AU2016202264B2 - Climbing tool - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract. A tool to assist in the release of captive devices associated with rock climbing, said tool including an elongate body (1) and a movable hammer (2) said hammer movable via a bias (3) between a first retracted position against said bias and a second released position whereupon said hammer is caused to impact said body and therein provide a striking action to assistance in release of said captive devices. LC)

Description

Title.

Climbing Tool

Introduction and background to invention.

This invention relates to rock climbing and in particular to a tool to assist a rock climber in the removal of various captive safety devices lodged into rock crevices during climbing.

Rock climbing often involves the climber moving over difficult and dangerous terrain including steep rocky outcrops where foot and hand holds may be minimal. The climber may require assistance to allow them to move over the rock surface or security safety ropes in the event of a slip or fall.

One method of providing such assistance is the provision of jam nuts, chocks and other safety devices which the climber places into an available rock crevice. Such devices can then be used directly by the climber (aid climbing) or used to attach safety ropes for security as the climber moves about.

The climber removes the devices once they have served their purpose. The removal of devices that have been placed into crevices, particularly the removal of devices that have been used to catch a falling climber or used in aid climbing and wedged very tightly into the rock can present a challenge.

To date climbers have available a range of passive tools to assist in the removal of such devices including a range of hammering tools of the like described in US Patent 4,108,026. However, the use of such passive tools requires the climber to apply the striker end of the tool to hit captive device, usually single handed, in an attempt to hammer the captive device free. The ability of a climber to accurately use such passive tools is limited and can even tempt the climber into difficulties and put them off balance during removal efforts.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved climbing tool.

Statement of Invention.

In a first embodiment the invention provides a tool to assist in the release of captive devices associated with rock climbing, said tool including an elongate body and a movable hammer said hammer movable via a bias between a first retracted position against said bias and a second released position whereupon said hammer is caused to impact said body and therein provide a striking action to assistance in release of said captive devices.

The hammer may be captively held to said body.

The hammer is preferably lockable in said first position.

The body may include an elongate hammer channel to guide said hammer along the partial length of said body between said first and second positions.

The hammer channel may include a hammer / bias guide to receive and guide said hammer and said bias means.

The hammer channel may include a hammer catch positioned to lock said hammer in said first position.

The captive hammer may have sufficient lateral movement within said hammer channel to allow said hammer to co-operate with said catch and lock in said first position.

The hammer channel may include a protruding fulcrum positioned to allow said hammer to pivot between a locked and unlocked position whilst in said first retracted position.

The body may include a head at a first end thereof and a handle region at a second end thereof.

The head may include a striker and an internally positioned hook.

The striker may include serrated teeth.

Detailed description of invention.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to one particularly preferred embodiment as shown in the figures and accompanying legend.

Fig 1 shows the assembled tool in side view.

Fig 2 shows the assembled tool in plan view.

Fig 3 shows the tool body in side view.

Fig 4 shows the hammer portion of the tool

Legend 1. Body 2. Flammer 3. Bias 4. Flammer Channel 5. Flammer Catch 6. Flammer Release Fulcrum 7. Flead 8. Flandle Region 9. Striker 10. Hook 11. Teeth 12. Finger Grips 13. Hammer Impact Rest 14. Hammer / Bias Guide 15. Attachment Eye 16. Hammer Upper Channel 17. Hammer Lower Channel

Referring now to the figures and legend the tool body is sized and configured for ease of use in one hand of the climber.

The body 1 of the tool is of elongate slim construction as shown in figures one and two in the general shape of prior art tools used for the same purpose of dislodging any one of a range of climbing devices lodged into rock crevices by climbers in the usual course of climbing.

However, in contrast to prior art tools the tool of the invention includes an integral hammer and striking mechanism designed to apply an impact force to the head 7 of the tool as it is "passively" applied to the object to be dislodged; the "active" generation and application of the striking force being provided by the integral hammer and bias.

The body 1 of the tool includes a captive hammer 2 positioned for telescopic movement along a portion of the body length. The hammer is guided along its path by capture within a hammer channel 4 formed within the body and running the length of travel required for the hammer.

