EP2762212A1 - Removable stick tip - Google Patents

Abstract

The piece has a basket (400) with a housing (401) to receive a distal end of a stem (20) of a stick (1). A locking ring (300) surrounds a part of the housing. The housing is defined by a wall (404) supporting a leg (406). An end (407) of the leg includes a pin to extend inside the housing. The leg takes several configurations corresponding to various radial positions of the pin such that the ring is formed to limit the radial displacement of the end of the leg toward outside of the housing when the ring is assembled on the basket.

Description

The invention relates to the field of poles for skiing, walking or running. It relates more particularly to a removable tip for such a stick and a stick with a removable tip.

The poles for skiing, walking or running allow the user, for example, to stabilize, to use his arms to relieve his legs or to develop more thrust power.

They typically comprise a rod carrying at one end a handle and carrying at the other end a tip. The tip is intended to support and / or penetrate the ground.

To maximize the effectiveness of the stick, the tip must be adapted to the type of effort provided and / or the nature of the soil. In the case of cross-country skiing for example, it is advantageous to use a tip adapted to the consistency of the snow, especially its hardness. In the case of walking for example, it is usually advantageous to use a metal tip for sinking into the ground to improve the stability of the walker. However, these metal tips tend to mark the rock and have become prohibited in some areas.

Moreover, a stick can be multi-purpose allowing a mixed use: winter / summer. In this case, because of the different nature of the ground, the need for support of the stick is not the same. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to easily change the tip of the stick.

In order to optimize the effectiveness of the sticks, it has therefore been proposed sticks whose tip is removable and interchangeable.

A solution is described in the document EP-A-2,308,570 . This solution provides a stick comprising a rod receiving a locking ring and a basket. The stem includes a constricted portion near its lower end. The basket includes a split drum receiving the rod. The inner cylinder of the barrel is provided with slight toric projections intended to be housed in the retreinte portion of the rod when the basket is assembled to the rod.

The locking ring is screwed onto the barrel of the basket so as to tighten the latter on the rod. As a result, the projections are held in the necking portion of the shank. This cooperation ensures the axial retention of the basket on the stem.

To secure the two parts in rotation, the rod comprises, at its lower end, a transverse slot intended to accommodate a transverse groove formed at the bottom of the drum of the basket. This nesting allows the indexing of the basket relative to the rod and the blocking of any relative rotation between these two parts around the axis of revolution of the rod.

Although generally satisfactory, this solution has several disadvantages. In particular it has been found that in use, under the effect of shocks and efforts transmitted by the user, the tightening is loose or is no longer sufficient. The tip can then escape. Similarly, a translation of the tip may cause the loss of indexing of the tip relative to the rod. This results in a discomfort in the supports and / or a strong decrease of the effectiveness of the stick.

To solve this problem, some users, especially in competition then stick the tip on the stick which avoids its separation but prevents later interchangeability of the tip.

Other users very strongly tighten the ring on the tip to avoid unintentional loosening, which often causes a rupture of the ring.

The object of the invention is to provide a stick with removable tip improved stick.

One purpose is in particular to improve the fastening of the tip on the rod of the stick.

Another goal is to have a sturdy tip and easy to assemble and change on the rod of the stick.

Another purpose is to secure the fastening mechanism of the tip with the rod of the stick.

The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a stick tip comprising: a basket including a housing for receiving a distal end of a stick shaft and a locking ring for surrounding at least a portion of the housing. In addition, the housing is delimited by a wall supporting at least one lug provided, at a first end, with a lug intended to extend inside the housing, the lug being able to take several configurations corresponding to different radial positions of ergot. The ring is shaped to limit the radial displacement of the first end of each tab towards the outside of the housing when the locking ring is assembled on the basket.

Thus, the ring prevents the outward movement of each tab, which holds each lug inside the housing. However, each lug is intended to cooperate with a retaining surface formed on the rod as each lug remains inside the housing. Accordingly, in this configuration, each lug ensures the retention of the basket on the rod. Fixing the tip on the rod is thus made more reliable while being simple to achieve.

According to one embodiment, each lug comprises at least one lateral rotational stop face.

