EP1940522B1 - Part intended to be gripped manually, and method of producing same - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a handle, in particular of the type which can be used for sticks, having the features of the introductory part of independent claim 1 (US Pat. DE 25 18 425 A1 ).

From the DE 25 18 425 A1 is known a ski pole grip, which is formed by deforming the hand of a skier adaptable and / or damping. The handle should consist essentially of a plastically deformable mass. It is also disclosed that the deformable mass is absorbed in an elastic skin. In this known Skistockgriff an outer skin is provided, which, for example, from the comments on page 7 of DE 25 18 425 A1 results - contains a deformable filling material. The mouldable massecuite may be a hardening or intumescent mass or mass of stearin or a thermoplastic. The outer skin may be made of rubber or a similar elastic and / or deformable plastic.

Target of the stick of the DE 25 18 425 A1 is to be able to adapt this to the shape of a user's hand.

From the US 6,264,242 B1 (= DE 196 36 852 C1 ) is a pole grip for ski poles, hiking poles, trekking poles or the like, with a wrist strap, which is connected via a first, fixed to the hand strap connecting element and a second, stored in the pole handle connecting element, which are locked together, with the pole grip is known. Thus, the connection between the pole grip and wrist strap triggers automatically in dangerous situations and no false triggering occurs, a resilient release means is provided by one of the fasteners is held in the latched position, and only when tensile load on the wrist strap in one direction with a stick in the longitudinal direction extending force component, the direction of a stick tip to the pole handle, yields, so that the connection element held by the triggering means can be brought from its latched position. The known stick handle comprises a base body made of plastic and a cover provided in the grip area of the base body of grip-friendly material. The wrapping of the stick handle extends at the US 6,264,242 B1 only over the lower part of the stick handle and does not reach into the recess in which the loop is attached.

The sticks taken into consideration in the invention may be rehabilitation sticks, crutches, walking sticks, walking sticks, climbing sticks, hunting sticks, sports sticks, but also sports sticks for winter sports, such as ski poles, cross-country poles or sticks for nordic walking.

Also considered within the scope of the invention, handles for sports equipment of any kind, such as handles for golf clubs, tennis rackets u. ä.

However, the erfindungemäße handle can also be used for other equipment than sports equipment, for example, for tools such as screwdrivers, shifter of motor vehicles and further arbitrary operating lever of equipment and machinery.

Generally speaking, the handle according to the invention can always be used where objects are to be grasped by hand or by hand. Thus, handles for motorcycles, bicycles, etc. are also. taken into consideration. Thus, when in this description a "handle" is spoken of, other hand-to-hold items are addressed and meant.

The known embodiments of handles, in particular those for sticks, either consist of one or more parts made of plastic, cork or cork-like material, handles of foams are also known.

Known are handles that consist entirely of foam, with a separate holding part is provided within the foam handle for attaching the loop (see. AT 006 848 U1 ).

Also known are handles for poles and tools, which are coated with a sheet material. This is usually achieved in that a core of the handle with a sleeve of sheet material, eg. B. leather or leather-like material is coated. This is a tedious job and requires a tailor-made cutting and dressing of the sheet material, with a rework is required, for example, when the sleeve or tube has been pulled from the sheet material over the core of the handle, so as to ensure that the surface Material of the handle also everywhere tight against the core.

The invention is based on the object to provide a handle of the type mentioned above, which is coated with a grip-friendly material and is easy to manufacture.

This object is achieved according to the invention with a handle, which has the features of claim 1.

Preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Characterized in that the handle according to the invention comprises a core which is provided with a support of largely arbitrary, sheet material, such as fabrics, sealed fabric, such as fabric, which is coated or coated on its inside with a plastic film, or leather or leather-like material ( Artificial leather) or coated with a pad of a textile material or of fur, the advantages of plastics for the production of handles of the type mentioned are maintained and yet a pleasant for the user who holds the handle grip property (good haptic properties) guaranteed. Moreover, one has it by the choice of material for the support of the handle according to the invention in the hand to adapt the grip properties to the respective predetermined determination of the handle.

The handle according to the invention is not limited exclusively to use on sticks. Rather, the handle may also be used for other purposes, e.g. be used for operating levers, control levers, shift handles and the like, as well as the above-mentioned applications.

