Abstract
A pod that enables crack climbing on climbing surfaces of manufactured climbing structures includes a body and face. The body may include two sides with adjacent side walls having opposed interior surfaces that define a crack, which extends to the face of the pod. The crack may resemble a crack in a natural rock climbing formation or even simulate a crack of a natural rock climbing formation. The pod may be part of a crack climbing module that also includes a frame that can be mounted to a climbing surface of a conventional manufactured climbing wall to enable crack climbing on such a wall. The pod may also be used with manufactured climbing structures (e.g., climbing walls, climbing towers, artificial boulders, etc.) that include pod-receiving channels. Pods with cracks of different shapes may interchanged to provide varied crack climbing experiences.
Claims
1. A modular pod for enabling crack climbing on a manufactured climbing wall, comprising: a body including a first side and a second side with opposed interior surfaces that define a crack simulating a portion of a crack in a natural rock formation, extending along an entire length of the body, and opening to opposite first and second ends of the body; and coupling wings that extend outwardly from sides of the body and that include couplers that enable the crack to be mounted to a climbing surface of the manufactured climbing wall.
2. The modular pod of claim 1, wherein the couplers comprise apertures that enable the crack to be mounted to the climbing surface by way of climbing hold bolts.
3. The modular pod of claim 1, wherein the first side and the second side move relative to one another to enable adjustment of a distance the opposed interior sides are spaced apart from one another and a width of the crack.
4. The modular pod of claim 1, wherein at least a first end of the crack aligns with an end of a crack in a body of another modular pod positioned adjacent to the first end of the body of the modular pod.
5. The modular pod of claim 1, outer surfaces of the coupling wings include a texture or a contour that simulates features of the face of the natural rock climbing formation.
6. The modular pod of claim 1, wherein the opposed interior surfaces and the crack have depths of at least about 6 inches.
7. The modular pod of claim 1, wherein the opposed interior surfaces and the crack have depths of at least about 10 inches.
8. The modular pod of claim 1, wherein the body and the mounting wings comprise a polymer.
9. The modular pod of claim 8, wherein the body and the mounting wings comprise a fiber-reinforced polymer.
10. A crack climbing module, comprising: a frame including: a base with a plurality of mounts; side walls extending from the base; a receptacle defined by the base and the side walls; coupling decks extending outwardly in opposite directions from the side walls, each coupling deck including a series of couplers; and transitions extending outwardly from the coupling decks, the transitions extending toward a plane in which the base is located; and at least one pod including: a body including a first side and a second side with opposed interior surfaces that define a crack, the body insertable into the receptacle of the frame; and coupling wings that extend outwardly from sides of the body, positionable over the coupling decks of the frame upon introduction of the body of the at least one pod into the receptacle of the frame, and including couplers that are arranged to align with corresponding couplers of the coupling decks.
11. The crack climbing module of claim 10, comprising a plurality of interchangeable pods that define cracks with different shapes.
12. The crack climbing module of claim 11, wherein each pod of the plurality of interchangeable pods includes a crack that simulates a crack of a natural rock climbing formation.
13. The crack climbing module of claim 10, wherein the plurality of mounts of the base of the frame enable the frame to be mounted to the climbing surface of the manufactured climbing wall with climbing hold bolts.
14. The crack climbing module of claim 10, wherein the couplers of the coupling decks of the frame and the couplers of the at least one pod enable the at least one pod to be secured to the frame with climbing hold bolts.
15. The crack climbing module of claim 10, wherein: the at least one pod is adjustable to a plurality of widths, each width of the plurality of widths imparting the crack with a different width than every other width of the plurality of widths.
16. The crack climbing module of claim 15, further comprising: a plurality of spacers positionable on the coupling decks of the frame, between outer edges of the coupling wings of the at least one pod and inner edges of the transitions of the frame.
17. The crack climbing module of claim 15, wherein the receptacle and the coupling decks receive the at least one pod in the plurality of widths.
