Abstract:
A magnetic climbing device that consists of a hand unit and a leg unit. The hand unit is designed for attachment to the hands of a climber and provides finger sections, thumb section, and a palm section. Each section utilizes prepositioned magnets for attachment of the hand unit to a magnetic or ferromagnetic structure. Hand straps and fasteners are used to securely tighten the hand unit to each hand of the climber. The leg unit is designed for attachment to the legs of a climber and provides a planar member, a platform and base extension, straps and buckles. The planar member utilizes prepositioned magnets sequentially aligned along the length of the planar member for attachment of the leg unit to a magnetic or ferromagnetic structure. A sleeve is used to cover the planar member and base extension to protect the leg of the climber and provide additional friction, if necessary.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 60/485,303 filed on Jul. 3, 2003. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to climbing devices and, more particularly, to a unique climbing device that utilizes magnetic substances for scaling ferromagnetic structures. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
   Climbing is an activity that is enjoyed by persons of all ages for recreation and/or the varying challenges that it presents. A novice climber may prefer climbing structures that are designed or provided with hand holds, foot holds, or other extensions for assisting them in climbing that structure and reaching their climbing goals. For the more experienced climber, removing all of the extensions and climbing a flat surfaced structure may be a better challenge and more suited to their ability. In this type of situation, the flat surfaced structure is often made of a ferromagnetic type material and the climber utilizes a magnetic type attachment or other climbing device to scale or climb the structure. 
   Examples of a magnetic attachment or climbing device are U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,019 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,155 to Meyer and entitled “Magnetic Gripper Device.” These patents disclose devices that provide a frame having cam surfaces which are rotatably attached to a magnet for adhering the device to a ferromagnetic surface. An ear is also provided which extends from the magnet to engage the ferromagnetic surface at a location spaced from the cam surfaces. To disengage the device from the ferromagnetic surface, the ear is first disengaged from the ferromagnetic surface, after which, the remainder of the magnet from the device can be removed from the surface. 
   Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 3,031,778 to Nicholson entitled “Magnetic Shoe Attachment” discloses a shoe attachment which uses electromagnets embedded in the sole of the shoe for attachment to metal surfaces. The electromagnets are energized by a pair of batteries and the batteries are regulated by a potentiometer. 
   Each of the above devices while useful, provide several inherent problems to potential climbers. First, when climbing, climbers strive for agility and good climbing speed. Yet, the above devices provide unnecessary mechanical complexity that limits climbing speed and agility and thereby reduces the effectiveness of the climber. Second, the devices appear heavy and bulky making them unsuitable for use in many locations, especially a vertical structure. Third, in scaling vertical ferromagnetic structures, high magnetic forces are required to overcome the force of gravity and hold a climber on the surface. This is especially important for a climber in the inverted position or suspended from the ceiling of the structure. The above devices, however, are not designed for such extreme uses; but rather, designed for more horizontal type surfaces such as storage tanks, steel frames, and the like. Fourth, even if these devices accommodated such extreme uses, the devices are impractical and/or ill suited for such use by the climber. For example, given the extremely high magnetic field strength needed to climb vertical ferromagnetic surfaces, electromagnets would be impractical due to the high current strength needed to maintain the magnetic field strength and the added weight the electric power source would add to the climber. Additionally, the embedded magnets in the sole of a shoe places the magnets in an unfavorable orientation for the climber to physically climb a vertical ferromagnetic surface. 
   Thus, there is a need and there has never been disclosed Applicant&#39;s unique climbing device providing high magnetic forces for scaling ferrous, ferromagnetic, and/or magnetic structures. 
   OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   It is the primary object of the present invention to provide a climbing device that provides high magnetic forces for scaling or climbing magnetic or ferromagnetic structures. A related object of the present invention is to provide a device that incorporates both hand and leg units for scaling or climbing the magnetic or ferromagnetic structures. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a climbing device that is designed to facilitate the high magnetic forces required for extreme uses. A related object of the present invention is to provide a climbing device that systematically enables the climber to manually remove either or both of the hand or leg units, as desired, while climbing. 
   Another related object of the present invention is to provide a climbing device that facilitates climbing speed, agility, and/or movement over the surface of magnetic or ferromagnetic structure. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a climbing device that is capable of being used by climbers of all levels and ability. 
   Still another object of the invention is to provide a device that is safe and easy to use. 