In one embodiment, the core of the handle according to the invention of rigid foam, in which immediately a recess for receiving a part of the inventive Handle to be attached, for. B. the upper end of a rod, for example of the pole tube, is provided. In this embodiment, a possibly to be fastened to the handle loop can be attached directly to the core material of the handle, if not a fastening by means of a holding part, as shown in AT 006 848 U1 is known, is applied.

In another embodiment, the core material, so the material of the handle, which is provided under the outer covering of sheet material (support), made of soft plastic, so that a particularly grifffrundliche, namely soft, property of the handle is achieved. In this embodiment, it is preferred if in the soft material, a tube, in particular a tube made of plastic, is used, which for the reception of a rod, e.g. a pole or other part to which the handle is to be attached, is provided.

In both embodiments, the core of the handle according to the invention is preferably a foamed plastic, which is set either as rigid foam or soft foam. Also contemplated within the scope of the invention is a core comprising at least two parts, e.g. of two plastics with different properties, e.g. Hardening, is formed.

Also considered within the scope of the invention are handles as they are postponed on sports poles, especially ski poles (for alpine skiing and for cross-country skiing and Nordic walking) on stock pipes below the actual handle (so-called handle extensions).

The handle according to the invention may have a one-piece core, which has been produced for example by injection molding of thermoplastic or of hardening plastic. Likewise, the core of the handle according to the invention may consist of a foaming plastic in a mold (in particular polyurethane foam).

Considered within the scope of the invention but also handles that are formed in two parts. In this case, the outside of each half of the handle is provided with the support of sheet material, and the two half-shells of the handle are then joined together, for example glued.

When a loop is to be fastened to the handle according to the invention, the loop can be fastened in a holding part in the core of the handle, which is fixed in the handle by overmolding with the material of the core.

The handle according to the invention can be produced in a particularly simple and advantageous manner by inserting the envelope (support) of the handle, that is to say the flat material, into the mold and then the mold Material of the core of the handle is introduced. It is preferred that the sheet material is pressed under the pressure of the core material against the inner wall of the mold, and so assumes the shape of the desired outer contour of the handle with all details, and fixed by the later hardening material of the core of the handle becomes.

This procedure has the advantage that the envelope, so the support of sheet material, is firmly connected in one operation with the handle, so that this enclosure is securely held on the handle.

The pressure with which the support of sheet material is pressed against the inner surface of the mold, the injection pressure of the material (in particular plastic, preferably thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic), with which this is injected into the mold, be. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure can also arise because the plastic foams in the mold and the layer of sheet material is pressed by the foaming pressure against the inner surface of the mold.

Combinations of the two measures are possible, which is particularly of interest when handles made of combined core material soft / hard, especially inside a hard core, outside a softer layer, and then the outer sheath (made of sheet material) is provided.

With this method half-shells and complete handles can be produced.

If other components are to be attached to the handle, such as stick tubes and / or loops, it is possible to connect them either directly to the injection process with the core, or provide in the core inserts (holding parts), z. B. sleeves for holding stockpiles or brackets for loops od. Ä., Vorzug see, which are held by the material of the core, and secured in their desired position.

With this method, any forms of handles for any purpose, especially for any type of sports equipment, can be produced. In particular, this method allows handles to be provided with haptically advantageous surface materials, in particular textile surfaces, without great effort, without having to coat existing forms with textile (sheetlike) material.

This method also makes it possible to produce the handle in each case in the hardness which is particularly advantageous for its purpose, wherein in a handle and areas of different Hardness can be provided. For example, the hand-grasped portion of the handle may be made softer than, for example, a portion to which other components (eg, loops or stick tubes) are to be attached to the handle.

There is also the possibility in this method by the incorporation of holding parts made of metal or plastic to prepare the mounting of other parts on the handle and improve.

This method is equally advantageously applicable when handles are made in one piece or are to be made from two half-shells.