18. A method for manufacturing a modular pod that enables crack climbing on a manufactured climbing wall, comprising: defining a mold that comprises a negative of a crack in a natural rock formation; and molding at least a portion of a body of at least one modular pod, including a replica of the crack, with the mold.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein defining the mold comprises defining a mold based on dimensional data obtained from a crack in a natural rock climbing formation.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein defining the mold comprises defining a sequence of molds that together comprise a negative of the crack in the natural rock formation and molding at least the portion of the at least one modular pod comprises molding at least portions of a plurality of modular pods, including the replica of the crack, with the sequence of molds.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] In the drawings:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a crack climbing module according to this disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of crack climbing module shown in FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of a frame of the embodiment of crack climbing module shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a front view of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 3;
[0034] FIG. 5 is an end view of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 3;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 3;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pod of the embodiment of crack climbing module shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which may be assembled with the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 3;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a front view of the embodiment of pod shown in FIG. 7;
[0038] FIG. 9 is an end view of the embodiment of pod shown in FIG. 7;
[0039] FIG. 10 is a side view of the embodiment of pod shown in FIG. 7;
[0040] FIG. 11 is a perspective assembly view of the embodiment of pod of FIG. 7 and the embodiment of frame of FIG. 3;
[0041] FIG. 12 is an end assembly view, in perspective, of the embodiment of pod of FIG. 7 and the embodiment of frame of FIG. 3;
[0042] FIG. 13 is a front assembly view of the embodiment of pod of FIG. 7 and the embodiment of frame of FIG. 3;
[0043] FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of another embodiment of a frame of a crack climbing module with a pod with an adjustable width; the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 14 has a configuration that enables it to accommodate a variety of different widths of the pod;
[0044] FIG. 15 is a front view of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 14;
[0045] FIG. 16 is an end view of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 14;
[0046] FIG. 17 is a side view of the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 14;
[0047] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of crack climbing module that includes the embodiment of frame shown in FIG. 14 and a pod in a wide setting;
[0048] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the embodiment of crack climbing module shown in FIG. 18 with the pod in an intermediate setting, and a pair of intermediate spacers secured adjacent to outside edges of coupling features of the pod;
[0049] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the embodiment of crack climbing module shown in FIG. 18 with the pod in a narrow setting, and a pair of wide spacers secured adjacent to outside edges of coupling features of the pod;
[0050] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the embodiment of a pod that includes a textured outer surface;
[0051] FIG. 22 is an end view of an embodiment of the pod shown in FIG. 21;
[0052] FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of a fixed indoor climbing wall to which a series of crack climbing modules have been mounted;
[0053] FIG. 24 represents an embodiment of a fixed climbing wall with a receptacle that can receive one or more pods, such as the embodiment of pod shown in FIG. 7;
[0054] FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of an artificial crack climbing boulder;
[0055] FIGS. 26 and 27 depict an embodiment of a portable crack climbing tower; and
[0056] FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate embodiments of methods for gathering data that enables the fabrication of a series of pods that simulate a natural crack in a rock formation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a crack climbing module 10 includes a frame 20 and a pod 50 that defines a crack 80. The frame 20 may have a configuration that enables it to be secured, or mounted, to a climbing surface of a conventional climbing wall (not shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). A configuration of the pod 50 may enable it to be assembled with and securely coupled to the frame 20 and, thus, to a climbing surface of the climbing wall to which the frame 20 has been mounted. The lengths of the frame 20 and the pod 50 may contribute to their modularity. As an example, the pod 50 may have a defined unit length, and length of the frame 20 may be the unit length or an integer-based multiple of the unit length (i.e., 2×the unit length, 3×the unit length, 4×the unit length, etc.). In a specific embodiment, the frame 20 and the pod 50 may both have lengths of about 48 inches (about 120 cm).
[0058] FIGS. 3-6 depict an embodiment of a frame 20. The frame 20 includes a base 22, which defines a rear of the frame 20 and may be secured to the climbing surface of a conventional climbing wall (not shown in any of FIGS. 3-6). A pair of side walls 26 protrude from the base 22, toward a front of the frame 20. Coupling decks 32, which may define a front of the frame 20, may extend outwardly from forward portions of the side walls 26, in opposite directions from one another. Transition features 36 may extend further outward from outer edges of the coupling decks 32, toward the plane in which the base 22 is located. Support flanges 42 may extend from outer edges of the transition features 36, inwardly towards the base 22.