The hammer channel includes a hammer/bias guide 14 positioned with in and parallel to the hammer channel 4 .The hammer/bias guide functions to control the longitudinal and lateral movement of the hammer in addition to housing a bias means 3 acting against the hammer. The bias means is preferably a compression spring

In this manner the hammer can move between a first retracted position pulled against the bias 3 (not shown) and a second released position (as shown in figure one and two) where the hammer is caused to impact against the body 1 at the end of the hammer channel 4 forming the hammer impact rest 13

The sharp impact of the hammer against the impact rest 13 is transmitted through the body 1 to the head region 9. The head 9 of the tool is provided with terminal serrated teeth 11 to assist in accurate and positive placement of the tool against the device requiring dislodgement

In this manner the tool of the invention can be carefully and accurately positioned by the climber and caused to apply a controlled impact strike to the jammed device with the aim of causing dislodgment.

The "loading" of the tool is assisted by incorporating a locking mechanism for the hammer in the form of hammer catch 5. The hammer catch is preferably a notch in the upper side of the hammer channel. The hammer 2 as shown in figure four includes an upper channel 16 and lower channel 17 which engage either side of the hammer channel 4. The hammer / bias guide 14 forms an extension of the lower part of the hammer channel 4 providing scope for the hammer to move along the full length of the hammer channel 4 whilst being held captive within the channel. The sizing of the hammer upper and lower channels allows a degree of compliance and lateral movement of the hammer within the captive confines of the tool body 1. The lateral compliance of the hammer allows the hammer to be drawn back against the bias and tilted up to lock against the hammer catch 5. A fulcrum 6 is provided in the upper side of the hammer channel about half way along the length of the hammer when fully retracted to further assist in the pivotal tilting and locking of the hammer against the bias.

In this manner the tool can be "loaded" by the climber prior to use and allow free single handed use of the tool.

The release of the hammer is affected by the tilting of the loaded hammer to the reverse side of the fulcrum thereby tilting the hammer away from the catch 5 and releasing the hammer to freely strike the hammer impact rest 13 under the action of the bias.

The incorporation of an integral hammer provides the tool of the invention with many advantages over prior art tools. Importantly, the tool of the invention can be accurately positioned and held onto the captive device to be dislodged. Once the hammer is released the controlled impact is accurately applied to the captive device to maximise the available force of the tool to assist in removal or dislodging of the captive device.

The use of an integral bias to apply the required impact force to the tool avoids the climber having to manually strike the tool against the captive device which can be problematic and difficult for a climber to execute at the best of times and particularly hazardous if the climber is suspended from ropes or in an otherwise precarious position.

The tool of the invention provides a greatly improved function over the prior art tools along with greatly improved safety.

The invention has been described with reference to one particularly preferred embodiment only and is not to be taken as limited thereto.

Claims (10)

1. Claims

   1. A tool to assist in the release of captive devices associated with rock climbing, said tool including an elongate body and a movable hammer said hammer movable via a bias between a first retracted position against said bias and a second released position whereupon said hammer is caused to impact said body and therein provide a striking action to assistance in release of said captive devices.
2. 2. A tool according to claiml wherein said hammer is captivity held to said body.
3. 3. A tool according to claim2 wherein said hammer is held by a hammer/bias guide positioned in said body within a hammer channel formed longitudinally within said body.
4. 4. A tool according to claim3 wherein said hammer is lockable in said first position.
5. 5. A tool according to claim4 wherein said body includes a hammer catch positioned to lock said hammer in said first position.
6. 6. A tool according to claim5 wherein said captive hammer has sufficient lateral movement within said channel to allow said hammer to co-operate with said catch and lock in said first position.
7. 7. A tool according to any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein said hammer channel includes a protruding fulcrum positioned to allow said hammer to pivot between said locked and said unlocked positions whilst in said first retracted position.
8. 8. A tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said body includes a head at a first end thereof and a handle region at a second end thereof.
9. 9. A tool according to claim8 wherein said head includes a striker and an internally positioned hook.
10. 10. A tool according to claim 9 wherein said head includes a serrated tooth section.