Each lug comprises two lateral rotational stop faces. Faces lateral rotational stop of each pin provide a simple and accurate angular indexing of the basket on the rod. However, the angular positioning is particularly important especially when the handle of the rod must be oriented angularly relative to the tip along the longitudinal axis of the stick. This is the case in cross-country skiing in particular, the tip carries an asymmetric bearing surface intended to limit the penetration of the stick in the ground and increase the support points during the propulsion phases. However, in use, the support surface must not block the pivoting of the stick around the tip, during the propulsion phase. It is therefore necessary that the asymmetrical bearing surface and the handle are angularly indexed so as not to disturb the skier's movement.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a stick equipped with at least one endpiece according to the invention.

The stick comprises a rod having at least one retaining surface, such as an orifice or a recess, with which each lug is intended to cooperate in order to ensure the retention of the basket on the rod.

• un panier comprenant un logement destiné à recevoir une extrémité distale de la tige,
• une bague de verrouillage destinée à entourer au moins une partie du logement.

According to another embodiment, the present invention provides a stick tip for removably attached to a rod of the stick, the tip comprising:

• a basket comprising a housing for receiving a distal end of the stem,
• a locking ring for surrounding at least a portion of the housing.

The housing is delimited by a wall supporting at least one lug provided with a lug, the lug may take several configurations corresponding to different radial positions of the lug. The tip is shaped so that, in at least one of these positions, each lug extends inside the housing to penetrate a retaining surface carried by the rod, so as to retain at least partly the basket on the stem. The ring is shaped to limit the radial displacement of each tab towards the outside of the housing when the locking ring is assembled on the basket.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a rod for stick, intended to removably receive the tip according to the invention, the rod comprising at least one complementary retaining surface of each lug, the rod being shaped to prevent or retain the mouthpiece when each retaining surface cooperates with each lug.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an assembly comprising a rod according to the invention and at least one end piece according to the invention. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a rod according to the invention and a set of tips according to the invention.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une portion de la tige du bâton, de la bague et du panier selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, ces trois éléments étant désolidarisés les uns des autres ;
• La figure 2 est une vue selon une autre perspective des trois éléments illustrés en figure 1, ces trois éléments étant solidarisés les uns des autres ;
• La figure 3 est une vue en coupe des éléments illustrés en figure 1, la tige, la bague et le panier étant désolidarisés ;
• La figure 4 est une vue en coupe des éléments illustrés en figure 1 représentant la tige insérée dans le panier et indexé par rapport à celui-ci, la bague n'étant pas assemblée sur le panier ;
• La figure 5 est une vue en coupe des trois éléments illustrés en figure 1 sur laquelle l'embout est représenté en position verrouillée sur la tige ;
• La figure 6 est une vue en coupe selon VI-VI de la figure 5 ;
• La figure 7 est une vue de dessous de la bague seule ;
• La figure 8 est une vue en coupe analogue à la figure 5 d'un autre mode de réalisation.

The objects, objects, as well as the features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of the rod of the stick, the ring and the basket according to one embodiment of the invention, these three elements being disengaged from each other;
• The figure 2 is a view from another perspective of the three elements illustrated in figure 1 these three elements being secured to one another;
• The figure 3 is a sectional view of the elements illustrated in figure 1 the stem, the ring and the basket being dislocated;
• The figure 4 is a sectional view of the elements illustrated in figure 1 representing the rod inserted in the basket and indexed relative thereto, the ring not being assembled on the basket;
• The figure 5 is a sectional view of the three elements illustrated in figure 1 on which the tip is shown in locked position on the rod;
• The figure 6 is a sectional view according to VI-VI of the figure 5 ;
• The figure 7 is a view from below of the ring alone;
• The figure 8 is a sectional view similar to the figure 5 another embodiment.

The drawings are given by way of examples and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily at the scale of practical applications. In particular, only a portion of the length of the rod is shown in the figures.

Before beginning a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features that may optionally be used in combination or alternatively are set forth below.

