Abstract:
The invention is related to climbing trees. Climbing trees are used for a variety of purposes—cats and other pets and small or slightly older children can derive a lot of pleasure from activities in a climbing tree. Using a specially designed bracket the shape of the climbing tree can be expanded and changed in an almost unlimited range of combinations. The climbing tree can be adapted to the physical aspects of its surroundings. These make the climbing tree exceedingly useful and practical. The new invention consists of different types of brackets to be secured to the columns and where the brackets are the link to new imaginative additions to the climbing tree. The invention can fulfil claims in which the column can have any shape imaginable—e.g. square, triangular—such that the brackets are simply physically shaped to suit that of the column.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is related to climbing trees, for cats or other pets and for children. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Climbing trees are used for cats or other pets and for children. In childcare institutions or private homes, a climbing tree helps promote balance and develop motor function in children. The same applies to cats when climbing and playing in climbing trees. 
     Examples of comparative models of climbing trees that offer combination options for adaptation include U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,465. Using special joint pegs, new branches can be added to the climbing tree—horizontally or vertically—on an existing column. 
     In other words, only two options are offered—horizontal and vertical—which is a major limitation in relation to this invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is related to climbing trees, for cats or other pets and for children. Referring to  FIG. 9  a climbing tree of this invention includes many columns arranged in different combinations and at various angles. Using a specially designed fitting—a bracket—the shape of the climbing tree can be expanded and changed in an almost unlimited range of combinations. This flexibility makes the climbing tree exceedingly useful and practical. In childcare institutions or private homes, a climbing tree of this new type will help promote balance and develop motor function in children. The same applies to cats when climbing and playing in climbing trees. The climbing tree can be adapted to the physical aspects of its surroundings. Some of the models currently on the market can be adapted in the same practical way, but this new invention offers even more combination options, and most importantly the technical execution of such combinations is much simpler and easier to perform. The new invention includes a bracket that comes in many different sizes but that in principle are all identical in design. The varied sizes are due to the bracket being adapted to the diameter and shape of the columns, which come in many different shapes. 
     This description is mainly based on the columns being round, but does take into account that the invention can fulfil requirements for which the column may have totally different shapes—e.g. square, triangular—such that the brackets are physically shaped to suit that of the column. In terms of physical execution and appearance, an assembled unit usually consists of 2 brackets mainly of plastic and that are assembled around one of the climbing tree&#39;s columns and thus form a circular collar, for example. A single bracket can in itself also be closed unit that can be fastened around a column. 
     The ends of the brackets are fastened together using a bolt and thread, but can also be joined in other ways, e.g. using a snap-function or hinge. 
     For each bracket, there can be 1 or more vertical projections (depending on the size) on the main plane, in the middle of which there can be one or more holes or one or more nuts intended for thread or a threaded bolt and in which a threaded bolt or nut can be fitted, for example. 
     If a threaded bolt is used, it will visibly project several centimetres from the bracket. Matching female elements on the top or bottom of the brackets can be screwed together with the threaded bolt. 
     If a nut is used, the elements must simply be swapped around so that the female element receives the threaded bolt. 
     The head of the threaded bolt is principally canted so that it will lock into a similarly canted female socket, (with the same number of cants as the threaded bolt) when screwed into the adjacent part&#39;s thread. 
     The angle of the new bracket to be fitted can be largely determined by the person assembling the tree. 
     Given the 360° circumference of the column the bracket can be manipulated to a position anywhere around the full 360°, providing unlimited options for the next extension. 
     The triangular column offers at least three different positions for the brackets, the square column at least four, and so on. 
     There are almost no limits to the possible extension combinations. 
     For the sake of stability, it can also be a good idea to use a wall as a support for the climbing tree. 