• In eine Form deren Formhohlraum der Außenkontur des herzustellenden Griffes, beispielsweise des Griffes eines Skistocks, entspricht, wird ein beispielsweise schlauchförmig geformter flächiger Werkstoff, der die Außenfläche des Griffes bilden soll (textiler Werkstoff, Leder, Fell o. ä.) eingesetzt. Dann wird die Form geschlossen und innerhalb des flächigen Werkstoffes, z. B. in das Innere des Schlauches aus flächigem Werkstoff, Kunststoff eingespritzt. Wenn der Kunststoff ein nicht-schäumender Kunststoff ist (z. B. ein Thermoplast oder ein aushärtender Kunststoff), wird durch die Wahl des Einspritzdruckes sichergestellt, dass der flächige Werkstoff dicht an die Innenfläche des Formhohlraumes gepresst wird. Nach dem Erhärten des Kernmaterials wird die Form geöffnet und der fertige Griff kann entnommen werden.

For example, in this process, when making a grip, the procedure is as follows:

• In a form whose mold cavity corresponds to the outer contour of the handle to be produced, for example, the handle of a ski pole, an example tubular shaped sheet material, which is to form the outer surface of the handle (textile material, leather, fur o. Ä.) Is used. Then the mold is closed and within the sheet material, for. B. injected into the interior of the tube of sheet material, plastic. If the plastic is a non-foaming plastic (eg a thermoplastic or a thermosetting plastic), the choice of injection pressure ensures that the sheet material is pressed tightly against the inner surface of the mold cavity. After hardening of the core material, the mold is opened and the finished handle can be removed.

In an alternative mode of operation, the production of half-shells of the handle can proceed in such a way that a layer of sheet-like material is inserted into the closed mold, the mold cavity of which corresponds to half of a handle to be produced. After closing the mold, as described above, the material of the core of the handle is injected. After hardening, the mold is opened and the half-shell thus produced connected to a second half-shell (screwed, glued or welded o. Ä.) To complete the handle.

Further details and features of the handle according to the invention and the manufacturing method will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments.

• Fig. 1 einen erfindungsgemäßen Griff (ohne Schlaufe) in Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 2 einen Schnitt durch eine erste Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Griffes mit Schlaufe,
• Fig. 3 im Schnitt eine zweite Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Griffes mit Schlaufe,
• Fig. 4 in auseinander gezogener Darstellung einen Einsatzteil für einen erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Griff und
• Fig. 5 den Einsatzteil im Axialschnitt zusammengesetzt mit an ihm angebrachter Umhüllung, vor dem Einbringen des den Kern bildenden Werkstoffes.

It shows:

• Fig. 1 a handle according to the invention (without loop) in side view,
• Fig. 2 a section through a first embodiment of the handle according to the invention with loop,
• Fig. 3 in section a second embodiment of a handle according to the invention with loop,
• Fig. 4 in exploded view of an insert for a handle designed according to the invention and
• Fig. 5 the insert in axial section assembled with attached to him wrap before introducing the core forming material.

Although the invention is described below using the example of a handle with a loop for a ski pole, the invention is not limited to handles for ski poles. Rather, the handle according to the invention can be designed for all applications mentioned in the introduction.

In the in Fig. 1 schematically shown embodiment of a handle according to the invention for ski poles, the handle 2 consists of a middle part 4, which is ergonomically shaped for grasping by the hand of a user. The handle 2 further has a lower end 5 and a head 6.

In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 2 is integrally formed and consists of a core 14 and a sheath (support) 12 of sheet material.

In the head 6 of the handle 2 a to one side (back) of the handle 2 open towards recess 8 is provided, in which a device for fixing a loop 18, as is common for handles of sports poles, especially winter sports poles. This device may be an embedded in the material of the core 14 insert (holding part) made of metal or plastic. This is especially the case when the material of the core is soft. If the material of the core 14 has the necessary strength at least in the region where the loop 18 is to be fastened, the means for securing the loop 18 can also be formed directly by the material of the core 14.

Although in the embodiment shown, the recess 8 is lined by the enclosure (support) 12, this is not a mandatory feature for the handle according to the invention 2. This in particular, if in the recess 8, a separate insert for fixing a loop 18 is arranged.

For fixing the loop 18, a head 6 of the handle 2 enforcing pin 10 is used in the illustrated embodiment.