   Other objects of the present invention will become more apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is a magnetic climbing device that consists of a hand unit and a leg unit. The hand unit is designed for attachment to the hands of a climber and provides finger sections, thumb section, and a palm section. Each section utilizes prepositioned magnets for attachment of the hand unit to a ferrous, ferromagnetic, and/or magnetic structure. Hand straps and fasteners are used to securely tighten the hand unit to each hand of the climber. The leg unit is designed for attachment to the legs of a climber and provides a flexible planar member, a platform and base extension, straps and buckles. The planar member utilizes prepositioned magnets sequentially aligned along the length of the planar member for attachment of the leg unit to the structure. A sleeve is used to cover the planar member and base extension to protect the leg of the climber and provide additional friction, if necessary. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The Description of the Preferred Embodiment will be better understood with reference to the following figures: 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of a climber using Applicant&#39;s climbing device to scale or climb a magnetic or ferromagnetic structure. 
       FIG. 2  is a back view of a climber using Applicant&#39;s climbing device to scale or climb a magnetic or ferromagnetic structure. 
       FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the planar member and magnets used in the leg unit of the climbing device. 
       FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the leg unit of the climbing device and, in particular, illustrating the means for attaching the leg unit to a climber. 
       FIG. 5  is a back perspective view of the planar member used in the leg unit of the climbing device. 
       FIG. 6  is a back perspective view of the leg unit of the climbing device and, in particular, illustrating the means for attaching the leg unit to the climber. 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of the hand unit of the climbing device and, in particular, illustrating the magnets and means for attaching the hand unit to the climber. 
       FIG. 8  is a back view of the hand unit of the climbing device and, in particular, illustrating the hand unit as it would appear attached to the climber. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the leg unit of the climbing device as attached to leg of a climber and the magnetic or ferromagnetic structure. 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of the leg unit of the climbing device being systematically removed from the magnetic or ferromagnetic structure. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Turning first to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is illustrated a climber  20  scaling or climbing a ferrous, ferromagnetic, and/or magnetic structure  22  (i.e., structure) using a climbing device  24 . The climbing device comprises a leg unit  26  and a hand unit  28 . In the preferred embodiment, the structure  22  may be any type of structure such as steel made from substances including but not limited to iron, nickel, cobalt, or other alloys that exhibit high magnetic permeability. The structure  22  should also provide a sufficient thickness to engage the climbing device  24  and support the weight of the climber  20 . 
   The leg unit  26  is more clearly illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The leg unit  26  comprises an elongated planar member  30  having a interior surface  31  and an exterior surface  33 . In the preferred embodiment, the planar member  30  has a length  32  that approximates the length of a climber&#39;s leg as measured from the heel of a foot  34  to the base of a knee  36  ( FIG. 1 ). As climbers range in height from small children to tall adults, the planar member  30  is likewise adjusted to accommodate the size of the climber  20 . The planar member  30  is preferably made from a durable, flexible, and lightweight material such as aluminum. Alternatively, the planar member  30  may be made of any type of material including but not limited to fiberglass, carbon fiber, graphite, wood, or any other type of material provided that the planar member  30  has a restitution coefficient sufficient to provide flexibility to accommodate engagement and removal from the structure  22  and return the planar member  30  to its original position after being used. 
   Located on the exterior surface  33  of the planar member  30  are magnets  38 . In the preferred embodiment, the magnets  38  are positioned adjacent to one another and extend substantially along the entire length  32  of the planar member  30 . The number of magnets  38  used is dependent upon the length of the leg and the size and weight of the climber  20 . Preferably, each individual magnet  38  is made from an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron, or other suitably strong magnetic material. In the preferred embodiment, all the magnets  38  coact to provide sufficient magnetic strength to hold a leg  41  of the climber  20  to the magnetic or ferromagnetic structure  22 . 
   A base extension  40  is located at one end of the planar member  30 . The base extension  40  extends perpendicular from the interior surface  31  of the planar member  30 . Preferably, the base extension  40  is integrally molded to the planar member  30  and made of the same material as the planar member  30 . Alternatively, the base extension  40  may be made of any other material provided that the base extension  40  and the material are sufficient to satisfy its intended purpose as described in further detail below. 
   A sleeve  42  ( FIG. 4 ) is used to cover the entire planar member  30 , all the magnets  38 , and the base extension  40 . In the preferred embodiment, the sleeve  42  is made of a durable, high friction material such as rubber. Alternatively, the sleeve  42  may be a coating using a liquid rubber or a liquid polymer. This coating is to be formed by a solvent based liquid rubber polymer applied directly to the planar member  30 , magnets  38 , and/or base extension  40 . 
