Adjustable climbing stand

Abstract

A climbing apparatus includes a mast having a plurality of mast segments operable to vertically stack one after another. Each segment includes a stand-off to abut against a climbing object and form a space for receiving a strap to secure the mast to the climbing object. The apparatus includes a platform assembly having a (i) a platform, (ii) a seat spaced apart from the platform, and (iii) a frame connecting the seat to the platform. An upper trolley is provided for independent mobility up and down along the mast. The upper trolley includes a first brake connected to a handle operable to actuate movement of the trolley. A lower trolley is provided and is operable for independent mobility up and down along the mast relative to the upper trolley. The lower trolley includes a second brake and is connected to the frame of the platform assembly.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A modular climbing apparatus comprising:
 (a) a plurality of connectable mast segments configured to stack one after another to form a mast extending vertically;   (b) a platform assembly comprising (i) a standing platform, (ii) an optional seat spaced apart from the standing platform, and (iii) a frame connecting the seat to the standing platform;   (c) an upper trolley having a handle and an upper brake, the upper trolley configured for independent mobility along the mast and the upper brake configured to bind the upper trolley to the mast, the handle configured to actuate movement of the upper trolley; and   (d) a lower trolley configured for independent mobility up and down along the mast relative to the upper trolley, the lower trolley having a lower brake configured to bind the lower trolley to the mast;   wherein the lower trolley is connected to the frame of the platform assembly.   
     
     
         22 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein each of the plurality of mast segments is a cylindrical mast segment. 
     
     
         23 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein each of the plurality of mast segments is a ladder mast segment. 
     
     
         24 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein each mast segment includes a stand-off to abut against the climbing object and form a space for receiving a strap to secure the mast to the climbing object. 
     
     
         25 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the frame of the platform assembly is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a single post mounted to the lower trolley, and (ii) an H-frame having parallel vertical frame segments each connected to the optional seat and the standing platform and the vertical frame segments are connected by a horizontal movable bracket connected to the lower trolley. 
     
     
         26 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein at least one of the upper brake or the lower brake are a leverage brake including a plurality of leverage brake plates and a compression spring configured to bind the plurality of leverage brake plates to the mast. 
     
     
         27 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein at least one of the upper brake or the lower brake further includes a release mechanism for release of the binding and wherein the release mechanism is configured to be activated by a member selected from the group consisting of a lever, a cable, an electromechanical mechanism, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         28 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein the release mechanism includes a release cable engaging the plurality of binding plates configured for pulling the plates into alignment for descending down the mast. 
     
     
         29 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the upper brake includes the compression spring and the handle is configured to allow upward movement of the upper trolley when pushed up the mast segment causing the compression spring of the upper brake to compress and the plurality of leverage brake plates to align with the mast. 
     
     
         30 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein at least one of the upper brake or the lower brake includes a brake pad configured to press against the mast and actuated by the handle. 
     
     
         31 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein at least one of the upper brake or the lower brake is selected from the group consisting of hydraulic brake, radial brake, translation brake, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         32 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 21 , further comprising support cables extending from the frame to the standing platform, and wherein the support cables are connected to a platform level handle and configured to be gathered up by the platform level handle to control a level of the platform. 
     
     
         33 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein each of the plurality of mast segments includes a lower end and an opposite top end and wherein each lower end is tapered for nesting the lower end into the top end of an adjacent mast segment. 
     
     
         34 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 33 , wherein the plurality of mast segments includes a plurality of adjustable mast segments having a slide fob configured to move the lower end up and down within the mast segment for adjustability and removal of the adjustable mast segment without disassembling the mast. 
     
     
         35 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 33 , wherein the slide fob is configured for adjustability up and down of about 2 inches. 
     
     
         36 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 21 , further comprising a universal mounting bracket and adjustable tilt plate, wherein a mounting bracket trolley is configured to connect the universal mounting bracket to the mast and allows for retrofitting a platform assembly to the mast. 
     
     
         37 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 21 , further comprising a tripod accessory having a mast cap connected to tripod extension cables that extend to tripod base members and configured for securing the mast in an upright freestanding configuration for climbing. 
     
     
         38 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the upper and lower trolley are ganged together by a cable of sufficient strength to support a user and accessories and wherein at least one of the upper trolley or lower trolley is a motorized trolley, wherein the cable is configured to be gathered or released by the motorized trolley. 
     
     
         39 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 38 , further comprising a control panel for the motorized trolley, wherein the control panel is configured for actuation of up, down, unlatch and wireless communication to a remote controlling device; and wherein, the control panel can accommodate a power outlet for powering or charging an external device. 
     
     
         40 . The modular climbing apparatus of  claim 21 , further comprising a plurality of additional trolleys configured for customization and use of additional components, wherein the plurality of additional trolleys are configured to fit on the mast and wherein the plurality of additional trolleys are configured to operate independently, connected to work together with respect to the other trolleys, or a combination thereof.