In the in Fig. 2 the embodiment shown, the outer surface of the handle 2 is formed by a sheath 12. The sheath 12 can be, for example, a textile material, a leather, an artificial leather or any other sheetlike material, for example one of the flat materials mentioned in the introduction to the description. In the context of the invention, natural materials, such as genuine leather, or textile materials of natural fibers, with favorable haptic properties, are preferred.

The core 14 of the handle 2 is in the in Fig. 2 shown embodiment of flexible foam (soft plastic foam) and contains embedded in a sleeve 16, which is made in particular of plastic. The sleeve 16 defines with its interior to the lower end 5 of the handle 2 open towards blind hole 20th

In Fig. 2 is also apparent, as in the recess 8 in the head 6 of the handle 2 by means of the pin 10, the loop 18 is fixed. In this case, a loop 18 is shown in the embodiment shown, which can be adjusted by a clamping device in its length.

If a sleeve 16 is provided in the handle 2, this may at its upper end a means for fixing other parts on the handle 2, in particular for fixing a loop 18 on the handle 2, wear, as in principle from the AT 006 848 U1 is known. Such a device for fixing further constituents on the handle 2, in particular of loops 18, but can also be provided independently of the sleeve 16 in the upper part of the handle 2, in particular in the upper part of its core 14.

Such devices will be used in particular when the core 14 of the handle 2 is made of less stable material, in particular soft foam.

It should be noted that the envelope 12 of the handle 2 according to the invention, as in Fig. 2 2, the inner surface of the recess 8 can also be lined, so that the core 14 is completely surrounded by the sheath 12.

In the Fig. 3 shown embodiment of a handle 2 according to the invention differs from that of Fig. 2 merely in that the core 14 consists of hard foam (hard plastic foam) and that inside the core 14 no sleeve 16 is inserted, but for receiving the upper end of a pole tube, the blind hole 20 is recessed, the lower end 5 of the handle 2 out is open.

In both cases, for fixing the loop 18 in the core 14 made of plastic - in the embodiment of Fig. 2 possibly connected to the sleeve 16 or integrally formed - a (not shown) holder for the determination of the loop 18 may be provided, as shown in the AT 006 848 U1 is known. By such a holder, the material of the core 14 of the handle 2 according to the invention is relieved and need not be so strong that it can absorb and withstand the forces exerted by the loop 1.8 when using the handle 2 on this.

If, in the hand-to-grasp part according to the invention, in particular a handle, moldings which define, for example, the blind hole 20 for receiving a pole tube and / or the recess 8 for fastening a loop 18 in the core 14 of the handle 2, Proves itself in the following with reference to the Fig. 4 and 5 the example of a handle for sports poles, especially ski poles od. Like., described, exemplary embodiment with an insert 30th

The insert part 30 which can be used in the part according to the invention, in particular a handle 2, consists of a tubular section 32 and a laterally open section 34, wherein the tubular section 32 determines the blind hole 20 for receiving a pole tube, and the section which is open to the side 34 is intended to form the recess 8 for the attachment of a loop 18.

It is provided that in the lower end of the tubular portion 32 on the one hand and in the upper end of the side open to the side portion 34 inserts 36, 38 are inserted. The insert 36 for the section 32 is formed as a sleeve. The insert 38 for the portion 34 of the insert 30 is formed substantially pot-shaped, i. closed at one end.

It is provided that the envelope 12 of sheet material, as in Fig. 5 represented, with the help of the inserts 36, 38 on the tubular portion 32 and the laterally open portion 34 of the insert member 30 is sealingly clamped, so when introducing the core 14 of the handle 2 forming mass (either in an injection process or by foaming) in the room 44 between insert 30 and sheath 12 a reliable seal in the region of the openings (open ends of the blind hole 20 and the recess 8), takes place in the handle 2.

In one embodiment, the wrapper 12 is tubular and has, for example, an at least approximate shape to the outer contour of the handle 2. The envelope 12 may in particular be formed from at least two blanks, which are joined together to form a seam, for example glued or welded. In the position of use, the seam or seams, which connect the blanks of the envelope 12 to each other, inwardly, which means the sheath 12, after having been joined to the at least one, but preferably two, blanks. For receiving the ends of the seam (seams) which are arranged in the position of use of the casing 12 inside the casing 12, at the lower end region of the tubular portion 32, that is in the region of its opening into which the insert 36 while clamping the casing 12 is inserted, bulges 40 are provided, in which the ends of the seam come to rest. Corresponding bulges 40 are provided on the side open to the portion 34 of the insert 30.

