Patent Document

[0001]    The present application claims priority of pending provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/853,342, filed on Oct. 20, 2006, entitled “Rock Climbing Oriented Communication Device”. 
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to equipment used to make rock climbing and other similar activities safer and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a communication device for rock climbing and the like for providing safer climbing by improving the methods in which climbing partners communicate. This invention can also be used in a variety of activities where hands-free, voice activated communication is desired. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Climbing is a unique, exciting, and challenging endeavor. However, even in the best of conditions, numerous variables exist which result in an inherent risk of serious injury or even death. The goal of any climber—novice or experienced—is to minimize the number of uncontrollable variables by planning for as many different aspects of an outing before departure. This includes bringing the correct amount of food, water, gear, etc. Whether consciously or unconsciously, all successful climbers do this process of preemptive planning in order to both increase the chance of success and decrease the possibility of serious injury. 
         [0006]    One such aspect of an outing that has not yet been adequately identified is that of communication. Communication not only has the potential to affect the success of the climb but also the safety of both climbers. Most experienced rock climbers that use ropes will agree that when separated by as short of a distance as one rope length, the ability to communicate with your partner drops to nearly zero. While verbal communications may work in some situations, the commonly used method of communication between climbing partners is accomplished primarily by tugging on the rope. 
         [0007]    Unfortunately, tugging on the rope is an extremely unreliable and difficult to interpret method of communication. Was that two tugs or three tugs? Did four tugs mean belay on or belay off? Do they need slack? Was that one long tug or two short tugs? These questions can never be answered with certainty solely from the tug of a rope, and an incorrect interpretation could result in death. 
         [0008]    The possibility of such a serious consequence due to lack of communication is something that should be unacceptable to the average climber. With today&#39;s technological advances in the communication industry, specifically in wireless communications and walkie-talkies, one must ask why climbers do not take advantage of these valuable resources. The answer is clear: no communication device has ever been specifically designed for the use of rock climbing and other similar climbing activities. 
         [0009]    Current hand held walkie-talkies are not a viable option for climbers for several reasons. The most obvious is that current communication devices cannot be safely operated during many climbing activities. For example, when belaying or climbing, it is necessary to have both hands free in order to perform each activity safely. Another reason is that current communication devices cannot be easily operated while being clipped to a harness or gearsling, thus creating an inherent risk of dropping and losing the device while on a rock face. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    The present invention is a communication device for rock climbers and the like. The communication device comprises an outer casing and a plastic insert mounted within the outer casing. Communication electronics are mounted within the plastic insert. An earbud is connected to the communication electronics and seatable in an opening in the outer casing with the earbud having a protrusion extending beyond the opening. A retraction mechanism connects the earbud for extending and retracting the earbud into the opening. A releasable closure mechanism is secured to the outer casing for securing the communication device to, and releasing the communication device from, an object. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a communication device for rock climbing and the like, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the communication device being substantially carabiner in shape and only slightly larger in size and a retractable earbud and microphone system allowing hands free, voice activated communication between climbing partners; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an outer casing of the communication device for rock climbing and the like, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a plastic insert of the communication device for rock climbing and the like, constructed in accordance with the present invention, for insulating and protecting between the outer casing and the internal components; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a climber interface system configuration of communication device for rock climbing and the like, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with an earbud and microphone system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating another part of the climber interface system configuration of communication device for rock climbing and the like, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a push-button retractor mechanism; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the communication device for rock climbing, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view illustrating the communication device for rock climbing of  FIG. 6 , constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the earbud in an extended position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is another front perspective view illustrating the communication device for rock climbing of  FIG. 6 , constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a elevational front view illustrating the communication device for rock climbing of  FIG. 6 , constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the earbud in a retracted position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is another elevational front view illustrating the communication device for rock climbing of  FIG. 6 , constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the earbud in an