     It is very simple—a bracket can be simply screwed securely to the wall through one of the many holes in the bracket. If two brackets are fitted together onto a column, one of the free plane&#39;s projecting securing elements on one of the brackets can be used to fasten a third bracket—instead of extending by fitting a new bracket directly to the column. This new bracket will thus also offer a 360° range of potential positions—but on a new level in relation to the preceding bracket. 
     The base of the columns are sealed with a type of cap, the sides of which expand over the edges of the column and grip the same. 
     The actual surface of the cap can be fitted with narrow or flat projections in a circle around the centre of the cap. These narrow or flat projections have a practical function. Besides being able to use brackets joined as fittings for extension of the climbing tree, the ends of two brackets can also be fitted together, which is where one of the practical functions of the narrow projections comes into play. When two bracket ends are joined using a threaded bolt, that passes through a hole with a suitable thread in the centre of the cap, the narrow projections automatically form a lock, as they mesh with each other upon physical contact. 
     A type of track is formed between two of the narrow projections into which the opposing projection locks. Similarly, one or more narrow projections can be added mainly along the surface of the flat projections on the brackets. 
     These narrow projections have the same function as those on the aforementioned cap—they mesh with the narrow projections on the cap on the column they are fitted to. 
     By securing brackets to a wall, excellent stability is assured as described above—but the climbing tree can be further secured by a similar means of securing it to the ceiling, where by securing the end piece of a column to a securing element in the ceiling can achieve the same anti-vibration lock as previously mentioned for two brackets. 
     Further secure fastening to less robust ceiling types, such as plasterboard, can be achieved by using a replaceable end piece that has a relatively large diameter. This spreads pressure applied to the ceiling over a wider area. 
     Many ceilings are at an angle and a specially-designed bracket allows the existing top piece to be mounted, allowing the climbing tree to also be securely attached to such ceilings. The movable parts of the bracket are positioned around a sort of shaft that physically holds two sub-components together, that are principally identical. These sub-components are positioned opposite to each other and each consists of a plate with two opposing side components, each of which are tapered away from the plate and the pivotal point, where the tipping function allows them to be positioned with two contact points between the two sub-components, where the side components come to a point and where a shaft is mounted through them. 
     This provides a tipping function, which means that positioning can be achieved to match the angle of the ceiling. 
     The surface of the upper sub-component can be secured to the end piece mainly by a sort of circular bayonet fitting, that fits into a female element on the end piece. The same applies to the way the surface of the lower sub-component is secured to the end piece of the column below. 
     One of the ideas behind this replaceable accessory is that it must be simple to replace the parts. 
     The inside of the brackets can also be fitted with small sharp anchors (sharp points, ridges or the like) and that use friction to lock the bracket securely to the column. 
     The character and type of the anchors is adapted to the surface material of the column. 
     Several other similar measures to lock the brackets securely are stated in the design examples. 
     Finally, it is worth mentioning that by using a few simple adaptations the climbing tree can be used in totally new ways—e.g. a hammock can be hung from it, a playhouse can be mounted and tunnels and caves can be constructed around it. 
     The terms of production are extremely favourable. The bracket is very simple and cheap to manufacture and the parts of existing climbing trees can be used with simple adaptation or changes. 
     The bracket and end pieces can be used to suspend or hang special hanging elements. 
     A range of cavities or recesses can be included into which specially designed blocks could be fitted by pressing or snapping them into place. The blocks will have a stick or similar on one end of which can be hung a toy—e.g. mouse. Similar accessories could be toys affixed to the columns. A fitting can be attached to the columns which is principally shaped to conform to the physical structure of the column and which consists of a mainly flat disc, upon which is a socket which is the receiving element for a long, spring-like metal arm or the like, to one end of which is a type of male plug which fits into the aforementioned socket by means of a snap-fit function, for example. At the other end could be a toy, typically for a cat. 
     Upon being hit by a cat&#39;s paw the toy will be impelled into jumping and springing movements, which are highly stimulating to a cat&#39;s play (hunting) instinct. 