According to one embodiment, the wall of the housing of the basket defines an outer envelope and in the rest state, that is to say when it is not stressed, the first end of each leg protrudes from the outer envelope of the wall. Thus, during the establishment of the ring on the basket, the ring presses on each leg and causes a radial displacement of each lug towards the interior of the housing to ensure the connection between the tip and the stick.

According to one embodiment, in the idle state, each lug protrudes inside the housing preferably from a height of less than 3 mm and even more preferably from a height of less than 2 mm. Thus, even in the absence of stress, each lug extends in part at least in the housing. The stem between then to their contact when inserted into the housing. When each lug is positioned with respect to each associated retaining surface formed on the rod, typically a hollow or a hole, each lug cooperates with each associated retaining surface. The positioning of the basket on the rod is thus correctly achieved. The displacement of each lug in each retaining surface indicates to the user that this positioning is correct. This solution allows blind positioning, the user can easily feel, or even hear, each lug come to lodge in each associated retaining surface. Moreover, by penetrating weakly inside the housing, it allows an easier disengagement of each pin of each associated retaining surface of the rod, as soon as the basket is moved. Thus, it avoids deteriorating each lug during the separation of the basket of the rod. To facilitate this disengagement, each lug may comprise a rounded or a slope in its part projecting inside the housing, in the rest state. For example, the end of each lug may form a sphere portion, a cone or a pyramid. It is therefore important to find the right compromise between the perception of the correct positioning of the basket on the rod and the disengagement of each lug of each associated retaining surface of the rod, during disassembly of the tip. It is the height of engagement of each ergot at rest which makes it possible to adjust this compromise.

According to one embodiment, the tip is configured so that the distal end of the rod is inserted into the housing by a displacement comprising at least one component in translation. Each tab is in the form of a tongue whose one end supports the lug and is arranged, with respect to a second end connected to the wall, downstream in the direction of insertion of the distal end into the housing . This makes it easy to insert the rod into the basket without damaging the leg or tabs that protrude inside the housing. Indeed, as and when the insertion of the rod into the housing, the distal end of the rod pushes the tabs or outward housing. In the reverse configuration (first end of each lug upstream of the second end), the distal end of the rod would come into direct contact with the first end of each leg while the latter protrudes into the housing and therefore abut on this first end. The risk of deterioration of each leg by the stem would therefore be important.

This configuration has an additional advantage. Indeed, the tip is configured so that the ring fits on the basket by a displacement comprising at least one translation. The positioning downstream of each first end supporting a pin makes it easy to insert the ring on the basket without damaging the tab or lugs which protrude from the outer envelope of the wall of the basket. The principle is the same as that described above for the insertion of the rod in the housing. As and when, the insertion of the ring on the basket, the ring pushes the leg or legs to the interior of the housing. In the opposite configuration (first end of each tab upstream of the second end), the ring would come into contact with the first end of each leg while the latter protrudes outwardly and therefore abut on each first end. The risk of deterioration of each leg by the ring would be important.

According to one embodiment, each tab is fixed on the wall defining the housing and is deformable to be able to take several configurations corresponding to different radial positions of each lug when it is requested. The biasing of each tab, for example by the internal bore of the locking ring, thus allows each pin to push inside the housing.

According to one embodiment, each lug forms with the wall delimiting the housing a monolithic piece. This simplifies the manufacture of the tip and make the basket more robust.

According to one embodiment, each tab is elastic and the tip is shaped so that each lug moves radially relative to the axis of revolution of the rod, under the effect of the elasticity of the tab, to the outside the housing when the ring is removed from the basket. Thus, once the ring is withdrawn, each leg and therefore each lug move towards the outside of the housing and can for example return to a rest configuration for which each lug cooperates little with each associated retaining surface, thus allowing facilitate disassembly of the basket relative to the rod. This allows to consider a tool-free disassembly of the basket.

According to one embodiment, each lug is articulated in rotation on the wall defining the housing so as to take several configurations corresponding to different radial positions of each lug.

According to one embodiment, the tip is configured so that when the locking ring is assembled on the basket, the locking ring presses each tab so as to move radially the first end of each tab supporting each pin towards the interior of housing.