[0059] The base 22 of the frame 20 may include a plurality of mounting features 24 that can be used to mount the frame 20 to a climbing surface of a conventional climbing wall. The mounting features 24 may include apertures, such as the slots depicted by FIG. 4, circular apertures, or other shapes of apertures that correspond to and can be aligned with corresponding mounting features (e.g., t-nuts, etc.) in the climbing surface. The apertures of the mounting features 24 may be large enough to receive suitable coupling elements (e.g., threaded elements of standard climbing hold bolts, etc.) that will engage and/or be engaged by the corresponding mounting features in the climbing surface. The apertures of the mounting features 24 may be small enough, or include features that are small enough, to be engaged by features of the coupling elements (e.g., the heads of standard climbing hold bolts, etc.) and to thereby secure the base 22 to the climbing surface. In a specific embodiment, the mounting features 24 may comprise elongated apertures in a staggered arrangement, which may provide for tolerance for variance in the positioning of t-nuts in the climbing surface. The size and shape of each aperture may remain constant through the thickness of the base 22 or each aperture may include a countersink or a counterbore that enables it to receive at least part of an engaging portion of a coupling element (e.g., a head of a standard climbing hold bolt, etc.).
[0060] The side walls 26 of the frame 20 may extend in a forward direction from the base 22. In some embodiments, the side walls 26 may extend from sides of the base 22; the side walls 26 may even be continuous with the sides of the base 22. The side walls 26 may be oriented parallel to one another. Together, the base 22 and the side walls 26 may define a receptacle 30 of the frame 20. A distance between inner surfaces 28 of the side walls 26 may define a width of the receptacle 30. Depths of the side walls 26, or the distance each side wall 26 protrudes beyond a front surface of the base 22, may define a depth of the receptacle 30. In some embodiments, the receptacle 30 may have a width of about 6 inches (about 15.2 cm) and a depth of about 6 inches (about 15.2 cm) or about 8 inches (about 20.3 cm); a width of about 8 inches (about 20.3 cm) and a depth of about 6 inches (about 15.2 cm), about 8 inches (about 20.3 cm), or about 10 inches (about 25.4 cm); or a width of about 10 inches (about 25.4 cm) and a depth of about 6 inches (about 15.2 cm), about 8 inches (about 20.3 cm), about 10 inches (about 25.4 cm), or about 12 inches (about 30.5 cm). Of course, the receptacle 30 may have a variety of other widths, depths, and combinations of widths and depths. In a specific embodiment, the frame 20 may include a receptacle 30 with a width of about 8 inches (about 20.3 cm) and a depth of about 10 inches (about 25.4 cm).
[0061] The coupling decks 32 of the frame 20 may be oriented substantially parallel to the base 22 of the frame 20. Additionally, the coupling decks 32 may reside within the same plane (i.e., they may be coplanar). Each coupling deck 32 may include a series of coupling features 34. Each coupling feature 34 have a configuration that enables it engage or be engaged by a corresponding coupling feature of a pod 50 (FIGS. 1 and 2) upon introduction of the pod 50 into the receptacle 30 of the frame 20. As a nonlimiting example, each coupling feature 34 may comprise an internally threaded aperture that can receive an externally threaded portion of a standard climbing hold bolt. Continuing with the specific embodiment provided previously herein, each coupling deck 32 of the frame 20 may have a width of about 2 ¼ inches (about 5.7 cm).
[0062] Each transition feature 36 of the frame 20 may extend outwardly from a corresponding coupling deck 32, and rearwardly toward a plane in which the base 22 of the frame 20 resides. An inner edge 38 of each transition feature 36, which is adjacent to an outer edge of the corresponding coupling deck 32, may protrude slightly beyond a front surface, or an outer surface, of each coupling deck 32. The distance the inner edge 38 protrudes beyond the front surface of the adjacent coupling deck 32 may be the same as or substantially the same as the width of a feature of the pod 50 (FIGS. 1 and 2) that rests upon the coupling deck 32 when the pod 50 is introduced into the receptacle 30 of the frame 20.
