Recyclable and removable climbing grip for artificial climbing structures and artificial structure equipped with said grip

Abstract

A recyclable climbing grip (3) for artificial climbing structures, characterized in that it comprises a body (4) made of a composition including at least one thermoplastic material.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a removable climbing hold for an artificial climbing structure. The invention also relates to an artificial climbing structure comprising said climbing hold. Finally, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing said climbing hold. [Background technology]

[0002] Artificial climbing structures, also known as climbing "walls", usually consist of a wall with removable artificial holds fixed to its surface to form routes of varying difficulty, allowing users to move along the structure.

[0003] Artificial holds are usually obtained by moulding thermosetting materials, in particular resins or resin concrete, which makes them non-recyclable.

[0004] Furthermore, mechanical and / or chemical treatments such as flaming, sandblasting or chemical erosion are combined with the application of one or more coating layers, for example a resin coating covered with sand and / or silica, on the outer surface of at least one of such holds that comes into contact with the user's limbs, in order to generate a rough surface with suitable adhesion for climbing. Such resins also have the disadvantage that they are not recyclable.

[0005] One of the major constraints in the manufacture of climbing holds is the safety of the climber. Indeed, it is essential to limit the risk that the climbing holds will break due to their wear, due to their use or due to the impacts they are subjected to, for example due to a fall or due to their handling. In this respect, it is known to manufacture climbing holds with a solid body that is stiffer and stronger. However, such holds are heavy, which increases the risk if they break. Furthermore, due to their weight, the handling and installation of such holds on artificial structures becomes more complicated. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made against this background and aims to propose a removable hold for artificial climbing structures, which is made from at least one thermoplastic material that allows it to be recycled and is also robust so that it can withstand repeated stresses.The invention further aims to propose a lighter alternative to existing climbing holds.The invention further aims to propose a method for manufacturing such a hold, which advantageously makes it possible to omit subsequent surface treatments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a removable climbing hold for an artificial climbing structure, characterized in that it comprises a body made of a composition comprising at least one thermoplastic material, in particular the composition may comprise at least 50% of at least one thermoplastic material or a mixture of thermoplastic materials.

[0008] In one embodiment, the majority of the body, ie at least 50% of the body, may have a thickness of 8 mm or more, in particular 10 mm or more.

[0009] In another embodiment, the body has a solid monoblock shape and the majority of the body, i.e. at least 50% of the body, may have a thickness of 5 mm or more, in particular 8 mm or more, or even 10 mm or more. In particular, the hold may include at least one through opening extending through the body and configured to receive at least one means for fixing the hold.

[0010] In another embodiment, the body may have a hollow monoblock shape. Such a hold may in particular include at least one through opening extending through the body and configured to receive at least one means for fixing the hold.

[0011] Regardless of the embodiment employed, all or a portion of the first surface of the body configured to contact the user's limb may comprise at least one grained area, said at least one grained area being made essentially, i.e. over at least 50% of its surface, of at least one thermoplastic material.

[0012] In particular, for the composition of the body of the holder, the at least one thermoplastic material may be selected from thermoplastic polyurethanes, copolyester thermoplastic elastomers, polyamide thermoplastic elastomers, styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polyolefins, polyacrylics, polycarbonates, polyphenylene sulfides, and / or polymethacrylates.

[0013] Furthermore, the composition of the body may comprise at least one charge, in particular a recyclable charge, and / or at least one auxiliary agent chosen from colorants or pigments, plasticizers, swelling agents and / or UV-resistant agents. In particular, the composition may consist of at least 50% of at least one thermoplastic material or a mixture of thermoplastic materials, 0-15% or even 1-10% of at least one auxiliary agent and / or 0-30% or even 1-20% of at least one filler.

[0014] The at least one auxiliary agent may in particular be a swelling agent selected from citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, azodicarbonamide (ADC), oxy-bisbenzenesulfonylhydrazide (OBSH), toluenesulfonylhydrazide (TSH), water, and / or plastic microspheres containing a gas, in particular carbon dioxide, isobutane, isooctane, isopentane, and / or pentane.

[0015] The at least one filler may be selected from calcium carbonate, talc, mica, glass, natural mineral fillers, and / or natural vegetable fillers.

[0016] The invention also relates to an artificial climbing structure comprising at least one wall and at least one climbing hold according to the invention attached and fixed to said wall.

[0017] The invention finally proposes a method for manufacturing such climbing holds for an artificial climbing structure, comprising a step of injection, intrusion and / or coextrusion at low pressure, in particular from 0 to 200 bar inclusive, or even from 0 to 75 bar inclusive or from 0 to 50 bar inclusive, of a composition comprising at least one thermoplastic material into a flexible mould, in particular a mould made of an elastomeric material or of rubber.