     The fitting&#39;s attachment to the column could be in the form of screws or spikes pressed into the surface material of the column, and by a fastener passing through the bracket and around the column. 
     The idea is that the accessory will be easy to replace. Similarly, a similar arrangement can be activated on the top of the cap using a long springy metal arm—also attached using a fitting such as an ordinary male/female plug principle, but such that it is possible to lock the position of the male plug in the female socket, such that there is no risk that the toy can be moved through 360°, which can be practical if the arrangement is placed close to a wall—scratch marks on the wall can be a consequence of a cat&#39;s attempts to catch an imaginary mouse, if such a locking device is not a feature of the springy metal arm. 
     The locking device can be in the form of a canted male plug that mates with a corresponding female socket thus locking each other in place. 
     If the column is positioned such that there is space for a toy to turn through 360° the male and female plug/socket could simply be round. 
     It will also be possible to make a handle as a female element, such that a person can walk unimpeded around with the toy to play with the cat. 
     Fitting and removal of the toy using the handle can be using the same simple principle as stated above—e.g. using a snap-fit function. 
     It will also be possible to fit a remotely controlled electric vibrator to the fitting, to be able to activate vibrations in the toy from a distance. The vibrator could also be activated using a timer, that can automatically activate the vibrator at predetermined times, which will be particularly stimulating for a cat that is alone for long periods of time. 
     Finally, the climbing tree accessory could consist of a series of climbing or scratching boards. 
     The climbing/scratching boards are an isolated sub-element that can be replaced as wear and tear dictates—a sort of refill accessory. The sub-elements will be held securely using a sort of holder from which they can be quickly and easily removed and replaced as required. The holders can be situated on ascending levels and be in physical contact with the rest of the climbing tree. 
     This will make that part of the climbing tree well-suited for climbing and sharpening claws. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  brackets with 1 and 2 flat projections respectively 
         FIG. 2  bracket on wall 
         FIG. 3  cap with narrow anti-vibration projections 
         FIG. 4  bracket with narrow anti-vibration projection 
         FIG. 5  illustration of 2 columns in the process of being joined 
         FIG. 6  unique combination option, bracket to bracket 
         FIG. 7  examples of brackets 
         FIG. 7.1  brackets with no friction system 
         FIG. 7.2  canted brackets 
         FIG. 7.3  brackets with spikes 
         FIG. 7.4  brackets with anchors 
         FIG. 8  combination of brackets with 2 flat projections 
         FIG. 9  multi-column composition with columns at various angles 
         FIG. 10  brackets—various combination options 
         FIG. 11  climbing tree with hammock and house respectively 
         FIG. 12  end piece closure with cavity for special hanging parts 
         FIG. 13  bracket with cavity for special hanging parts 
         FIG. 14  shows how the blocks ( 15 ) are fitted with a stick ( 16 ) on the end of which a toy can be hung—e.g. mouse. 
         FIG. 15  wing nut and cap—anti-vibration lock, 1 wing nut ( 20 ) screwed on column cap ( 9 ) 
         FIG. 16  2 wing nuts ( 20 ) screwed at a distance from the column cap 
         FIG. 17  3 wing nuts ( 20 ) seen upside down 
         FIG. 18  end piece integrated with bracket function for joining 
         FIG. 19  large diameter end piece 
         FIG. 20  tipping arrangement for angled ceilings illustrated with fastening elements for upper end piece and lower column end piece. 