[0063] An outer surface of each transition feature 36 may be oriented at an angle that provides smooth transition between the coupling decks 32 and a climbing surface to which the frame 20 is mounted. An outer edge 40 of each transition feature 36 may extend to a location that will be positioned adjacent to, or even abut, the climbing surface to which the frame 20 is mounted.
[0064] A support flange 42 may extend from the outer edge 40 of each transition feature 36 toward the base 22 of the frame 20. Each support flange 42 may be coplanar with the base 22. Mounting features 44 positioned along the outer edge 40 of each transition feature 36 may align with corresponding mounting features 46 of each support flange 42 to enable the transition feature 36 to be secured to a climbing surface and, thus, to enable the frame 20 to be further secured to the climbing surface. As an example, the coupling mounting 44 and 46 may comprise aligned apertures that may be aligned with corresponding mounting features of (e.g., t-nuts in, etc.) the climbing surface to enable coupling elements (e.g., standard climbing hold bolts, etc.) to secure the transition features 36 to the climbing surface. In the previously provided specific embodiment, each transition feature 36 may be oriented at an angle of about 40.40° from its corresponding coupling deck 32 and extend a lateral distance of about 11% inches (about 30 cm) beyond the outer extent of its corresponding coupling deck 32, imparting the frame 20 with a width of about 36 inches (about 90 cm).
[0065] The various features of the frame 20 may be defined in any suitable manner that may impart the frame 20 with sufficient structural integrity to hold the weight of at least one individual as he or she climbs the climbing surface of a climbing wall to which the frame 20 has been mounted and to withstand forces exerted thereon as an individual who is climbing the climbing surface uses his or her grip in a crack of a pod 50 (FIGS. 1 and 2) carried by the frame 20 to change his or her position on the climbing surface (e.g., to move up the wall, etc.). As an example, the frame 20 may be pressed from a sheet of a ductile material, such as steel (e.g., 0.25 inch (about 6 mm) thick steel, etc.), stainless steel, aluminum, or another suitable metal. As another example, the frame 20 may be formed from a moldable material, such as a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer or the like. Of course, other methods may be used to manufacture a frame 20 from one or more materials appropriate to such methods.
[0066] Turning now to FIGS. 7-10, an embodiment of a pod 50 of a crack climbing module 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is described. The pod 50 includes two sides 52 and 62 that are at least partially spaced apart from one another to define a crack 80 therebetween. In some embodiments, the two sides 52 and 62 of the pod 50 may be secured to one another (e.g., by way of a connector 82 at a base of the crack 80, etc.). In other embodiments, the sides 52 and 62 of the pod 50 may be separate from one another, which may impart the crack 80 defined therebetween with an adjustable width.
[0067] Each side 52, 62 of the pod 50 may include a body 53, 63 and a coupling wing 54, 64, or flange. Outer surfaces 56 and 66 of the coupling wings 54 and 64 may define a front surface, or an outer surface or face, of the pod 50. The bodies 53 and 63 may extend rearward from back sides of the coupling wings 54 and 64.
[0068] Each body 53, 63 may include a side wall 55, 65. It is the side walls 55 and 65 that define the crack 80 of the pod 50. More specifically, the side walls 55 and 65 may be at least partially spaced apart from one another, with interior surfaces 60 and 70 of the side walls 55 and 65, respectively, being opposed to one another, or facing each other, to define the crack 80. The depths of the side walls 55 and 65 (i.e., the dimensions from their corresponding coupling wings 54 and 64 to their lower extents in the orientations shown in FIGS. 7 and 9) define the depth of the crack 80 defined between the side walls 55 and 65. For example, a crack 80 with a width suitable for so-called “finger climbing” may have a depth of about 6 inches (about 15.2 cm). A wider crack 80 that can accommodate an individual's hands or fists may have a depth of about 10 inches (about 25.4 cm).