[0018] Other details, features and advantages will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description given below, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the various embodiments illustrated in the following figures: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an artificial climbing structure according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a hold according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second example of the hold according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third example of the hold according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a hold according to a second embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] In Fig. 1 an embodiment of an artificial climbing structure 1 is depicted in a schematic manner. The structure 1 comprises one or more walls 2, made for example of wood or artificial wood, rock, brick, concrete, metal and / or synthetic materials such as thermosetting, thermoplastic or elastomeric resins, with or without additives and / or aids. The structure 1 may have different inclinations, for example up to 90° with respect to the vertical. The structure 1 further comprises at least one removable climbing hold 3, attached and fixed to said wall 2. The structure 1 preferably comprises a number of holds 3, in particular arranged to define a number of routes of different difficulty levels.

[0021] 2 to 5 depict various alternative embodiments of a removable climbing hold 3 according to the invention.

[0022] Generally speaking, the climbing hold 3 according to the invention comprises a body 4 made of a composition comprising at least one thermoplastic material. By "thermoplastic" material is meant a plastic material which, when heated to a predetermined temperature, becomes malleable and can be injected into a mould of suitable shape and, when cooled, becomes solid and acquires the structural characteristics of an injection moulded part. Furthermore, the invention can be applied to a body 4 whose composition comprises several thermoplastic materials, for example with different mechanical properties, in particular stiffness properties. In particular, the composition can comprise at least 50% of at least one thermoplastic material or a mixture of thermoplastic materials.

[0023] Depending on the type of hold 3 required, the body 4 may have various shapes. The body 4 has in particular a first surface 401, adapted for contact with a user's limb, for example a hand, one or more fingers, or even a foot, and a second surface 402, opposite the first surface 401, adapted for at least partial contact, in particular for bearing engagement, with the wall 2 of the artificial structure 1. In other words, the second surface 402 is not visible to the user. In particular, all or part of the first surface 401 may include one or more grained areas, which will be described in more detail below, so as to provide the body 4 with adhesion properties suitable for climbing. Additionally or alternatively, the first surface 401 may include one or more smooth or substantially smooth surfaces.

[0024] The at least one thermoplastic material may be a thermoplastic elastomer material (TPE). In particular, the at least one thermoplastic material may be selected from thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), copolyester elastomer thermoplastic materials, also known as thermoplastic copolyesters (TPC) or copolyester elastomers (COPE), polyamide thermoplastic elastomers, styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polyolefins, polyacrylics, polycarbonates (PC), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and / or polymethacrylates (PMMA).

[0025] Polyamide thermoplastic elastomers, such as those based on thermoplastic ether-amide block copolymers (TPA) or polyether block amides (PEBA), have particularly good abrasion and UV resistance, and are also typically lighter than polyurethane and copolyester elastomer thermoplastics.

[0026] The styrenic thermoplastic elastomer (TPS) can be, for example, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBBS) or styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS), which are known to have good resistance to bending and repeated impacts as well as abrasion.

[0027] The polyamide thermoplastic elastomer can be PA11 or PA12, which have good flexibility and impact resistance. As a non-limiting example, PA11 can be obtained from castor oil.

[0028] Thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) can be thermoplastic vulcanized materials (TPV), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene (PE) based thermoplastic elastomers.

[0029] The at least one thermoplastic material is advantageously recyclable. By "recyclable" we mean that, if the body 4 of the climbing hold 3 becomes worn or damaged, it can be heated again to form a malleable compound that can be used again in conventional methods for shaping thermoplastic materials or in the method for manufacturing the climbing hold 3 according to the invention, as described above. In particular, the at least one thermoplastic material can be of noble base, recycled and / or obtained in part or in full from thermoplastic materials of plant origin. For example, part of the thermoplastic material can be industrially crushed, i.e. a mixture of thermoplastic materials whose composition and exact proportions are not defined but which can include, for example, one or more of the thermoplastic materials cited above.

[0030] Thus, the body 4 of the hold 3 is obtained by deformation of at least one thermoplastic material. In particular, the body 4 of the hold 3 may be obtained by deformation of at least one thermoplastic material when foamed, as will be further explained below with reference to the method for manufacturing the climbing hold 3 according to the invention. For example, when the thermoplastic material is cooled, the foam of said at least one thermoplastic material has a specific gravity between 0.2 and 2, in other words between 200 and 2000 kg / m 3 or even a density of 0.3 to 1.7, in other words 300 to 1700 kg / m 3 The density of the sintered body may be 0.01 to 0.01.