According to one embodiment, the endpiece comprises axial locking means for limiting the relative axial displacement between the basket and the locking ring, the locking means being activated by a relative rotation between the two parts. These means make it possible to avoid the axial disconnection of the ring relative to the basket.

Alternatively, the axial locking means comprise at least one first surface carried by the basket and at least a second surface carried by the ring, at least one of the first and second surfaces being shaped so that the cooperation of the first and second surfaces generates a translational movement of the ring relative to to the basket when the ring is turned around the basket. Typically, the first and second surfaces form a thread or a portion of a thread.

Alternatively, the axial locking means are configured to ensure axial locking by relative rotation between the ring and the basket by an angle of less than 180 ° and preferably an angle equal to or less than 90 °.

This locking is obtained particularly easily and quickly, even under conditions where manipulations are made difficult.

According to one embodiment, the endpiece comprises rotary locking means for limiting the relative rotation between the basket and the ring, when the endpiece is assembled, that is to say when the ring is put in place on the basket including a rotation. These means make it possible to avoid an involuntary rotation of the ring with respect to the basket and thus reduce the risks of impromptu disconnection. Furthermore, when the ring is effectively locked on the basket, these locking means form a marker, preferably visual, which allow the user to ensure that the lock is correct.

According to one embodiment, the ring is placed on the basket, by relative axial translation between the two parts, only for one or more specific angular orientations between the two parts. For this, the tip comprises angular indexing means for quickly correctly position the ring relative to the basket before assembly. This keying automatically ensures the angular positioning of the ring relative to the basket, thus ensuring proper operation of the axial locking means and / or rotary.

Alternatively, the angular indexing means are configured so that the ring can be inserted on the basket only for a given angular orientation of the ring relative to the basket.

According to one embodiment, the wall has a shape substantially complementary to an outer face of the distal end of the rod. Typically, said wall has a substantially circular shape.

According to one embodiment, a second end of each lug, opposite the first end supporting the lug, is disposed on the downstream wall in the direction of insertion of the distal end of the rod into the housing.

Alternatively, the wall of the housing forms a closed ring at the end of the housing downstream in the direction of insertion of the distal end of the housing. rod in the housing.

According to one embodiment, the housing forms part of a hole passing through the basket along its longitudinal axis.

Alternatively, each retaining surface is a recess or an orifice in which each associated lug is intended to penetrate at least partially so as to ensure the retention of the basket on the rod.

According to one embodiment, the stick comprises a rod having a continuous and progressive variation of the section over a portion of the length of the rod extending from the distal end of the rod. The invention does not indeed require to provide for the rod a section retreinte at a precise distance from the distal end to ensure a reliable retention of the tip. However, the known solutions provide in practice a rod whose section flares to form a retaining surface of the tip to reduce the risk of loss of the tip. Alternatively, the section may be constant at least at the distal end of the shaft. In this case, the invention makes it possible to rationalize the manufacturing process of the sticks from rods of identical lengths and for the purpose of manufacturing sticks of different lengths. The invention makes it possible to manufacture rods of identical lengths and then to adjust the length of the rods by cutting the latter according to the size of the users. The orifices or recesses are then made in the rod, all at the same distance from the distal end. A complete range offering various lengths of sticks can thus be obtained from rods all having the same length.

A particular embodiment of the invention will now be detailed with reference to Figures 1 to 7 representing a stick intended more particularly for the practice of cross-country skiing.

The stick 1 comprises a handle (not shown), a rod 20 and a tip 30. In this example, the tip 30 comprises a ring 300 and a basket 400.

The rod 20 has a proximal end, not shown, typically associated with a handle to be grasped by the user and a distal end 21 to be secured to the tip 30.

The rod 20 or at least a portion 22 of the rod 20 extending from the distal end 21 extends in a longitudinal direction referenced Z1 in the figures. The ring 300 and the basket 400 fit on the rod 20 by a movement comprising at least one translation operated in this longitudinal direction Z1. In the remainder of the description, radial direction or transverse direction means directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z1.