[0069] As illustrated by FIG. 7, and as is apparent from the embodiment of crack 80 shown in FIG. 8, each side wall 55, 65 may extend non-linearly along the height of the pod 50 (from left to right in FIG. 7, from top to bottom in FIG. 8) to define a non-linear crack 80. As an alternative to the meandering curved configuration shown in FIG. 7, each side wall 55, 65 may have a jagged configuration, a configuration with straight portions, or a configuration with any combination of curved portions, jagged portions, and straight portions. In some embodiments, the interior surfaces 60 and 70 of the side walls 55 and 65 may mirror one another, providing a crack 80 with a constant width. In other embodiments, one or more locations on the interior surface 60 of one side wall 55 may vary from corresponding locations on the interior surface 70 of the other side wall 65, which may introduce variation into the crack 80 (e.g., variations in width, variations in internal features, variations in texture, etc.).
[0070] As illustrated by FIGS. 7 and 9, the coupling wings 54 and 64 of the pod 50 may be oriented transversely to and extend outwardly from their corresponding side walls 55 and 65. In some embodiments, the coupling wings 54 and 64 may be oriented perpendicular to their corresponding side walls 55 and 65. An outer edge of each coupling wing may 54, 64 be configured as a portion of a rectangle, with the coupling wings 54 and 64 collectively imparting the front surface of the pod 50 with a rectangular configuration.
[0071] Each coupling wing 54, 64 may have a configuration that enables it to rest against a corresponding coupling deck 32 (FIGS. 3-5) of a frame 20 (FIGS. 3-6) of the crack climbing module 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2). As illustrated, the coupling wings 54 and 64 may comprise relatively flat, or planar, structures. In a specific embodiment, each coupling wing 54, 64 may have a thickness of about ¼ inch (about 6 mm).
[0072] A series of coupling features 58, 68 may be positioned adjacent to an outer edge 57, 67 of each coupling wing 54, 64. When the coupling wings 54 and 64 are positioned against corresponding coupling decks 32 (FIGS. 3-5) of a frame 20 (FIGS. 3-6) of the crack climbing module 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2), the coupling features 58 and 68 of the coupling wings 54 and 64 may align with corresponding coupling features 34 (FIGS. 3 and 4) of the coupling decks 32. In a specific embodiment, each coupling feature 58, 68 may comprise an aperture that may receive a securing portion of a coupling element (e.g., an externally threaded portion of a standard climbing hold bolt, etc.). Such an aperture may also enable an engaging portion of a coupling element (e.g., a head of a standard climbing hold bolt, etc.) to engage the coupling wing 54, 64. In embodiments where the aperture extends straight through the coupling wing 54, 64, the engaging portion of the coupling element may engage the coupling wing 54, 64 at locations immediately surrounding the aperture. Alternatively, the aperture may comprise a countersink or a counterbore that enables it to receive the engaging portion of the coupling element and that enables the engaging portion of the coupling element to engage a portion of the surface that defines the aperture.
[0073] The materials from which the pod 50 is formed, a structure of the pod 50, and/or a manner in which the pod 50 is mounted to a climbing surface (e.g., by way of a frame 20 of a crack climbing module 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2) may be sufficient to hold the weight of an individual, as well as withstand forces exerted as an individual uses his or her grip in the crack 80 to change his or her position on a climbing surface (e.g., to move up the climbing surface, etc.) (e.g., to move up the climbing surface, etc.) to which the pod 50 has been secured (e.g., by a frame 20, etc.). For example, the pod 50 may be molded from a polymer, which may comprise a fiber-reinforced polymer. The polymer may comprise a material that has sufficient hardness and strength to withstand the forces that will be exerted against the pod 50 as individual climbs the crack 80. Examples of polymers include, but are not limited to, polyurethanes of suitable hardnesses and strengths, fiberglass, and any other suitable materials. Surfaces of the pod 50 that are to be contacted by an individual as he or she climbs the crack 80 (e.g., the outer surface 56, 66 of each coupling wing 54, 64; the inner surface 60, 70 of each side wall 55, 65; etc.) may be coated with a material that provides those surfaces with a texture that resembles the texture of the face of a natural stone formation.