[0031] To be adequately resistant to handling and repeated impacts, the body 4 of the hold 3 has a hardness, especially depending on its composition, preferably greater than 55ShD, in particular greater than 70ShD up to 100ShD. For example, the body 4 may have a hardness of the order of 80ShD.

[0032] Such hardness may be provided by at least one thermoplastic material selected, a combination of thermoplastic materials, or alternatively the composition may include a filler to achieve the required hardness.

[0033] Thus, the composition of the body 4 may optionally comprise at least one filler, also known as an "additive", in particular a recyclable filler. In this case, the composition may comprise 0-30% of the at least one filler or mixture of fillers. If the composition comprises at least one filler, it in particular comprises 1-20% of the at least one filler or mixture of fillers.

[0034] The at least one filler may in particular be incorporated into the composition of the body 4 during a compounding step carried out before molding the part, for example by the supplier of the at least one thermoplastic material. Alternatively, the at least one filler may be incorporated during the manufacture of the part, in particular during the method of manufacture according to the invention.

[0035] The at least one filler may be selected from calcium carbonate, talc, mica, glass, natural mineral fillers, and / or natural vegetable fillers. In particular, the composition of the body 4 of the hold 3 may comprise a mixture of fillers selected from the aforementioned fillers. In a non-limiting manner, depending on the type of filler used, the filler may be in the form of a powder or in the form of fibers.

[0036] The addition of at least one filler to the composition of the body 4 of the hold 3 contributes in particular to improving the properties of the hold 3. The addition of such a filler further makes it possible to reduce the mass of the hold 3 and its manufacturing costs by reducing the amount of thermoplastic material used. Furthermore, the at least one filler may have a nucleating function, such that it reacts with the at least one thermoplastic material so as to promote the deformation of the at least one thermoplastic material, in particular by reducing the cycle time, and / or so as to improve the technical properties of the body.

[0037] The addition of at least one filler, such as, for example, calcium carbonate or talc, advantageously further makes it possible to improve the surface condition of the part obtained and may contribute to obtaining at least one grained region.

[0038] The mica, and in particular aluminium silicate, based fillers may take the form of films, powders or flakes. In addition to increasing the rigidity of the body 4 of the hold 3, such fillers advantageously provide the body 4 of the hold 3 with additional UV protection.

[0039] The glass-based filler may take the form of fibres or small solid or hollow balls. For example, such balls may have a diameter of the order of 10 to 120 μm. Glass in particular allows for an improvement of the thermal and mechanical properties of the body 4.

[0040] The natural mineral filler may be a filler obtained from by-products, which may in particular include mineral-based powders or fibres obtained from shells, in particular shells of crustaceans, such as, by way of non-limiting example, oysters, scallops or mussels.

[0041] Similarly, natural vegetable fillers may take the form of powders or fibers obtained from nuts, seeds, husks, oily or other husks of cereals such as rice, wheat or rye, etc. The fillers may also take the form of natural fibers such as wood, flax, hemp, bamboo, etc.

[0042] The use of fillers of natural origin, of mineral or vegetable origin, has particular environmental benefits, in particular allowing the incorporation and recycling of agricultural waste that would otherwise be unused, and may represent a lighter alternative to the use of, for example, glass. The various types of fillers mentioned above also have the advantage that they are recyclable and at the same time available at low cost.

[0043] Furthermore, the composition used to manufacture the body 4 of the hold 3 may optionally contain at least one auxiliary in combination with or instead of at least one filler. The composition may contain 0-15%, or even 1-10%, of at least one auxiliary or mixture of auxiliary agents. The at least one auxiliary agent may be chosen from colorants or pigments, plasticizers, swelling agents also known as blowing agents, and / or anti-UV agents, which means that this auxiliary agent may have one or more of the above functions. The composition may also contain a combination of several auxiliary agents with similar or different functions.

[0044] For example, the at least one swelling agent, as well as the at least one filling material, contributes to reducing or even preventing shrinkage of the at least one thermoplastic material in the mould during the manufacture of the climbing hold 3. The swelling agent is in particular responsible for obtaining a foamed texture of the at least one thermoplastic material injected and may therefore contribute to obtaining at least one granular area at the level of the first surface 401 of the body 4. The use of a swelling agent in particular allows an optimisation of the reproduction of the negative form of the granular parts of the mould in order to obtain at least one granular area in the body.