The basket 400 comprises a housing 401 inside which the end of the rod 20 is intended to be inserted. Housing 401 is part of an area intended to come into contact with the ground, typically snow or earth or stones. In the case where the nozzle is intended to be used in snow or in soft ground such as sand, gravel or mud, the area intended to come into contact with the ground comprises for example a washer 402 or cup shaped to limit the depression of the stick 1 in the ground. According to one embodiment, the washer 402 forms with the housing 401 a monolithic piece. In addition or alternative to the presence of the washer 402, the endpiece comprises an end member, advantageously in the form of a tip or a peak, disposed at one end of the basket 400 opposite the inlet of the housing 401. end member is intended to penetrate the soil. In one embodiment, the end member is attached to the basket 400 and is made of metal for example. In the example illustrated on the Figures 1 to 7 , a cavity 403 is provided in the basket 400 to accommodate this end member not shown. Alternatively, this end member defines with the basket 400 a monolithic piece. Basket 400 can be plastic, carbon or metal. The end member may be attached thereto. The end member is often made of metal to have a good resistance to wear.

Alternatively, the tip does not include an end member and / or does not include a washer or cup. For example, for Nordic walking, one can only have a rubber tip that needs to be oriented. In addition, the basket may not include a flared type washer or cup.

According to another variant, the basket 400 supports a washer 402 but no end member. For example, the basket may include a hole passing through the workpiece along its longitudinal axis. In this case, the housing 401 is not closed and extends to open in the lower part of the basket. In a variant, the housing can substantially form an open cylinder on both sides. Axial stop means may be provided to limit the relative movement between the basket and the rod. For example, the axial stop means may be a ring integral with the rod cooperating with a portion of the basket. In another example, it may be a simple collar inside the housing 401 against which rests the end of the rod. With this embodiment, the end member can be fixed directly on the rod and no longer on the basket. This makes it possible to independently change the basket or the end member in case of wear.

The housing 401 is delimited by a wall 404 having an outer face preferably circular and an inner face 405 of the housing 401 complementary to the outer surface of the distal end 21 of the rod. Here, in this case, the inner face 405 is also circular or slightly frustoconical. The wall 404 forms a sleeve for the distal end portion 22 of the shaft 20. The housing 401 of the basket 400 carries at least one lug 406 and, in the example described, two lugs, arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing 401, as shown in the non-limiting embodiment of FIGS. Figures 1 to 7 . The basket could include more legs.

For simplicity, in the remainder of the description, reference will be made to a single tab, it being understood that the characteristics of this tab also apply to other possible tabs.

The tab 406 has a first end 407 provided with a radial lug 409 and a second end 408 connected to the wall 404 defining the housing 401. Preferably, the lug 406 forms a tongue. The basket 400 is configured so that the first end 407 can be moved radially, i.e. it can be moved closer to or away from the interior of the housing 401. Typically, the first end 407 can pivot about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z1 and passing for example substantially through the second end 408.

In the example illustrated in the figures, the second end 408 is integral with the wall 404 defining the housing 401. It forms with the latter a monolithic piece. Thus, the proximal end of the housing 401 forms a ring from which the tab 406 extends, towards the distal end of the housing 401. The radial displacement of the first end 407 is then obtained by elastic deformation of the tab 406. Alternatively, the tab 406 may be distinct from the wall 404 and be articulated in rotation on the latter.

In this example, the tab 406 carries near the first end 407 a lug 409 facing the inside of the housing 401. The rod 20 comprises, in turn, in its end portion 22 configured to be inserted into the housing 401 at least one retaining surface 23 intended to cooperate with the lug 409. The rod 20 is shaped so that, at least for an angular position around the longitudinal direction Z1, when the rod 20 is inserted into the basket 400, the lug 409 cooperates with the associated retaining surface 23 to prevent or at least oppose the separation of the basket 400 with respect to the rod 20.

According to one embodiment, the retaining surface forms a recess, a recess or an orifice 23. If the stem is solid, the retaining surface may be either a recess or an orifice passing right through the stem. If the rod forms a tube, each retaining surface forms for example an orifice 23 passing through the thickness of the rod 20. It is this non-limiting embodiment which is shown in the figures.