[0074] In a specific embodiment, a pod 50 according to this disclosure may be fabricated by defining a crack in a blank (e.g., a block of foam, etc.) to form a so-called “plug,” or a form. The crack 80 may be defined by hand, with a computer numeric control (CNC) machine, or in any other suitable manner. Once the crack and the remainder of the plug have been defined, the plug may be used to form a fiberglass mold in a manner known in the art. The fiberglass mold may then be used to define one or more pods 50 from a suitable material (e.g., fiberglass, polyurethane, etc.) in a manner known in the art. Various features of the pod 50, including, but not limited to, the outer edges 57, 67 and the coupling features 58, 68 of each coupling wing 54, 64, may then be defined in a manner known in the art (e.g., with suitable cutting tools, drills, etc.). Outer surfaces of the pod 50, including the interior surfaces 60 and 70 that define the crack 80 of the pod 50, may be coated in a manner known in the art.
[0075] The bodies 53 and 63 of the two sides 52 and 62 of the pod 50 may collectively define a body 51 of the pod 50. As depicted by FIGS. 11-13, a configuration of the body 51 of the pod 50 may enable it to be received by the receptacle 30 (FIGS. 3-5) of a frame 20 (FIGS. 3-5).
[0076] Turning now to FIGS. 14-20, a crack climbing module 10′ (FIGS. 18-20) that includes an adjustable pod 50′ (FIGS. 18-20) may also include a frame 20′ that can accommodate the various possible widths of the adjustable pod 50′.
[0077] As shown in FIGS. 14-17, the receptacle 30′ of such a frame may have a width that will accommodate the various possible widths of the adjustable pod 50′. In comparison to the specific embodiment of frame 20 described in reference to FIGS. 3-6, which has a receptacle 30 that is about 8 inches (about 20.3 cm) wide and a depth of about 10 inches (about 25.4 cm), a specific embodiment of a frame 20′ that can accommodate various widths of an adjustable pod 50′ may include a receptacle 30′ with a width of about 9 ½ inches (about 24 cm) and a depth of about 10 inches (about 25.4 cm).
[0078] Additionally, the coupling decks 32′ of such a frame 20′ may be wider—for example, about 3 inches (about 7.6 cm) as opposed to about 2 ¼ inches (about 5.7 cm). With added reference to FIGS. 18-20, such an increased width may enable the coupling decks 32′ to accommodate the different overlapping positions of the coupling wings 54′, 64′ of a pod 50′ over the coupling decks 32′ as the width of the pod 50′ is adjusted. The increased width of each coupling deck 32′ may also enable a spacer 90, 92 (FIGS. 19 and 20, respectively) to be positioned between an outer edge of a coupling wing 54′, 64′ and an outer extent each coupling wing 54′, 64′ to provide the crack climbing module 10′ with a substantially continuous outer surface regardless of the width of the pod 50′.
[0079] Despite the increased widths of the receptacle 30′ and the coupling decks 32′ (e.g., a total increase of about 3 inches (about 7.6 cm), etc.), the frame 20′ may have the same width as the embodiment of frame 20 described in reference to FIG. 3-6 (e.g., about 36 inches (about 90 cm), etc.). As a result, the lengths of the transition features 36′ may be shorter than the transition features 36 of frame 20 and the transition features 36′ may be oriented at steeper angles than the transition features 36 of frame 20.
[0080] Each coupling deck 32′ may include at least two columns of coupling features 34′ and 35′, as shown in FIG. 15. One or more columns of coupling features 34′ may be positioned adjacent to the sides of the receptacle 30′ to align with one or more corresponding columns of coupling features 58′, 68′ of the coupling wings 54′, 64′ of the pod 50′, as depicted by FIGS. 18-20. The other column of coupling features 35′ may be positioned adjacent to the outer extent of each coupling deck 32′, next to an inner edge 38′ of the transition feature 36′. When the pod 50′ is in its widest arrangement, as illustrated by FIG. 18, the coupling features 35′ may align with outermost sets of coupling features 58a′, 68a′ of the coupling wings 54′, 64′ of the pod 50′. When the pod 50′ is in an intermediate arrangement, as shown in FIG. 19, or in its narrowest arrangement, as seen in FIG. 20, the coupling features 35′ may align with corresponding coupling features 95, 97 of a spacer 90, 92, to facilitate coupling of the spacer 90, 92 to a coupling deck 32′ of the frame 20′.