   Attached to the sleeve  42 , using brackets  43  ( FIG. 6 ), are straps  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 . Straps  46  and  50  are affixed, at one end, to the side of the sleeve  42  and, at the other end, have a key clasp  52 . Straps  44  and  48  are affixed, at one end, to the opposite side of the sleeve  42  from straps  46  and  50 , respectively, and, at the other end, have a locking sleeve  54 . In the preferred embodiment, straps  44  and  46  are located at the base of the knee  36  and straps  48  and  50  are located in close proximity to the base extension  40 . Straps  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  are preferably made of a high-tensile strength material such as nylon or cotton. Alternatively, the straps  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  may be made of any other type of material provided the straps are made of a material sufficient to satisfy its intended purpose as described in further detail below. 
   The key clasp  52  has flexible finger projections  56  and a center section  57 . The finger projections each have tip portions  58  and a cutaway  60 . The locking sleeve  54  has a front opening  62  and side openings  64 . In combination, the key clasp  52  and the locking sleeve  54  coact as a buckle. The key clasp  52  is inserted into the front opening  62  of the locking sleeve  54 . As the key clasp  52  enters the front opening  62 , the finger projections  56  are forced by the interior side of the locking sleeve  54  within the front opening  62  to bend inwardly toward the center section  57 . The finger projections  56  of the key clasp  52  continue moving within the front opening  62  of the locking sleeve  54  until the tip portions  58  reach the side openings  64  in the locking sleeve  54 . Once the top portions  58  reach the side openings  64 , the tip portions  58  return to their original orientation and, as permitted by the cutaway  60 , protrude outwardly through the side openings  64  in the locking sleeve  54  thereby locking the key clasp  52  to the locking sleeve  54 . The resulting buckle formed by the key clasp  52  and locking sleeve  54  is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In order to release the key clasp  52  from the locking sleeve  54 , the tip portions  58  must be depressed back through the side openings  64  and into the locking sleeve  54 , after which, the key clasp  52  may then be pulled away from the front opening  62  until the key clasp  52  is removed from the locking sleeve  54  and thereby released from one another. 
   A platform  66  is situated above the base extension  40 . The platform  66  is a flat surface that is used to support the foot of the climber  20 . The platform  66  provides a strap  68  having a key clasp  70  and a corresponding strap  72  and locking sleeve  74  that combine to act as a buckle in the same manner as that previously described herein and depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the interior surface  31  of the planar member  30  is a flat surface and designed, along with the sleeve  42  ( FIG. 6 ), to be placed flush and comfortably against the leg ( FIGS. 1 and 9 ). 
   Turning to  FIG. 7 , the hand unit  28  is more clearly illustrated. The hand unit  28  has a wrist section  76 , finger sections  78 , thumb section  79 , and a palm section  80  each coacting to receive a hand  82  ( FIG. 1 ) of a climber  20  therein. The wrist section  76  provides an opening  75  to accommodate entry of the hand of the climber  20 . The finger sections  78  total four and are designed to individually receive each finger of a climber  20 . Likewise, the thumb section  79  is designed to receive the thumb of a climber  20 . Located within each finger section  78  and thumb section  79  are magnets  84 . The magnets  84  are preferably positioned in the center of the finger section  78  and thumb section  79  adjacent to the palm section  80  of the hand. In the preferred embodiment, the magnets  84  are made of the same type of material as magnets  38 . 
   Located within the palm section  80  are magnets  86  and  88 . Magnet  86 , in a non-limiting example, provides an arc  90  that is ergonomically designed to be placed within the palm section  80  at the base of the thumb section  79 . Magnet  88  is elongated and spans substantially the length between the finger sections  78  and wrist section  76 . Magnets  86  and  88  are also made of the same type of material as magnets  38 . Alternatively, magnet  86  and magnet  88  may be any shape provided both magnets do not exceed the size of the palm section  80 . In the preferred embodiment, magnets  84 , magnet  86 , and magnet  88  coact to provide sufficient magnetic strength to hold the hand  82  of the climber  20  to the magnetic or ferromagnetic structure  22 . 
