 to 7 is of similar construction to the
cover 10 of Figure 3, and like components share the same reference numerals, incremented
by 100.
[0029] It will be noted that the plate 28 shown in Figs 4 to 7 is of similar construction
to the plate A shown in Figure 1, but that the overall shape and dimensions of the
plate 28 are slightly different. In a similar fashion to the plate A, the plate 28
includes an anchor portion 30 for securing the plate 28 to a wall, such as the artificial
wall E shown in Figure 2, by an anchor bolt (not shown) extending through a bolt hole
32. The plate 28 also includes a coupling portion 34 defining an aperture 36 for a
climbing accessory. Only the differences between the cover 100 of Figures 4 to 7 and
the cover 10 of Figure 3 will be described herein in detail.
[0030] In addition to being of similar shape and construction to the cover 10 of Figure
3, the cover 100 is engaged and disengaged with the plate 28 in the same way as the
cover 10 is with the plate A. Accordingly, the cover 100 is engaged with the plate
coupling portion 34 by aligning female and male engaging members 118 and 120 on cover
elements 112 and 114, respectively, with the aperture 36, before coupling the engaging
members together. However, the cover 100 is more closely shaped to match the hanger
plate 28 and, as shown in particular in the view of Figure 5, includes a flat front
face 38 shaped to define an abutment surface for abutting a face 40 of the anchor
portion 28. This provides a more secure coupling of the cover 10 to the plate 28,
by restricting movement of the cover 100 relative to the coupling portion 34.
[0031] Turning now to Figure 8, there is shown a plan view of a releasable cover in accordance
with a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, the cover indicated
generally by reference numeral 200. The cover 200 is shown coupled to a climbing hanger
plate such as the plate 28 of Figure 4. The cover 200 is of similar construction to
the cover 10 of Figure 3, and like components share the same reference numerals, incremented
by 200. The cover 200 differs from the cover 10 in that it includes cover elements
212 and 214 which are not coupled together by a hinge, but provided as separate components.
The cover elements 212 and 214 define female and male portions 218 and 220 which define
engaging structures that releasably engage within the aperture 36 of the plate 28,
for coupling the cover 200 to the plate 28.
[0032] Turning now to Figure 9, there is shown a perspective view of a releasable cover
in accordance with a still further alternative embodiment of the present invention,
the cover indicated generally by reference numeral 300. The cover 300 is shown prior
to coupling to a climbing hanger plate such as the plate 28 of Figure 4. Like components
of the cover 300 of Figure 9 with the cover 10 of Figure 3 share the same reference
numerals, incremented by 300.
[0033] The cover 300 is provided as a single-piece structure, comprising a hollow cover
element 312 having a flat front face 338 in which a slot 42 is formed. The slot 42
is shaped to receive the coupling portion 34 of the plate 28, for mounting the cover
300 on the plate 28. An engaging element in the form of a resilient tab 44 is provided
within the cover element 312, which engages within the aperture 36 in the plate coupling
portion 34, for releasably securing the cover 300 to the plate 28.
[0034] Turning finally to Figure 10, there is shown a perspective view of a releasable cover
in accordance with a still further alternative embodiment of the present invention,
the cover indicated generally by reference numeral 400. The cover 400 is shown coupled
to a climbing hanger plate such as the plate 28 of Figure 4. The cover 400 of Figure
10 is of similar construction to the cover 10 of Figure 3, and like components share
the same reference numerals, incremented by 400. In fact, the cover 400 is of the
same basic structure as the cover 100 of Figure 4, save that the cover includes an
aperture 46 which extends through the cover element 414, through the cover plate aperture
36 and through the other cover element (not shown). This aperture 46 permits a karabiner
or the like to be coupled to the plate even when the cover 400 is mounted on the plate.
However, the aperture 46 is shaped such that it is too small to permit or encourage
a climber to insert his or her finger during climbing.
[0035] Various modifications may be made to the foregoing without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention.
[0036] For example, the climbing hanger device may be any device of a type which provides
an anchor in a rock or wall face (whether real or artificial) capable of supporting
the load of a climber through associated climbing accessories, or indeed in the wall
of a building. The climbing accessory may be any suitable, alternative accessory desired
to be coupled to the device, such as loop bolt or the like, which facilitates coupling
of a safety rope to a rock, wall or building face.
[0037] The first and further cover elements may be adapted to be directly releasably coupled
to the device. The first and further cover elements may each comprise a respective
engaging member shaped to engage the device. For example, each cover element may comprise
an engaging member shaped to engage within the device aperture, such as through an
interference fit with a side wall of the aperture, and/or may be shaped to extend
through the aperture and to engage with a surface of the part of the device in which
the aperture is formed. In a variation, the first and further cover elements may each
comprise an engaging element shaped to engage with or around at least part of an outer
edge of the coupling portion of the device.