[0081] A pod 50′ whose width can be adjusted may include sides 52′ and 62′ that are separate from one another. In addition, the coupling wings 54′ and 64′ of a width-adjustable pod 50′ may include a plurality of columns of coupling features 58a′, 58b′, 58c′ and 68a′, 68b′, 68c′ positioned at increasing distances away from the outer edges 57′ and 67′ of the coupling wings 54′ and 64′.
[0082] In FIG. 18, the sides 52′ and 62′ of the pod 50′ are spaced as far apart from one another as the receptacle 30′ of the frame 20′ will permit, providing the crack climbing module 10′ with a wide crack 80w′. In FIG. 19, the sides 52′ and 62′ of the pod 50′ are secured to the frame 20′ at an intermediate distance apart from one another, defining a crack 80.sub.I′ with an intermediate width. In FIG. 20, the sides 52′ and 62′ of the pod 50′ are positioned as close to one another as the frame 20′ will permit, providing the crack climbing module 10′ with a narrow crack 80.sub.N′.
[0083] The outer surfaces 56, 66 of the coupling wings 54, 64 of the embodiment of pod 50 depicted by FIGS. 1, 2, and 7-13 and the outer surfaces 56′, 66′ of the coupling wings 54′, 64′ of the emboiment of pod 50′ depicted by FIGS. 18-20, along with outer surfaces 94 and 96 of the embodiments of spacers 90 and 92 that are shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, respectively, are smooth and coplanar, or flush. Alternatively, as illustrated by FIGS. 21 and 22, the front surfaces 56″ and 66″ of the coupling wings 54″ and 64″ of a pod 50″ (e.g., pod 50, pod 50″, etc.), as well as the front surfaces of any spacer (e.g., spacer 90 (FIG. 19), spacer 92 (FIG. 20), etc.) used with the pod 50″, may include textures 100, undulations 102, protrusions 104, or other irregularities that may impart the pod 50″ with a natural texture.
[0084] As indicated previously herein, and as shown in FIG. 23, a frame 20 (FIGS. 1-6 and 11-13), 20′ (FIGS. 14-20) may be mounted to mounting features 212 (e.g., t-nuts, etc.) in a climbing surface 210 of a conventional climbing wall to enable one or more pods 50 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 7-12), 50′ (FIGS. 18-20), 50″ (FIGS. 21 and 22) to be selected and secured in place over the climbing surface 210. Specifically, FIG. 23 illustrates two crack climbing modules 10a and 10b that have been arranged end-to-end, in series, on the climbing surface 210 of a climbing wall. The crack climbing modules 10a and 10b include pods 50a and 50b with cracks 80a and 80b that have different shapes. Ends of the cracks 80a and 80b are positioned to enable pods 50a and 50b of different configurations to be aligned with one another in a manner that forms a continuous crack 80 over a portion of the climbing surface 210.
[0085] FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment of a fixed climbing wall 200′ with a climbing surface 210′ that includes an array of coupling features 212′. The coupling features 212′ may enable conventional climbing holds to be mounted to the climbing surface 210′. In addition, one or more receptacles 230′, or channels, may be recessed in the climbing surface 210′. A coupling deck 232′ may be recessed within the climbing surface 210′ on each side of a receptacle 230′. Coupling features 234′ (e.g., t-nuts, etc.) may be positioned along each coupling deck 232′. Each receptacle 230′ may enable one or more pods 50 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 7-12), 50′ (FIGS. 18-20), 50″ (FIGS. 21 and 22) to be positioned along the climbing surface 210′, while the coupling decks 232′ at the sides of the receptacle 230′ and the coupling features 234′ may enable each pod 50, 50′, 50″ to be secured directly to the fixed climbing wall 200′. When a pod 50, 50′, 50″ is mounted to the fixed climbing wall 200′, an outer surface of the pod 50, 50′, 50″ may be coplanar with the climbing surface 210′.