[0045] The at least one swelling agent may be selected from agents that allow chemical expansion, i.e. swelling of the composition by chemical reaction due to the effect of temperature leading to the formation of gas. Such chemical expansion is in particular carried out before introducing the composition into a mould to produce the holder according to the invention, for example in a plasticisation unit as described below with reference to the production method according to the invention. In particular, the at least one swelling agent may be selected from citric acid and / or sodium bicarbonate, which allow an endothermic reaction, or from azodicarbonamide (ADC), oxy-bisbenzenesulfonylhydrazide (OBSH) and / or toluenesulfonylhydrazide (TSH), which allow an exothermic reaction.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, said at least one swelling agent may be water, or in other words the moisture content of the composition used to manufacture the body 4. Such moisture content is in particular measured by a liquid pycnometer probe before introducing the composition into a mould, for example before carrying out the manufacturing method according to the invention, or at the level of the granular thermoplastic material. Indeed, water may act as a chemical swelling agent for some thermoplastic materials, for example in an amount of 0.02 to 5% by weight, inclusive, for example 1 to 4%, inclusive.

[0047] It should be noted that if other swelling agents are used in the composition, the composition, particularly the at least one thermoplastic material, may optionally be baked and / or dried to remove any traces of moisture.

[0048] The at least one swelling agent may also be nitrogen or carbon dioxide, either as an alternative or in combination with the aforementioned swelling agents, thereby providing, for example, in particular - injecting carbon dioxide or nitrogen in a supercritical state, for example at the level of the injection screw, so as to allow mechanical foaming of at least one thermoplastic material, or - preconditioning at least one thermoplastic material with pressurized carbon dioxide In this manner, physical expansion of the composition is permitted.

[0049] According to a further example, which may be adopted instead of or in combination with the previous examples, the at least one swelling agent may be chosen from plastic microspheres containing at least one gas, for example carbon dioxide, isobutane, isooctane, isopentane and / or pentane. Such microspheres allow physical expansion of the composition. These microspheres are introduced into the composition, for example at the level of the plasticizing unit, and under the effect of heat the gas contained in the microspheres expands. Such expansion continues in the mold, especially in contact with the thermoplastic material, until the microspheres burst, thus creating pores in the body 4 of the hold. In the expansion of the at least one thermoplastic material, the gas allows its expansion as a result. This technique in particular achieves a good homogeneity of the gas bubbles formed, which results in an improved homogeneity at the scale of the body 4. The use of a heavy gas advantageously allows the prevention of the fusion of multiple pores, which may lead to the formation of cavities that tend to weaken the body 4 of the hold. Moreover, the amount of plastic material used in the production of the microspheres is negligible, and does not affect the recyclability of the hold.

[0050] Depending on the foaming process and the composition employed, the foam obtained may have various porosities when cooled, the porosity thus obtained contributing to the determination of the graininess of the surface of the hold 3, especially at the level of the grained zone 41. For example, the body 4 may have a grain size of 0.002 mm. 3 from 0.4 mm 3 The porosity may be.

[0051] Thus, in a more general manner, the composition of body 4 may consist of: at least 70% of at least one thermoplastic material or a mixture of thermoplastic materials, in particular as defined above, at least one swelling agent or a plurality of swelling agents, from 0 to 15%, or even from 1 to 10%, and / or at least one filler, between 0 and 20%, or even between 1 and 17%.

[0052] In figures 2 to 5 different embodiments of a hold 3 according to the invention are depicted, attached to a wall 2 of an artificial structure. All or part of the first surface 401 may advantageously comprise at least one grained area 41, manufactured integrally with the body 4 and at least essentially derived from at least one thermoplastic material. In particular, the hold may comprise a single grained area 41 or several grained areas 41. By "grained" area is meant an area of ​​the first surface 401, having a rough appearance, discernible by the user by touch and visible with the naked eye, which gives the hold 3 the adhesive qualities necessary for climbing. In particular, the grained area may be defined by a grain size of 0.1 to 2 mm, inclusive, or even 0.1 to 1 mm, inclusive. "Essentially" means that at least 50% of the surface of said grained area 41 is derived from at least one thermoplastic material.

[0053] Such granulation may also be irregular and / or regular. Furthermore, the first surface 401 may include multiple granular regions that are distinct from one another and may have one or more granules with similar or different sizes from one region to another.

[0054] Such a granular zone 41 is in particular manufactured integrally with the body 4, i.e. it does not consist of a layer applied to the body. It also results essentially from the modification of at least one thermoplastic material, i.e. from the modification of at least 50% of at least one thermoplastic material or mixture of thermoplastic materials contained in the composition of the body 4. In other words, such a granular zone 41 is to be distinguished from the use of coatings conventionally applied to thermoplastic materials or to climbing holds 3 made for example of wood. The granular zone 41 may therefore be the result of the composition of the body as described above, in particular the use of at least one swelling agent and / or at least one filler which induces porosity in the body.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, the granular zone can be negatively obtained by a mould comprising at least one granular portion, which is adapted to obtain the climbing holds 3 according to the invention, as will be explained further below. The use of at least one swelling agent advantageously allows an improvement of the negative retranscription of the mould intended to form the granular zone, in particular by fluidising the composition so as to espouse even the slightest irregularities of the mould. This obviates the need for mechanical and / or chemical surface treatment steps and the application of one or more coating layers, which previously made it possible to obtain the granular appearance required for the climbing holds.