It should also be noted that the laterally open portion 34 is substantially tubular, and the one-sided completion of the recess 8, in which the loop 18 is to be fastened, is formed by the insert 38.

It is preferred in the context of the invention that when using the handle 2 according to the invention with the hand on the Fig. 4 and 5 described insert part 30 of the tubular portion 32 which defines the blind hole 20 is dimensioned so that it can be pressed in particular without additional fastening means on the end of a pole tube.

For the entry of the core 14 of the handle 2 forming material into the space 44 between the insert member 30 and the sheath 12, for example, in the tubular portion 32, openings 42 are provided.

When producing the handle 2 according to the invention, it is possible to proceed in such a way that the envelope 12, possibly in a shape approximating the outer shape of the finished handle 2, is inserted into the mold cavity of a mold whose mold cavity corresponds to the outer shape of the handle 2, and then the The material forming the core 14 (plastic) is introduced and, if it is a foam plastic (for example polyurethane foam), is foamed. By the foaming pressure and / or by the injection pressure of the casing 12 forming material is pressed against the inner surface of the mold cavity, so that the handle 2 readily contains the desired shape.

If in the handle according to the invention 2 for the core 14 no foam is used - foam is preferable for reasons of weight saving -, the pressing of the envelope 12 to the inner surface of the mold cavity can also be done by the injection pressure of the core 14 forming material alone.

• Ein mit der Hand zu erfassender Griff, beispielsweise ein Griff 2 für Sportstöcke, besitzt einen Kern 14 aus weichem oder hartem Schaumstoff und eine Umhüllung 12 aus Leder oder textilem Werkstoff oder einem Imitat solcher flächiger Werkstoffe. In dem Kern 14 ist ein zum unteren Ende 5 des Griffes 2 hin offenes Sack-loch 20 vorgesehen, das, wenn der Kern 14 aus Weichschaum besteht, von einer am oberen Ende geschlossenen Hülse 16, die im Kern 14 eingebettet ist, gebildet wird.

In summary, an embodiment of the handle according to the invention can be described as follows:

• A handle to be grasped by hand, for example, a handle 2 for sports poles, has a core 14 made of soft or hard foam and a sheath 12 made of leather or textile material or a faux such flat materials. In the core 14 there is provided a blind hole 20 open towards the lower end 5 of the handle 2 which, when the core 14 is made of soft foam, is formed by a sleeve 16 closed at the upper end and embedded in the core 14.

Claims (12)

1. Handle (2) having a core (14) and a covering (12) made from sheet material, which essentially encompasses the core (14) completely, wherein a blind hole (20), which is open towards one end (5) of the handle (2), particularly towards the bottom end of the handle (2), is provided in the core (14), characterised in that a recess (8) is recessed in the region of the head (6) of the handle (2), in which recess a loop (18) can be fixed, and in that the covering (12) encompasses the core (14) of the handle (2) on all sides, wherein the covering (12) also lines the wall of the recess (8) in the head (6) of the handle (2), in which the loop (18) is fixed.
2. Handle according to Claim 1, characterised in that a pin (10) for fixing the loop (18) is provided in the head (16) of the handle (2), which pin penetrates the same.
3. Handle according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the blind hole (20) is formed from a sleeve (16) embedded in the core (14) and the sleeve (16) is a device for accommodating a pole tube.
4. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the covering (12) consists of leather, a leather-like material or pelt.
5. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the covering (12) consists of textile material.
6. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the core has regions made from hard plastic and regions made from soft plastic, particularly foamed plastic.
7. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the material forming the covering (12), particularly the textile material, is internally coated with a layer that closes the pores thereof.
8. Handle according to Claim 7, characterised in that the material forming the covering (12) is joined to a film.
9. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the covering (12) consists of textile material, which bears a film on the inside thereof.
10. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the part, particularly the handle (2), consists of two half shells joined to one another.
11. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the half shells are coated with a covering (12) made from sheet material at least on the outside thereof.
12. Handle according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the handle is a handle (2) for a sport pole, particularly a pole which is used when practising skiing or when hiking.

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