   The hand unit  28  is provided with hand straps  92  and  94  to securely tighten the hand unit  28  to the hand  82  of the climber  20 . Strap  92  is an elongated member having fasteners  96  and  98  located on opposite sides of the strap  92  from one another. Fastener  96  and  98  each consist of a strip of nylon having a surface of minute hooks that enable it to be fastened to a corresponding strip nylon having a like surface. In the preferred embodiment, fasteners  96  and  98  are made of Velcro® which is a federally registered trademark owned by Velcro Industries located in the Netherlands. In use, strap  92  is wrapped around the exterior of the wrist section  76  thereby securely tightening the wrist section  76  around the wrist of the climber  20 . Once the strap  92  is tightened to its desired pressure, fastener  96  of strap  92  is fastened to fastener  98  for holding the strap  92  in its desired position. To release the strap  92 , fastener  98  is merely pulled away from fastener  96  to separate the surfaces thereby releasing the pressure on the wrist section  76 . Likewise, strap  94  is secured to the back side of the hand unit  28  as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
   To use Applicant&#39;s climbing device, the hand unit  28  is affixed to each hand  82  of the climber  20  and the leg unit  26  is affixed to each leg  41  of the climber  20 . With respect to the leg unit  26 , the straps  44  and  46  wrap around the base of the knee  36  of the leg  41  of the climber  20  and are secured by the resulting buckle as formed by the key clasp  58  and locking sleeve  54  (i.e., first securing means). Likewise, straps  48  and  50 , in close proximity above the foot  100 , wrap around the leg  41  of the climber  20  and are secured by the resulting buckle as formed by the key clasp  58  and locking sleeve  54  (i.e., second securing means). Lastly, straps  68  and  72  wrap around the foot  100  of the climber  20  and are secured by the resulting buckle as formed by the key clasp  70  and locking sleeve  74  (i.e., third securing means). This third securing means securely tightens the foot  100  of the climber  20  to the platform  66  of the leg unit  26 . The combination of all three securing means enables the leg unit  26  to be securely tightened to the leg  41  of the climber  20 . 
   With the climbing device  24  secured, the climber  20  is ready to begin climbing. Upon approaching the magnetic or ferromagnetic structure  22 , the hands  82  are raised in the air with the first hand engaging the structure  22  using the hand unit  28 . The hand unit  28  utilizes the magnets  84 , magnet  86 , and magnet  88  to attract the magnetic structure  22  and retaining the first hand to the structure  22 . The second hand likewise engages the structure  22 . Once both hands are engaged, the first leg of the climber  20  is lifted for engaging the structure  22 . With the foot  100  pointing slightly outward and with the exterior side  33  of the leg unit facing the structure  22 , the magnets  38  attract the magnetic structure  22  for retaining the first leg to the structure  22  as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . With the first hand, the second hand, and the first leg attached to the structure  22 , the weight of the climber  20  can be supported thereby enabling the climber  20  to lift the second leg and likewise attach it to the structure  22 . When all the limbs of the climber  20  are attached to the structure  22 , the climber  20  has a spider-like appearance on the structure  22  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the preferred embodiment, all the magnets  38  in the leg unit  26  and the magnets  84 ,  86 , and  88  combine to provide sufficient magnetic strength to support the weight of the climber  20  on the magnetic or ferromagnetic structure  22 . 
   To continue toward the top of the structure  22 , the climber  20  peels away the palm section  80 , the thumb section  79 , and then each finger section  78  for completely removing the hand unit  28  of the first hand from the structure  22 . After the first hand is completely removed from the structure  22 , the climber  20  lifts and places the first hand at a next higher position. The second hand follows in the same manner. To remove the first leg to place it in the next higher position, the climber  20 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , begins by pulling the base of the knee  36  in the direction A away from the structure  22 . When the first leg is pulled, the magnets  38  located at the base of the knee  36  is peeled or removed from the structure  22 . As the first leg is continued to be pulled in the direction A away from the structure  22 , the next lower adjacent magnet  38  is likewise peeled or removed from the structure  22 , and then the next lower adjacent magnet  38 , and then the next lower adjacent magnet  38  until all of the magnets  38  have been sequentially peeled away or removed from the structure  22  and completely releasing the leg unit  26  from the structure  22 . Once removed, the climber  20  may then reposition the first leg. The second leg follows in the same manner. This process is repeated until the climber  22  reaches the top of the structure  22 . 
   Thus, there has been provided a unique magnetic climbing device that utilizes hand and leg units of prepositioned ferromagnetic substances for scaling magnetic structures. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it in intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.