The lug 409 may typically have a stud shape, of a height H, extending radially with respect to the axis of the basket 400, from the first end 407 of the lug 406 towards the inside of the housing 401. 'ergot can understand two parts. A first portion 4091, comprising an upper face, a lower face and two lateral faces, extends on a first height H1 from the tab 406. The first portion may form a parallelepipedal portion or a cylindrical portion. In the illustrated example, the lug comprises a cylindrical portion 4091. In this case, it is considered that the upper, lower and lateral faces are formed by portions of the outer surface of the cylinder constituting the cylindrical portion 4091. A second part forms an ergot head 4092 and extends to a second height H2. The ergot head advantageously forms a sphere portion, a cone or a pyramid. The dimensions of the spigot head 4092 and the first part 4091 are chosen so that the spigot head and at least a part of the first part can penetrate into the orifice 23.

In the example shown, the housing 401 has an axial abutment 410 against which is intended to rest the distal end 21 of the rod 20. The rod 20 and the basket 400 are dimensioned so that when the distal end 21 is in abutment on the axial abutment 410, the orifice 23 is then positioned opposite the lug 409. Thus, the distance between the axial abutment 410 and the lug 409 is substantially equal to the distance between the distal end 21 and the orifice 23. Advantageously, the axial stop 410 is formed by the bottom of the housing 401 which simplifies the structure and increases the robustness of the basket 400.

In the example, the stick 1 is configured so that, when the rod 20 bears on the axial abutment 410 and the lug 409 is at least partly inserted into the orifice 23, the pressure forces applied since the rod 20 towards the ground or the basket 400 pass directly through the distal end 21 of the rod 20 and the axial abutment 410 of the basket 300. This can be ensured by even slight axial clearance between the orifice 23 and the pin 409 when the distal end 21 of the rod 20 is in abutment on the axial stop 410. Thus, the lug 409 and the orifice 23 are not or little stressed in the case of downward pressure applied to the stick 1. This characteristic is advantageous since in use, the sticks 1 can be subjected to considerable pressure forces, especially when they are used during the propulsion phases in cross-country skiing.

In other words, the holding of the tip on the stem following a relative axial approximation between the basket 300 and the rod 20 results directly from the contact between the distal end 21 and the axial stop 410. For the practice of skiing background in particular, this recovery effort is the most important because it corresponds to the thrust / propulsion exerted on the stick.

Conversely, the holding of the tip on the rod following a relative axial distance between the basket 300 and the rod 20 results from the contact between the pin 409 and the orifice 23. For the practice of cross-country skiing in particular, this recovery effort is much less important than during the propulsion. The need for resistance is therefore less than when the stick is propelled.

The ring 300 has a through opening 301 shaped to surround the wall 404 defining the housing 401 of the basket 400. The opening 301 has an inner section complementary to the outer face of the wall 404 of the basket 400 so as to be inserted, at least in part, on the basket 400 by a movement comprising at least one component in translation along the longitudinal direction Z1 in the direction of insertion F.

According to an alternative embodiment, the ring 300 is screwed on the basket 400. In the example shown, the assembly of the tip is as follows.

In a first step, the ring 300 is inserted on the rod 20, on the distal side 22.

In a second step, we set up the 400 basket. figure 4 illustrates this step. To do this, the basket 400 is inserted on the rod 20, on the distal side 22 until the distal end 21 abuts against the bottom 410 of the housing 401. Then the basket is rotated until the pin 409 cooperates with the orifice 23 of the rod.

In a third step, the ring 300 is assembled with the basket 400. This step, represented in FIG. figure 5 , will be detailed later.

To separate the tip, we realize the reverse stages.

When the ring 300 is positioned on the basket 400, its inner face 302 limits the radial displacement of the second end 408 of the tab 406 towards the outside of the housing 401. Preferably, in the assembled position, position illustrated in FIG. figure 5 , the ring 300 plate, by its inner face 302, the tab 406 against the rod 20 and prevents any radial movement of the latter relative to the rod 20.