extended position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is elevational rear view illustrating the communication device for rock climbing of  FIG. 6 , constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the earbud in a retracted position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is another elevational rear view illustrating the communication device for rock climbing of  FIG. 6 , constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the earbud in an extended position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is an elevational left side view illustrating the communication device for rock climbing of  FIG. 6 , constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the earbud seated within the communication device; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is another elevational left side view illustrating the communication device for rock climbing of  FIG. 6 , constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the earbud and the wiregate carabiner attachments removed from the drawing; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is an elevational right side view illustrating the communication device for rock climbing of  FIG. 6 , constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view illustrating the communication device for rock climbing of  FIG. 6 , constructed in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a flow chart illustrating a family of products for the communication device for rock climbing. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0028]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the present invention is a climbing oriented communication device, indicated generally at  10 , for use in improving communication methods between climbing partners. In the present invention, each element of the communication device  10  will be described first. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  illustrates the communication device  10  of the present invention having an outer casing  12 , gate  14 , climber interface system  30  (comprised of earbud  31  and microphone  32  system combined with a retractor mechanism  33 ), plastic insert  21  to house internal components and store climber interface system  30 , operational dials  42 , and optional LED  51  to indicate on/off status. Not seen in  FIG. 1  are the internal components such as electronics and batteries, as well as the button used to control the retraction of the climber interface system  30 . Also not shown are the internal speaker and microphone used when the communication device  10  is oriented as a hand-held walkie-talkie. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  illustrates the outer casing  12  and gate  14 , indicated generally at  20 , of the communication device  10  of the present invention used for maintaining the carabiner shape and provide functionality. The carabiner shape will be relatively familiar to the average climber and promote a secure, convenient, and trusted attachment. The specific dimensions of the outer casing  12  will be determined by housing requirements for the climber interface system  30  and internal components (not shown). The durability standards of the communication device  10  require that the unit must maintain functionality while enduring the common abuse associated with being placed on a harness or gearsling during a climb. This condition implies that (i) the outer casing  12  will most likely be constructed out of a lightweight, durable metal such as aluminum or titanium although constructing the outer casing  12  from other materials, such as plastic, is within the scope of the present invention and (ii) the case will include various seals and devices to be water, dust, and shock resistant. 
         [0031]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the outer casing  12  of the communication device  10  surrounds an example of a plastic insert  21 . This plastic insert  21  provides insulation and protection between the outer casing  12  and the internal components. The plastic insert  21  houses the climber interface system  30 , electronic components, and batteries. 
         [0032]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a climber interface system  30  is provided. The climber interface system  30  has an earbud  31  and microphone  32  system allowing for hands free, voice activated communication between climbing partners. Preferably, the earbud  31  has a built-in, easy-grab, shark fin shaped appendage attached to or formed in the earbud  31  for quick and easy access. The climber interface system  30  combines with a spring loaded spool retractor mechanism  33  for quickly and conveniently storing the system while not in use. 
         [0033]    The operation of a communication device  10  of the present invention will now be described. A person skilled in the art will understand that the communication device  10  can be operated in numerous manners and that the description set forth below is merely one manner of operation. 
         [0034]    The communication device  10  of the present invention is powered on by using operational dials  42 . The power supply is indicated by the LED  51  located on the top. Using operational dials  42 , the user sets their volume level preference and designates a common channel of communication. While the climber interface system  30  is retracted into its protective recess, located on the plastic insert  21 , the communication device  10  has the ability to function as a hand-held walkie-talkie by utilizing a built in microphone and speaker system (not shown). The communication device  10  is attached to the lead climbers harness or gear sling and secured by the gate  14 . 
         [0035]    While the communication device of the present invention  10  proves useful for communication during the actual movement of climbing, the communication device  10  will probably be needed most when a climber transitions from the person who is climbing to become the person who is belaying. It is during this period that climbing partners are separated by as much distance as one rope length and will have to perform a variety of transition related tasks that often require the use of both hands. With verbal and visual communications severely limited, the ability to communicate clearly becomes extremely difficult. 