[0056] Parts made of thermoplastic materials are traditionally small in thickness due to the manufacturing method employed, in particular with an average thickness of the order of 1.5-3.5 mm, or even less than 1 mm. However, parts obtained in this way are more brittle and are not suitable for repeated application of large forces, with the risk of deformation or even breakage. Furthermore, obtaining homogeneous mechanical properties on the scale of the part is technically more complex, which has a significant impact on the tooling costs. In this sense, the application of such methods is usually limited to the manufacture of climbing holds 3, in which case the use of non-recyclable thermosetting materials is preferred.

[0057] In order to mitigate such drawbacks and to propose a recyclable hold 3 having stiffness or rigidity properties suitable for climbing, the shape of the body 4 of the hold 3 according to the invention is also optimized to suit the composition of the body.

[0058] Generally speaking, the body 4 of the hold 3 includes a central region 42 surrounded by edges 43 that define the shape of the body. Additionally, the hold 3 may include at least one through opening 44 and at least one fastening means 5. The opening 44 extends through a thickness 450 of the body 4 measured between the first surface 401 and the second surface 402 and is configured to receive the fastening means 5. In particular, the hold 3 may include multiple openings 44 such that the hold 3 can be fastened at distinct points with multiple fastening means 5.

[0059] In an optional but preferred manner, the opening 44 is arranged in the central region 42 of the hold 3, i.e. away from the edge 43. The edge can be defined, by way of non-limiting example, as a cordon of the order of 1-2 cm that borders the contour of the body of the hold 3. The body 4 can have a different thickness 450, depending in particular on whether the thickness 450 is measured at the level of the central region 42 or at the level of the edge 43. For example, the hold has a smaller thickness 450 at the level of the edge 43 than at the level of the central region 42. The same applies if the hold 3 comprises multiple openings 44.

[0060] Furthermore, to provide adequate strength to the body 4, the thickness 450 of the body is determined in relation to its shape and also in relation to its composition.

[0061] In the first embodiment depicted in Figures 2 to 4, the body 4 may have a solid monoblock shape. In other words, the body 4 has an internally filled profile, as opposed to the hollow shapes conventionally found in parts resulting from the deformation of thermoplastic materials. In such an embodiment, the majority of the body 4 has a thickness 450 of 5 mm or more, in particular 8 mm or more, or even 10 mm or more. By "essentially" we mean at least 50% of the body 4, for example 50% of the visible surface of the body 4, i.e. here the first surface 401.

[0062] For example, the thickness of the hold may be between 5 and 100 mm, inclusive. In particular, at least 70% or even 85% of the body may have such a thickness. In a particular embodiment, at least the central region 42 has a thickness 450 determined according to such a dimension. In other words, at least the entire body 4, excluding the edge 43, i.e. the peripheral region of the body 4, has such a thickness. The edge may then have a thickness 450 of less than 5 mm. Alternatively, the body 4 has a thickness 450 determined according to such a dimension in the region of one or more openings 44 adapted to receive the means 4 for fixing the hold 3.

[0063] The second surface 402 is preferably planar or substantially planar to optimize its contact with the wall 2 of the artificial structure 1. The second surface therefore extends to the greatest extent possible in contact with the wall 2 when the hold is attached to the wall 2. The through opening 44 extends from the first surface 401 to the second surface 402 opposite the first surface 401 and opens directly onto the wall 2 when the hold 3 is installed. In an alternative form not shown, the second surface 402 may be irregular.

[0064] As explained above, the body 4 may have an irregular shape, and in particular an irregular thickness 450 .

[0065] In a second embodiment depicted in Fig. 5, the body 4 may have a hollow monoblock shape, in other words, the body 4 is hollow and takes the form of a shell such that when the hold 3 is attached to the wall 2, part or all of the edge 43 bears on the wall 2, while the central region 42 extends a non-zero distance from the wall 2, so that a gap 45 is defined between it and the wall 2.

