Releasable Cover for Climbing Hanger Device

Abstract

The invention relates to a releasable cover for a climbing hanger device such as a climbing hanger plate (28) having an aperture (36) therein which facilitates attachment of a climbing accessory such as a karabiner to the device. A cover (100) for the climbing hanger plate (28) is disclosed which releasably engages the climbing hanger plate (28) to at least partially cover the aperture (36), to thereby prevent a climber from inserting a digit into the aperture (36). This prevents accidental trauma associated with inappropriate use of climbing hanger devices of this type in the event of a fall.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [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. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, as illustrated in FIG. 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 degloving, breakage and / or soft tissue trauma.

Such disadvantages also exist in relation to other types of climbing hanger devices, such as those used with fall arrest equipment on buildings.

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