Gripping Ring Tree Safety System for Ascent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing safety devices to trees or tall objects during ascent are slow, dangerous, and require permanent attachments or intermediate securing straps, lacking a means to secure safety devices at high levels while the user remains on the ground.
Innovation Solution
A safety device comprising a gripping ring that encircles the tree with interior gripping members, secured by a safety tether attached to the climber, allowing for easy and quick placement and securing at high levels without permanent attachment, using a gripping ring that can be opened and closed for easy installation and securing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the climber ascends the tree using traditional methods with incremental safety devices, then safety is provided during ascent, but the process is slow and requires placement of fixed objects all along the trunk
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is installed at the base of the tree before ascent begins, with the gripping ring already secured to the tree trunk. The climber then ascends while the safety line is already in place, eliminating the need to install safety devices incrementally during the climb.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the safety function from the climbing process itself, separating the safety installation step from the ascent process. The safety device is installed independently at the base, then the climber ascends without needing to perform additional safety installation actions during the climb.
2Reliability
If a ladder is used with incremental securing straps, then the climber can ascend with some safety, but the method is slow and exposes the climber to danger when the ladder is only partially secured
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping ring is fully installed and secured to the tree at the base before the climber begins ascent. This preliminary installation ensures the safety device is fully functional and secure before the climber relies on it, eliminating the danger of using partially secured equipment.
3Ease of operation
If the climber ascends with no safety devices initially, then the ascent process is simple, but the hunter is at heightened risk of falling out of the tree
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is installed at the base of the tree before ascent begins, providing immediate safety protection. The climber then ascends with the safety line already in place and functional, eliminating the period of heightened risk that occurs when ascending without safety devices.
4Reliability
If permanent attachment methods are used to secure safety devices, then secure attachment is achieved, but the tree is permanently altered and installation is more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping ring uses localized gripping members with teeth that engage with the tree bark surface without requiring permanent penetration or alteration. The attachment is secure enough for safety purposes but can be removed without permanently damaging the tree, achieving a balance between security and ease of installation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides immediate safety to the climber during ascent by securing the safety device at high levels without requiring the climber to ascend with partially secured equipment, reducing risk and allowing for quick and easy installation on various climbing devices and tall objects.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping members prevent the gripping ring from moving relative to the tree
Implementation Method 2
The gripping members prevent the gripping ring from moving relative to the tree
Implementation Method 3
The weight of the climber on the climbing device provides a downward force on the gripping member, firmly setting it into the tree
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to assist with placing a climbing device and safety tether into a tree or other tall upwardly extending object and then securing the climbing device and safety tether to that object, by use of a gripping ring dimensioned to substantially encircle the object and having gripping members disposed along its inner surface to engage with the object, where the gripping ring has a climbing device attachment component to attach the climbing device, such as a ladder or a rope, to the gripping ring, a safety tether attachment component to attach the safety tether to the gripping ring, and a positioning device attachment component to allow a positioning device, such as a pole, to be used to properly position the gripping ring.