[0066] In such an embodiment, the majority of the body 4 has a thickness 450 of 8 mm or more, or even 10 mm or more. As explained above, "essentially" means at least 50% of the body 4, for example 50% of the visible surface of the body 4, in this example the first surface 401. In particular, at least 70%, or even 85% of the body may have such a thickness. For example, the thickness 450 of the body 4 may be 12 to 100 mm, inclusive, or even 20 to 60 mm, inclusive, or even 20 to 45 mm, inclusive. The thickness 450 of the body is then measured between the first surface 401, which faces away from the wall 2, and the second surface 402, which faces towards the same wall 2 and defines the gap 45. As explained above, such a thickness contributes to obtaining a stiffness suitable for repeated forces. As explained above, in particular at least the central region 42 has a thickness 450 determined according to such dimensions. In other words, at least the edge 43, i.e. the whole of the body 4 except for its peripheral region, has such a thickness. The edge may then have a thickness 450 of less than 8 mm. As a further alternative, the body 4 has a thickness 450 dimensioned according to such a dimension in the region of the opening or openings 44 adapted to receive the means 4 for fastening the hold 3.

[0067] Thus, the opening or openings 44 extend through the thickness 450 of the body 4 and open into the cavity 45. Optionally, but preferably, the body 4 may include a guiding and / or reinforcing member 46. Such a member 46 may have a continuous or discontinuous shape. Also, such a member may be cylindrical or substantially inscribed in a cylindrical shape. The member 46 surrounds the opening 44 and extends in continuity with it so as to be able to receive the fastening means 5. The member 46 may then for example be centered on an axis passing through the opening 44. The member 46 then advantageously allows the fastening means 5 to be guided in a suitable direction so as to facilitate the fastening of the climbing hold 3 to the surface of the wall 2. Such a member 46 may optionally be sized such that it extends in bearing engagement with the wall 2 of the climbing structure 1 when the hold 3 is installed in the climbing structure 1, thereby giving the member 46 a function of reinforcing the body 4. In other words, the guide and / or reinforcing member 46 can then extend between the second surface 402 of the body 4 and a bearing plane of the body 4 inscribed with part or all of the edge 43 of the body 4.

[0068] Thus, in a more general manner, the body 4 may have a solid or hollow structure, the majority of which, even 70%, or even 85%, has a thickness 450 of 8 mm or more, or even 10 mm or more, such measurement being taken in particular at the level of the central region 42 of the body 4 or in the region of one or more openings 44 of the body 4.

[0069] Irrespective of the embodiment of the body 4 used, the holds 3 can be fixed to the wall 2 of the artificial structure 1 according to various alternatives. As explained above, the climbing holds 3 can be releasably attached and fixed to the wall 2 of the artificial climbing structure 1 by at least one fastening means 5 which penetrates the holds 3 at the level of the openings 44 in the body 4.

[0070] The hold 3 is arranged on the wall 2 of the artificial structure 1 so as to be at least partially in contact with a first face 201 of the wall 2, in particular a face that corresponds to the face that is visible to the user. Part or all of the edge 43 and / or the second face 402 of the body 4 can then support and extend on the first face 201 of the wall 2.

[0071] In figures 2 to 5 various non-limiting examples of fastening means that can be used for the removable climbing hold 3 according to the invention are depicted. The fastening means 5 may comprise at least one first fastening element 51. As a non-limiting example, the first fastening element 51 may be a bolt of the socket head screw type, in particular of type CHC or FHC, M10, as depicted in figures 2, 3 and 5, or a screw, for example a wood screw, as represented in figure 4.

[0072] The fastening means 5 may optionally comprise a second fastening element 52 complementary to the first fastening element 51. In particular, the second fastening element 52 may be a metal or plastic insert mounted in a hole in the wall 2. The second fastening element 52 may then for example be clipped, glued, stamped, screwed or press-fitted into the wall 2 or, alternatively, arranged on the wall 2 at the level of a second face of the wall 2 opposite the first face 201. The first fastening element 51 thus extends through the hole in the hold 3 and the wall 2 to cooperate with the second fastening element 52.

[0073] The fastening means 5 may optionally further comprise a washer 53, for example a flat or conical washer 53, and / or a biasing element, such as a spring, and / or any element for absorbing stresses, for example a flattened wire, adapted to be placed between the hold 3 and at least a part of the first fastening element 51, for example the head of a bolt. In this sense, the body 4 of the climbing hold 3 advantageously comprises a reinforcement 47, in particular integrated in the first surface 401, adapted to receive said washer 53 and the head of the first fastening element 51, thus preventing contact between the user and the fastening means 5.

[0074] It will be understood that the features relating to the fixing means 5 extend to a climbing hold 3 fixed to a wall 2 by a number of fixing means 5, as depicted in Figure 4. The fixing means used to fix the holds 3 in question may then be of similar or different characteristics.