         FIG. 21  tipping arrangement seen isolated and in perspective 
         FIG. 22  male plug mounted on fitting for replaceable and removable toy arrangement 
         FIG. 23  socket or receiver element 
         FIG. 24  base with spikes 
         FIG. 25  socket with spikes seen from above 
         FIG. 26  socket with rectangular receiver element (Female socket) 
         FIG. 27  socket with round receiver element (female socket) 
         FIG. 28  adapter for replaceable and removable accessories 
         FIG. 29  round male and female plug/socket 
         FIG. 30  canted male/female plug/socket 
         FIG. 31  handle 
         FIG. 32  climbing and scratching parts in holder element 
         FIG. 33  configuration example of fitting and removal 
         FIG. 34  joining elements 
         FIG. 35  configuration examples with various stages 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 9  a climbing tree of this invention includes many columns arranged in different combinations and at various angles. Using a specially designed fitting—a bracket—the shape of the climbing tree can be expanded and changed in an almost unlimited range of combinations. The configuration examples are mainly based on the columns being round, but do take into account that the invention can fulfill requirements for which the column may have totally different shapes—e.g. square, triangular—such that the brackets are physically shaped to suit that of the column. 
       FIG. 1  shows 2 brackets ( 1  and  2 ). 
     Bracket  1  has only one flat projection ( 3 ) whilst bracket  2  has 2 flat projections ( 3 ). 
     It also illustrates how two brackets can be fastened together using the fastening elements ( 6 ). Threaded bolts bind the brackets ( 1 , 2 ) securely together. 
     But all other stable forms of fastening can also be used—e.g. snap-fit function. 
     The brackets can be fastened around a column ( 8 ) and in this instance will form a circular collar. 
     The shape and size of the bracket have to adapt to those of the column on which they are to be fitted. 
     There can be one or more mainly flat projections ( 3 ) on each bracket ( 1 , 2 ) where there can be one or more threaded holes in which threaded bolts ( 4 ) can be screwed that will visibly project several centimetres from the bracket ( 1 , 2 ). 
     Matching female elements on the top or bottom of the columns ( 8 ) can be screwed together with the threaded bolt. 
     This arrangement can of course be reversed (bolt in the top or bottom of the column ( 1 , 2 ) and female element (nut) set in the flat projection on the bracket ( 3 )). 
     Given the 360° circumference of the column ( 1 , 2 ) the brackets can be manipulated to a position anywhere around the full 360°, providing unlimited options for the next extension. 
     The triangular column offers at least three different positions for the brackets, the square column at least four, and so on. The shape of the column is of major importance to positioning the brackets. 
     The brackets ( 1 , 2 ) in pairs have mainly the same design and size—whilst in pairs can vary considerably in physical size and shape—size and shape have to be adapted to the shape and diameter of the column ( 8 ). 
     The illustration shows the threaded bolts ( 4 ) which screw into the bottom of the columns ( 8 ). It can also be reversed—that the threaded bolt from the column is fitted into the nut in the bracket ( 1 , 2 ). 
     The illustration shows the head of the bolt as ( 4 ) hexagonal ( 5 ) such that it will fit securely into a correspondingly hexagonal socket in the base of the cavity the bolt head ( 4 ) will be forced into when the bolt ( 4 ) is screwed sufficiently tightly into the adjacent part. 
     The idea is that the number of cants corresponds to each other on the bolt ( 4 ) and the socket the bolt is locked into. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates bracket  1  secured to a wall ( 7 ). 
     It can be a good idea to use a wall ( 7 ) as a firm support for the climbing tree. 
     It is simple to do so—by drilling a hole and screwing bracket  1  securely to the wall ( 7 ) to ensure better stability. 
       FIG. 3  shows the element used to seal the hole in the bottom or top of a column ( 8 ) and which also functions as a kind of cap ( 9 ), the sides of which expand over the edges of the column ( 8 ), and are dimensioned to fit tightly around the same ( 8 ). 
     The actual surface of the cap ( 9 ) is fitted with narrow projections ( 10 ) in a pattern e.g. around the centre of the cap ( 9 ). 
     These narrow projections ( 10 ) have a practical function as anti-vibration locks for the joint. 
     The practical function of the narrow projections ( 10 ) comes into play when joining two column ends together, for example. 