The stick 1 is shaped so that the cooperation of the lug 409 and the orifice 203 oppose any longitudinal force tending to separate the basket 400 from the rod 20. The lug 409 thus forms an axial abutment in the lug. orifice 23 to prevent this separation. The lug 409 is then held inserted in its orifice 23 and the securing of the basket 400 relative to the rod 20 is ensured.

In this example, the lug 409 also has at least one lateral face 4091 for stopping in rotation about the longitudinal direction Z1, preferably two. Here, a lateral face designates a lateral part of the outer surface constituting the cylindrical portion 4091. Each lateral rotational stop face is intended to come into contact with an edge of the orifice 23 of the rod 20, in which the ergot is inserted. Thus, a rotational stop face forms a stop preventing rotation in one direction of the tip around the rod. This thus makes it possible to angularly index the tip 30 relative to the rod 20.

Furthermore, advantageously, the basket 400 is configured so that, when a lug 406 is not stressed, a part of the lug 409 penetrates inside the housing 401 by a radial distance X2 which will be designated by indexing height. This distance is preferably less than 3 mm. Similarly, preferably, only the lug head 4092 projects inside the housing 401, the cylindrical portion 4091 remains outside the housing 401. Thus, the indexing height X2 is substantially equal to the height H2 of the ergot head. This has the consequence that when the basket 400 is mounted on the rod 20, only the lug head 4092 engages in the orifice 23. According to one embodiment, the indexing height X2 is less than the height H2 which makes it easier to disengage the lug 409 from the orifice 23. This characteristic clearly appears on the figure 4 representing the basket 400 correctly positioned on the rod 20, the ring 300 being in turn not positioned on the basket 400.

According to one embodiment, the tab 406 is elastic. Thus, when the rod 20 is inserted into the housing 401, the outer surface of the rod 20 comes into contact with the lug 409 and continuing the insertion, this causes the flexion of the lug 406. Therefore, the lug 406 is constrained and exerts a force on the outer surface of the rod 20, at the lug 409. This force corresponds to the return of the bending force. However, when positioning the basket 400 so that the lug 409 is placed opposite the retaining surface 23, the lug 409 engages at least partially in the retaining surface 23. leg 406 returns to a stable rest configuration in which it is no longer constrained, as seen in FIG. figure 4 . Preferably, in this stable rest configuration, only the lug head 4092 is engaged in the orifice 23, the cylindrical portion 4091 not being engaged.

The user can then perceive when the lug 409 is correctly positioned, for example visually, by a sound or by a sensation at the end of the fingers. According to one embodiment, the lug fits sufficiently in the retaining surface to form a stop adapted to retain the basket on the stem, even under the effect of their respective weight. Note that at this stage, this cooperation is not sufficient to ensure the desired connection between the basket and the rod, in use. This is a pre-assembly configuration necessary for the locking of the tip to proceed properly.

When not stressed, that is to say in its rest position, the tab 406 protrudes on the outer envelope of the wall 404 delimiting the housing 401. As a result, the first end 407 of the tab is spaced from the outer envelope of the wall 404 by a radial distance X1 which will be designated by actuation height. Thus, by simply placing the ring 300 on the wall 404, the inner surface of the ring 300 comes into contact with the tab 406 and pushes it towards the interior of the housing 401 causing the flexion of the tab 406. As a result, the tab 406 is then constrained and exerts, inwardly, a force on the inner surface of the ring 300, at the end 407. This effort corresponds to the restitution of the bending force. The lug 409 is thus pushed towards the inside of the retaining surface 23 when the latter is disposed in line with the lug 409. In this configuration, the cylindrical portion 4091 can then engage in the orifice 23. the example, the actuating height X1 is substantially equal to the height H1 of the cylindrical portion 4091 of a lug 409 so that when the ring acts on a lug 406, the cylindrical portion 4091 engages in the surface of retaining 23 of the rod 20. Thus, the penetration of the lug 409 in the orifice 23 is then sufficient to ensure the desired connection between the basket and the rod, in use. Indeed, the cylindrical portion 4091 contributes greatly to the axial retention and rotationally securing. In this configuration, the end of the lug 409 penetrates inside a housing 401 of a radial distance X3 that will be designated by locking height. This radial distance is substantially equal to the total height H of the lug 409, the sum of the heights H1 and H2. It corresponds substantially to the sum of the actuating height X1 with the indexing height X2. In the case where the rod 20 is tubular, the height H1 of the cylindrical portion 4091 of a lug 409 may be at least equal to the thickness of the tube at the orifice 23.