[0075] The invention finally relates to a method for manufacturing a climbing hold 3 according to the invention, based on a composition as described above. Indeed, as explained in detail above, the characteristics associated with said hold 3, in particular the use of at least one thermoplastic material, the presence of at least one grained surface, the stiffness or thickness 450 of the body 4, make standard methods for moulding thermoplastic parts inadequate.

[0076] In practice, such methods are usually carried out by injecting an injected viscous plastic material into a mold that defines the imprint of the required part. In the case of a method of injection assisted by a fluid, for example a gas or a liquid, a supply unit injects or injects the thermoplastic material in a first step and then in a second step, said fluid is injected under pressure into the thermoplastic material so that it is forced into the imprint. The pressure employed is usually described as "high pressure", i.e. a pressure of more than 500 bar, for example of the order of 500 to 2500 bar. The thermoplastic material is then forced against the walls 2 of the imprint to form a thin hollow, for example of a thickness well below 5 mm or of the order of 1 to 4 mm, the high pressure making it possible to limit its shrinkage as the material cools down. Similarly, in the case of injection methods without fluid assistance, the thermoplastic material is injected into the mold at high pressure, especially at the end of the filling, in order to limit the shrinkage of the material during the cooling of the part.

[0077] Such a method is not suitable for the manufacture of parts made of thermoplastic material with a large thickness, i.e. more than 10 mm. Indeed, the parts obtained then have non-negligible surface defects, in particular because the cooling of the material in contact with the walls of the imprint does not occur at the same rate as the rest of the part, especially its center. This temperature difference and the thermal properties of the thermoplastic material result in shrinkage in the form of small waves, also known as sink marks.

[0078] Such effects may be accentuated by using moulds made of rigid materials, in particular metals such as steel or aluminium. Rigid moulds are conventionally used for the high pressure injection of fluids and / or thermoplastic materials and / or resins, which would otherwise be damaged, e.g. rupture. However, such moulds have the disadvantage of being expensive, which makes them generally unsuitable for the manufacture of climbing holds 3, which are produced in short runs.

[0079] The method according to the invention aims to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks. Generally speaking, the method comprises a step of injecting, extruding or co-extruding a composition comprising at least one thermoplastic material. Several steps may be carried out, in particular combining injection with subsequent pushing. The at least one thermoplastic material in a solid state, for example in granular form, evolves through a plasticizing unit. As a non-limiting example, the plasticizing unit may comprise a lead screw rotatable by a motor, in particular a servo motor. The screw is arranged in a heated cylinder into which a composition, in particular at least one thermoplastic material that is solid, is fed. The at least one thermoplastic material is heated, melted and mixed in the cylinder and then fed to the imprint of the mold.

[0080] The at least one thermoplastic material thus melted is preferably foamed, for example with at least one swelling agent and / or by one of the methods described above, which may or may not also require the addition of nucleating agents, in particular one or more of the fillers mentioned above, which can be used to reduce the cycle time and / or to improve the technical properties of the finished product.

[0081] For example, among the cited examples and methods, it is possible to generate regular and homogeneous gas microbubbles in a composition comprising at least one thermoplastic material, on the one hand by injection of carbon dioxide or nitrogen in the supercritical state, or on the other hand by physical expansion by microspheres. In contrast, methods using exothermic or endothermic chemical swelling agents result in bubbles of various sizes that merge with each other to form cavities of larger dimensions. The cooling of the material must then be strictly controlled, but too slow cooling is characterized by an excessive fusion of these cavities, leading to a significant decrease in the strength of the body 4. In order to limit or even prevent such effects, one or more fillers, as explained above, may be added to the composition. In particular, talc may be chosen for its nucleating function, which limits the fusion of the bubbles so as to maintain the mechanical properties of the body 4 suitable for climbing.

[0082] The composition may be injected into the mold successively, or alternatively, the amount of material required to produce the hold 3 may be injected all at once into the imprint of the mold.

[0083] The injection or co-extrusion step is carried out in a flexible mould, i.e. a mould having elastic properties, at low pressure, in particular at a pressure between 0 and 200 bar inclusive, in particular between 0 and 75 bar inclusive, or even between 0 and 50 bar inclusive. In particular cases, the injection or co-extrusion step may be carried out at a pressure between 0 and 15 bar inclusive. As a non-limiting example, if an injection step is used, the pressure may be of the order of 1 to 10 bar, whereas if a co-extrusion step is used, the pressure may be of the order of 0 bar.