     When the ends of two columns ( 8 ) are joined together, a locking device is automatically formed by the narrow projections ( 10 ), as they mesh together upon physical contact. 
       FIG. 4  shows the flat projections of the brackets ( 3 ) in which one or more longitudinally-arranged narrow projections can be placed and mainly in the middle of the projection (the illustrations shows only one narrow projection ( 11 )), and that have the same function as those on the caps mentioned above ( 10 ). 
     The narrow projections ( 10 ) mesh together. 
     A type of track is formed between two of the narrow projections into which the opposing projection locks. 
     This ingenious arrangement helps counter vibration for the entire base of the climbing tree. 
       FIG. 5  provides an excellent illustration of how the end surfaces of the two columns are locked thanks to the narrow projections ( 10 ) so that even when large cats jump on the climbing tree it will not affect its stability. 
       FIG. 6  shows even more of the innumerable combinations possible. 
     If two brackets ( 1 , 2 ) are joined as a single unit (collar) around a column ( 8 ), one of the fastening points of the flat projections ( 3 ) on one of the brackets can be used to fix another bracket ( 1 , 2 ) similarly onto the fastening point of the flat projection of the second bracket. This new bracket ( 1 , 2 ) will thus also offer a 360° range of potential positions—but on a new level in relation to the preceding bracket ( 1 , 2 ). 
       FIG. 7  shows examples of how the brackets can be secured against slipping on the columns. 
       FIG. 7.1  shows a bracket with no slip-prevention. 
       FIG. 7.2  shows a bracket on which slipping is prevented using extra edges. 
       FIG. 7.3  shows a bracket on which slipping is prevented using spikes. 
       FIG. 7.4  brackets with anchors. 
       FIGS. 7.1  to  7 . 4  show how the brackets can be locked firmly on the column ( 8 ), if the surface material of the columns is of a nature that facilitates this. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the combination of brackets with 2 flat projections ( 3 ), whilst  FIG. 9  shows a large climbing tree with many columns and different combinations. 
       FIG. 10  shows a selection of the innumerable combinations possible for the various bracket designs. 
       FIG. 11  demonstrates how such accessories as a hammock ( 13 ) or a house ( 14 ) can be added to the climbing tree. 
       FIG. 12  shows a range of cavities or recesses ( 14 ) in the end pieces into which specially designed blocks ( 15 ) could be fitted by pressing or snapping them into place. 
       FIG. 13  shows the same as in  FIG. 10  except in brackets. 
       FIG. 14  shows how the blocks ( 15 ) are fitted with a stick ( 16 ) on the end of which a toy can be hung—e.g. mouse.  FIGS. 15 ,  16  and  17  show how columns can be secured to a ceiling with particular reference to demonstrating the anti-vibration measures. 
       FIG. 15  shows the wing nut ( 20 ) screwed onto the column cap ( 9 ). 
       FIG. 16  where the wing nut ( 20 ) is screwed at a distance from the column cap illustrates how the recesses in the column and cap respectively prevent vibration. 
     The cap ( 18 ) on the threaded shaft ( 19 ) is forced against the ceiling proportional to the wing nut ( 20 ) being screwed down towards the column cap. The recesses ( 10 ) in the column cap and corresponding wing nut ( 20 ) can be seen clearly in  FIG. 17  where it ( 20 ) is seen upside down.  FIG. 18  shows the cap with integrated bracket function.  FIG. 19  shows an example of a replaceable end piece with large diameter such that the pressure applied here is spread over a larger area of the ceiling, such that the end piece can be secured against relatively weak ceilings, such as plasterboard. 
       FIG. 20  is a fitting designed for angled ceilings. The movable parts of the bracket are positioned around a sort of shaft ( 25 ) that physically holds two sub-components ( 22 ) together, that are principally identical. These sub-components are positioned opposite to each other and each consists of a plate with two opposing side components ( 24 ), each of which taper away from the plate and the pivotal point ( 25 ), where the tipping function allows them to be positioned with two contact points between the two sub-components ( 24 ), where the side components are pointed and where a shaft is mounted through them. 