[0086] FIG. 25 depicts an embodiment of an artificial climbing boulder 300. An artificial climbing boulder 300 may include a plurality of climbing surfaces 310a, 310b, etc., orientated at different angles or combinations of angles relative to the surface S (e.g., a floor, a concrete slab, the ground, etc.) that supports the artificial climbing boulder 300. The artificial climbing boulder 300 may be configured similarly to the fixed climbing wall 200′ shown in and described with reference to FIG. 24—it may include receptacles 230′ that receive pods 50 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 7-12), 50′ (FIGS. 18-20), 50″ (FIGS. 21 and 22) that define cracks 80 over one or more climbing surfaces 310a, 310b, etc., of the artificial climbing boulder 300.
[0087] As yet another example of a structure that can directly receive modular pods of this disclosure, FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate a free-standing climbing tower 400. The free-standing climbing tower 400 may include a frame 402 that can support a climbing surface 410 in a variety of orientations, including one or more orientations. A configuration of the frame 402 may enable it to support a climbing surface 410, pods 50 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 7-12), 50′ (FIGS. 18-20), 50″ (FIGS. 21 and 22) that have been secured to the climbing surface 410, and at least one individual as he or she ascends climbing surface 410. In some embodiments, the frame 402 may be secured (e.g., bolted, etc.) to a horizontal surface S (e.g., a floor, a concrete slab, etc.). In other embodiments, the frame 402 may be portable, facilitating its movement and, thus, movement of the free-standing climbing tower 400 from one location to another. The orientation(s) at which the frame 402 may support the climbing surface 410 include one or more inclined orientations (i.e., at an angle of greater than 90° between a surface S that supports the frame 402 and the climbing surface 410 held by the frame 402), the vertical orientation shown in FIG. 26 (i.e., at an angle of about 90° between the surface S that supports the frame 402 and the climbing surface 410 held by the frame 402), and/or one or more overhanging orientations (i.e., at an angle of less than 90° between the surface S that supports the frame 402 and the climbing surface 410 held by the frame 402), as shown in FIG. 27. The climbing surface 410 of the free-standing climbing tower 400 may include one or more receptacles (e.g., the receptacles 230′ shown in FIG. 24, etc.), which can receive pods 50 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 7-12), 50′ (FIGS. 18-20), 50″ (FIGS. 21 and 22) and enable the pods 50, 50′, 50″ to be secured in place in a manner that defines cracks 80 over the climbing surface 410.
[0088] Turning now to FIGS. 28 and 29, a specific embodiment of a method for designing a crack that resembles a crack in a natural rock formation may include obtaining an image of a natural crack C (e.g., a world-famous crack, etc.). In a specific embodiment, an individual I, such as an experienced climber, carrying a camera (e.g., a three-dimensional scanning camera, etc.) may obtain images of the natural crack C as the individual I uses the natural crack C to ascend a face F of the natural rock formation, or as the individual I otherwise moves up or down along the face F, adjacent to the natural crack C. The camera may be used to capture the dimensions of the natural crack C, as well as information about texture of the natural crack C and features of the face F on each side of the natural crack C (e.g., to a resolution of about 0.2 mm or less; to a width of about 12 inches (about 30.5 cm); etc.).
[0089] The data obtained with the camera may then be processed in a manner known in the art. The data may be used to provide a file that can be used to control operation of automated manufacturing equipment of a type known in the art (e.g., a CNC machine, etc.). The automated manufacturing equipment can be used, for example, to fabricate a form, or a plug, from a blank (e.g., from a block of foam, etc.), from which a mold (e.g., a fiberglass mold, etc.) may be made. The mold may then be used to form one or more pods 50 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 7-12), 50′ (FIGS. 18-20), 50″ (FIGS. 21 and 22) that define a replica of the natural crack C.
[0090] In use, the pods 50, 50′, 50″ may be oriented on a climbing surface in a manner that simulates the orientation of the natural crack C in the face F of the natural rock formation, enabling individuals Ito try their skill at climbing a replica of the natural crack C in a controlled, safe environment.
[0091] Although the foregoing description sets forth many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments and variations of elements or features of the disclosed subject matter. Other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of any of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. Accordingly, the scope of each claim is limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto.