         [0036]    At this point, the lead climber employs the communication device  10  of the present invention by grabbing and pulling the earbud  31  of the climber interface system  30  from its protective recess. The earbud  31  is comfortably and securely placed in the climber&#39;s ear of choice. Once the earbud  31  and microphone  32  are pulled from their protective recess, the communication device  10  automatically changes from a hand-held walkie-talkie to a hands-free, voice activated communication device. A simple simultaneous push of operational dials  42  will serve as the “Call” feature and notify one climbers need to talk to the other. When utilizing this climber interface system  30 , the user simply has to speak clearly into the microphone  32  and listen through the earbud  31  speaker. In this manner, a climber will be able to accurately and consistently know the condition and status of their partner, thus improving the overall safety of the climb. 
         [0037]    When the climber no longer needs to communicate with their partner, a button will be pushed to enable the retractor mechanism  33  and pull the climber interface system  30  back into its protective recess until future use is desired. Operational dials  42  will be used to power off the communication device  10 . 
         [0038]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 6-16 , in another embodiment of the present invention is the communication device  110  comprises a durable plastic and metal box  111  integrated with dual wiregate carabiner attachments  113  combined with a built-in, easy-grab, shark fin shaped retractable earbud  115  and microphone  117 . The communication device  110  of this embodiment provides secure attachment as well as continually maintaining the orientation of the communication device  110  relative to a harness or gearsling. By attaching each wiregate carabiner clip  113  to adjacent gear loops, the communication device  110  automatically and continuously faces in the desired, upright manner. 
         [0039]    The dual gates  113  of the communication device  110  of the present invention ensure that the communication device  110  has restricted horizontal and vertical motion along a harness or gearsling. The stable and consistent orientation provided by the communication device  110  is convenient and ultimately easier to use, both of which are important to the average climber. In one instance, the user can attach each wiregate carabiner  113  to adjacent gear loops, causing the communication device  110  to be positioned in the space between the two loops. This positioning helps to allow adequate room for other pieces of climbing equipment as well as ensure that the communication device  110  is as least intrusive as possible. 
         [0040]    When not in use, the earbud  115  and microphone  117  are adequately protected from abrasions and stresses by the outer casing  111  of the communication device  110 . Having both operational dials  123  partially recessed on the top of the communication device  110  provides protection to the dials while allowing easy operational access. In addition, the communication device  110  has a rotatable antenna  121  and is powered on by using the operational dials  123 . Using operational dials  123 , the user sets their volume level preference and designates a common channel of communication. The power supply is indicated by the LED  125  located on the top. All the features of the previous embodiment are incorporated into the communication device  110 . 
         [0041]    In sum, the present invention is a climbing oriented communication device  10 ,  110  designed to meet the unique communication needs of a rock climber. The communication requirements of a climber mandate a device that will provide hands-free, voice activated communication, a quick and secure method of attachment to a harness or gearsling, operational ability while attached to the harness or gearsling (i.e., the user does not have to remove it from the harness to use the device), and ruggedness to endure a variety of environments and stresses. A climber communication device will also need to be simple to use and reliable. The features of the communication device  10 ,  110  of the present invention satisfy these needs by including: (i) voice activated, hands free operation, (ii) operational ability while attached to a harness or gear sling, and (iii) durability designed to endure a variety of climbing environments. 
         [0042]    Embodiments of the communication device  10 ,  110  of the present invention include a device that is either carabiner in shape, incorporating a carabiner-like figure and gate, or generally box shaped with appropriate carabiner or wiregate attachments to promote a secure and familiar attachment to a harness or gearsling. Other configurations are also possible. The carabiner-shaped communication device  10 ,  110  and corresponding gate is preferably slightly larger and thicker than the average carabiner and will preferably be constructed with a metal and plastic shell. This shell, coupled with the plastic insert, will house internal electronic components as well as provide protection to the unique, retractable climber interface system. 
         [0043]    The aforementioned communication device  10 ,  110  configurations and features represent just a few possible designs. While continuing to fulfill the unique communication needs of the average climber, alternate embodiments of the communication device  10 ,  110  will provide new features and greater specialization. These designs will help to broaden the spectrum of capabilities that the communication device  10 ,  110  will provide in order to encompass as many different climbing conditions and situations as possible. Shown in  FIG. 17  are just a few of the alternate communication device  10 ,  110  embodiments that will prove to be useful to a wide range of climbers. 
         [0044]    The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.

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