[0084] The mould may in particular be made of elastomeric silicone or rubber. The mould may in particular comprise at least one granular part, the negative of which forms at least one granular area 41 as explained above on the first surface 401 of the climbing hold 3 obtained as the method proceeds. The mould may in particular be held by a rigid mould support or imprint support, for example made of metal, plastic or wood, the assembly formed by the mould support and the mould being closed by the mating mould. The mould holder and the mating mould thus limit the deformation of the flexible mould, and the assembly formed by the mould and the mating mould defines the imprint of the climbing hold 3, in particular of the body 4. The actuation, movement and holding of the mating mould are realised by a closure system. The injection nozzle, in other words the injection point of the composition, is preferably arranged at the level of the mating mould.

[0085] The mold may optionally be placed in a heated enclosure or oven to pre-heat the mold prior to injection of the composition, thereby limiting or preventing thermal shock upon contact with the mold. For example, the temperature in such an enclosure may be between 10 and 100° C., inclusive, particularly near 50° C., and during filling the mold will be at a temperature of between 20 and 100° C., inclusive.

[0086] The hold 3 thus obtained is then cooled. Before and / or after the removal of the part from the mould, the hold 3 can be cooled, for example by a flow of gaseous or liquid fluid, in order to reduce its temperature to about 70° C. For example, the cooling carried out before removal from the mould can be carried out by a flow of water, oil or air. The cooling carried out subsequent to removal from the mould can be carried out, in a non-limiting manner, by a flow of air or water. The body 4 thus obtained does not require further mechanical or chemical surface treatment and is advantageously recyclable.

[0087] The invention thus proposes a recyclable climbing hold, with suitable mechanical properties for climbing, in particular with regard to stiffness and adhesion. The composition of the hold and its shape contribute to providing it with high strength, allowing the manufacture of holds whose bodies are of monoblock type and may be of various shapes and / or thicknesses, and may in particular include one or more grained surfaces. The invention also proposes a method for manufacturing such a part.

[0088] However, the invention is not limited to the means and arrangements described and illustrated herein, but extends equally to any equivalent means or arrangements, and to any technically feasible combination of such means, so long as they ultimately provide the functionality as described and illustrated in this document.

Claims

1. A removable climbing hold (3) for an artificial climbing structure (1), characterized in that it has a body (4) made of a composition including at least one thermoplastic material.

2. 2. A climbing hold (3) according to claim 1, wherein the majority of the body (4), i.e. at least 50% of the body (4), has a thickness (450) of 8 mm or more, in particular 10 mm or more.

3. 2. A climbing hold (3) according to claim 1, wherein the body (4) has a solid monoblock shape and the majority of the body (4), i.e. at least 50% of the body (4), has a thickness (450) of 5 mm or more, in particular 8 mm or more, or even 10 mm or more.

4. 2. A climbing hold (3) according to claim 1, wherein the body (4) has a hollow monoblock shape (1).

5. 2. A climbing hold (3) according to claim 1, wherein all or part of a first surface (401) of the body (4) adapted to come into contact with the limb of a user has at least one granular area (41), said at least one granular area (41) being made essentially, i.e. over at least 50% of its surface, from said at least one thermoplastic material.

6. 2. The climbing hold (3) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one thermoplastic material is selected from thermoplastic polyurethanes, copolyester thermoplastic elastomers, polyamide thermoplastic elastomers, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polyolefins, polyacrylics, polycarbonates, polyphenylene sulfides, and / or polymethacrylates.

7. 2. A climbing hold (3) according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises at least one filler, in particular a recyclable filler, and / or at least one auxiliary selected from colorants or pigments, plasticizers, swelling agents and / or UV-resistant agents.

8. 8. A climbing hold (3) according to claim 7, wherein the composition comprises at least 50% of at least one thermoplastic material or mixture of thermoplastic materials, 0-15% or even 1-10% of said at least one auxiliary agent, and / or 0-30% or even 1-20% of said at least one filler.

9. 8. The climbing hold (3) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one auxiliary agent is a swelling agent, which is selected from citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, azodicarbonamide (ADC), oxy-bisbenzenesulfonylhydrazide (OBSH), toluenesulfonylhydrazide (TSH), water, and / or plastic microspheres containing a gas, in particular carbon dioxide, isobutane, isooctane, isopentane, and / or pentane.

10. An artificial climbing structure (1) comprising at least one wall (2) and at least one climbing hold (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 attached and fixed to the wall (2).

11. 10. A method for manufacturing a climbing hold (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for an artificial climbing structure (1), comprising the step of injecting, intruding and / or coextruding a composition comprising at least one thermoplastic material at low pressure, in particular at a pressure of 0 to 200 bar inclusive, or even 0 to 75 bar inclusive or 0 to 50 bar inclusive, into a flexible mould, in particular a mould made of an elastomeric material or rubber.

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