Patent ID: 7849964
Filing Date: 2010-12-14
Classification: A01M,A45F,A63B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for climbing an upright columnar member, comprising: a first climbing member comprising: a first inner frame comprising a first jaw configured to grip the columnar member and a first pair of inner arms connected to the first jaw, the first inner frame adapted to extend outwardly from the columnar member; a first outer frame comprising a second jaw configured to grip the columnar member, the second jaw lying in a separate plane from the first jaw and capable of being disposed on a first side of the columnar member while the second jaw is capable of being disposed on a second side of the columnar member, the first side of the columnar member being opposite the second side, and a first pair of outer arms connected to the second jaw and each arm of the first pair of arms are respectively adapted to extend on opposing sides of the columnar member; the first inner and first outer frames pivotally connected adjacent one end of the first pair of outer arms; a first pair of connectors, each connector of the first pair of connectors is attached to a respective side of the first inner and first outer frame to maintain a relationship between the first inner frame and the first outer frame; an adjustment arrangement configured to engage or disengage the second jaw from the first pair of outer arms to permit extension and retraction of the distance between the first jaw and the second jaw in order to be capable of accommodating a circumference of the columnar member; a second climbing member comprising: a second inner frame comprising a third jaw configured to grip the columnar member and a second pair of inner arms connected to the third jaw and respectively adapted to extend on opposing sides of the columnar member; a second outer frame comprising a fourth jaw configured to grip the columnar member, the fourth jaw lying in a separate plane from the third jaw and capable of being disposed on a first side of the columnar member while the third jaw is capable of being disposed on a second side of the columnar member, the first side of the columnar member being opposite the second side, and a second pair of outer arms connected to the fourth jaw, the second outer frame adapted to extend on opposing sides of the columnar member; the second inner frame is pivotally connected with the second outer frame adjacent one end of the pair of outer arms; a second pair of connectors, each connector of the second pair of connectors is attached to a respective side of the second inner and second outer frame to maintain a relationship between the second inner frame and the second outer frame; a second adjustment arrangement for engaging and disengaging the fourth jaw from the second pair of outer arms to permit extension and retraction of the distance between the fourth jaw and the third jaw in order to be capable of accommodating the upright columnar member; a surface mounted on the second inner frame; and a strap attached to the second inner frame and extending across the surface; the first and second climbing members adapted to ascend or descend the upright columnar member; a wheel assembly removably attachable to the first inner frame of the first climbing member or the second inner frame of the second climbing member; and an interlock member affixed to the second climbing member, the interlock member configured to engage the first jaw of the first climbing member to form a cart; wherein the first jaw and the third jaw respectively are formed with a concave shape and the second jaw and the fourth jaw respectively are formed with a convex shape; and the interlock member is capable of engaging the fourth jaw to the first jaw and the interlock member on the second climbing member is capable of interlocking with the first climbing member when the second climbing member is resting on the first climbing member; and wherein the interlock member is directly mounted on a top surface of the fourth jaw and comprises a catch, the catch contoured to fit against a top surface of the first jaw when the top surface of the fourth jaw is disposed beneath a bottom surface of the first jaw.