[0038] At least one of the first and further engaging members may be shaped to have an outer
perimeter matching a perimeter of the aperture. This may provide a close fit of the
engaging member(s) in the aperture, to prevent unwanted movement of the cover, in
use.
[0039] Where the climbing hanger device comprises a plate having a coupling portion defining
the aperture, and the cover a slot for receiving the device, the slot may be shaped
for engaging with or around at least part of an outer edge of the coupling portion
of the device.
[0040] The cover may be shaped to cover a sufficient portion of the aperture so as to prevent
insertion of a digit of a climber into the aperture. By providing a cover which covers
a part or portion of the aperture (whilst preventing insertion of a climber's digit
into the aperture), a part or area of the aperture may be left open for access of,
for example, a safety rope, karabiner, or other climbing accessory shaped to fit the
open area.
[0041] The cover may have an outer perimeter shaped to match a perimeter of the aperture.
The cover may therefore be provided as a plug for closing the aperture.
1. A releasable cover for a climbing hanger device of a type having an aperture therein
which facilitates attachment of a climbing accessory to the device, the cover adapted
to releasably engage the climbing hanger device to at least partially cover the aperture,
to thereby prevent insertion of a digit into the aperture.
2. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a first cover element and
at least one further cover element, the first and further cover elements adapted to
releasably engage the climbing hanger device to thereby at least partially cover the
aperture in the device.
3. A cover as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cover is for an angled climbing hanger
plate having an anchor portion adapted to be secured to a rock or wall face and a
coupling portion extending from the face at an angle to the anchor portion, the coupling
portion having an aperture which forms a loop for coupling of a climbing accessory
to the plate, and wherein the first and further cover elements are adapted to straddle
the coupling portion.
4. A cover as claimed in either of claims 2 or 3, wherein the first and further cover
elements are adapted to be directly releasably coupled together, to thereby indirectly
releasably engage the climbing hanger device.
5. A cover as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first and further cover
elements are connected by a hinge.
6. A cover as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first and further cover elements are connected
in a clam-shell type arrangement.
7. A cover as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first cover element comprises
a first engaging member and the further cover element comprises a further engaging
member, the first and further engaging members adapted to be releasably coupled together
to thereby releasably engage the cover with the climbing hanger device.
8. A cover as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first and further engaging members are
adapted to be coupled together in a push fit.
9. A cover as claimed in either of claims 7 or 8, wherein one of the first and further
engaging members is a male member and the other a female member, the male and female
members cooperating for releasably coupling the cover elements together.
10. A cover as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein at least one of the first
and further engaging members is adapted to extend through the aperture of the device,
to thereby releasably engage the cover to the device.
11. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a first cover element and
at least one further cover element, the first and further cover elements adapted to
be directly releasably coupled to the device.
12. A cover as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first and further cover elements each
comprise a respective engaging member shaped to engage the device.
13. A cover as claimed in claim 12, wherein each cover element engaging member is shaped
to engage within the device aperture.
14. A cover as claimed in either of claims 12 or 13, wherein at least one of the cover
element engaging members is shaped to extend through the device aperture and to engage
with a surface of the part of the device in which the aperture is formed.
15. A cover as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein at least one of the first
and further engaging members is shaped to have an outer perimeter matching a perimeter
of the aperture.
16. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover is for an angled climbing hanger
plate having an anchor portion adapted to be secured to a rock or wall face and a
coupling portion extending from the face at an angle to the anchor portion, the coupling
portion having an aperture which forms a loop for coupling of a climbing accessory
to the plate, and wherein the cover comprises a first cover element and at least one
further cover element, the cover elements each comprising an engaging element shaped
to engage around at least part of an outer edge of the coupling portion of the device.
17. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a body having a slot shaped
to receive the device and at least one engaging member for releasably engaging in
the aperture of the device.
18. A cover as claimed in claim 17, wherein the cover is for an angled climbing hanger
plate having an anchor portion adapted to be secured to a rock or wall face and a
coupling portion extending from the face at an angle to the anchor portion, the coupling
portion having an aperture which forms a loop for coupling of a climbing accessory
to the plate, and wherein the slot is shaped for engaging around at least part of
an outer edge of the coupling portion of the device.
19. A cover as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cover is shaped to cover the
entire aperture of the device.
20. A cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the cover is shaped to cover
a sufficient portion of the aperture so as to prevent insertion of a digit of a climber
into the aperture.
21. A cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover has an outer perimeter shaped to
match a perimeter of the aperture.
22. A releasable cover for a climbing hanger device of a type having an aperture therein
which facilitates attachment of a climbing accessory to the device, the cover comprising
first and second cover elements, the first and second cover elements adapted to releasably
engage the climbing hanger device to thereby cover and close the aperture.