     The surface of the upper sub-component can be secured to the end piece mainly by a sort of circular bayonet fitting ( 23 ) that fits into a female element ( 23 ) on the end piece. The same applies to the way the surface of the lower sub-component is secured to the end piece of the column below. Similar accessories could be toys affixed to the columns ( 8 ). A fitting can be attached to a column ( 8 ) which is principally shaped to conform to the physical structure of the column and which consists of a mainly flat disc, upon which is a housing which is the receiving element ( 27 ) for a long, spring-like metal arm ( 29 ) or the like, to one end of which is a type of male plug ( 28 ) which fits into the aforementioned socket ( 27 ) by means of a snap function ( 30 ), for example. At the other end could be a toy, typically for a cat. 
     The fitting&#39;s attachment to the column could be in the form of screws or spikes ( 31 ) pressed into the surface material of the column ( 8 ), and by a fastener passing through the bracket and around the column. 
     Similarly, a similar sort of arrangement can be activated in the top of the cap consisting of an adapter ( 34 ) for replaceable and removable accessories—with a long metal arm—attached using a fitting such as an ordinary male/female plug/socket principal, but with the option of locking the positioning of the male plug in the female socket. The locking device can be in the form of a canted male plug ( 35 ) that mates with a corresponding female socket ( 36 ) thus locking each other in place. 
     If the column ( 8 ) is positioned such that there is space for a toy to turn through 360° the male plug ( 37 ) and female socket ( 38 ) could simply be round. 
     It will also be possible to make a handle ( 39 ) as a female element, such that a person can walk unimpeded around with the toy to play with the cat. 
     Fitting and removal of the toy using the handle can be using the same simple principle as stated above—e.g. using a snap-fit function. 
     It will also be possible to fit a remotely controlled electric vibrator to the fitting, to be able to activate vibrations in the toy from a distance. The vibrator could also be activated using a timer, that can automatically activate the vibrator at predetermined times, which will be particularly stimulating for a cat that is alone for long periods of time. 
     The climbing/scratching boards are an isolated sub-element that can be replaced. The sub-elements ( 49 ) will be held securely using a sort of holder ( 42 ) from which they can be quickly and easily removed and replaced as required. The holders ( 41 ) can be situated on ascending levels and be in physical contact with the rest of the climbing tree. 
     This will make that part of the climbing tree well-suited for climbing and sharpening claws. 
     NUMBERING 
     
         
           1  bracket with one flat projection 
           2  bracket with two flat projections 
           3  flat projections 
           4  one of the threaded bolts 
           5  hexagonal bolt head 
           6  bracket joint elements 
           7  wall for mounting a bracket 
           8  column 
           9  column cap 
           10  narrow projections on cap 
           11  narrow projections on bracket 
           12  hammock 
           13  house 
           14  recess/cavity 
           15  blocks 
           16  stick mounted in block designed to fit recess 
           17  toy—here a mouse 
           18  cap against ceiling 
           19  threaded shaft 
           20  wing nut 
           21  cap with integrated bracket function 
           22  large diameter end piece 
           23  sub-components combined with brackets with tipper function 
           24  fastening elements 
           25  side components for  22   
           26  pivotal point for bracket with tipper function 
           27  socket 
           28  male plug on toy part 
           29  springy metal arm 
           30  snap-lock element 
           31  spikes 
           32  fastener 
           33  toy 
           34  adapter for replaceable accessories on top of column 
           35  canted male plug 
           36  canted female socket 
           37  round male plug 
           38  round female plug 
           39  handle 
           40  climbing/scratching boards, replaceable elements 
           41  holder element 
           42  example of fastening in holder element—with bayonet 
           43  fitting for retaining the climbing/scratching boards between the various levels. 
       
    
     Several embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.