For the indexing to proceed correctly, the actuating height X1 is less than the height H of the lug 409, it is even, preferably less than half the height H. According to one embodiment that functions well, the height H1 is substantially equal to height H2. Similarly, according to this embodiment, the height of the lug is less than 4 mm.

Thus, the axial position of the basket 400 on the rod 20 is ensured, in a direction Z1, by the cooperation of the axial stop 410 and the distal end 21 of the rod 20, and in the reverse direction, by the cooperation of the pin 409 with the complementary retaining surface 23. Moreover, the angular position of the basket 400 relative to the rod 20 is in turn ensured by the cooperation of the pin 409 with the complementary retaining surface 23.

The invention thus makes it possible to position the tip in a particularly simple and precise manner relative to the rod 20 both axially and angularly. However, the angular positioning can be particularly important especially when the angular orientation of the handle must be adapted to that of the tip. This is the case in cross-country skiing in particular, the member intended to penetrate the ground being inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction Z1.

In addition to being particularly simple and accurate, this solution to achieve the orientation has the advantage of being more robust and more reliable than known solutions which consist in performing the angular indexing by cooperation of the tip with a specific profile carried by the distal end 21 of the rod 20. as part of the development of the present invention, it has been found that the distal end 21 of the rod 20 may, in use, be covered with soil or snow rendering inoperative a cooperation based on the profile of the end distal 21 of the rod 20. Moreover, this distal end 21 is generally subjected to shocks that quickly deteriorate its profile. The invention, by providing for deporting the remote indexing means of the distal end 21 of the rod 20, therefore increases the robustness and reliability of the rotational indexing. The indexing means 409/23 are thus better protected because they are less exposed to shocks.

To separate the basket 400 from the rod 20, it is necessary to remove the ring 300 from the basket 400 in order to release the tab 406. Following removal of the ring, the tab 406 finds a stable rest configuration in which it is more constrained, as seen in the figure 4 . In this new configuration, as explained above, the lug 409 is still partially housed in the orifice 23. This results in a partial automatic disengagement. However, the lug 409 is less engaged in the orifices 23. In our example, only the lug head 4092 is engaged when the lug is removed. However, the shape of the lug head can be adapted to facilitate the bending of the tab 406 to allow the total disengagement of the lug 409 of the orifice 23, by simply moving the basket 300 relative to the rod 20 Suitable shapes are, for example, a sphere portion, a cone or a pyramid.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous since it makes it possible to fasten, in a particularly simple and reliable manner, the basket 400 on the rod 20. Indeed, only the removal of the ring 300 allows this separation.

As we have seen, the tab 406 is preferably elastic and its elasticity allows the lugs 409 to move radially outwardly of the housing 401 when the ring 300 is removed from the basket 400. Thus, during unlocking, the ring 300 is withdrawn from the basket 400 and the lug 409 disengages automatically, at least in part, from the retaining surface. The withdrawal of the rod 20 relative to the housing 401 is then facilitated. The invention thus simplifies the removal of the tip relative to the rod 20.

According to one embodiment, the lug 406 extends longitudinally, the second end 408 connected to the wall 404 being positioned upstream of their first end 407 bearing the lug 409. The upstream and downstream are defined with respect to the direction F of the translational component of the insertion of the ring 300 on the basket 400. In other words, the second end 408 is fixed on the upper part of the wall 404 when the axis of the basket is vertical, the housing 401 facing upwards. The first end 407 is then located in the lower part of the wall 404. Moreover, the second end 408 of the tab 406 being further from the longitudinal axis than the first end 407, this configuration allows the second end 408 of the to be progressively folded inside the housing 401 as and when the ring 300 is inserted on the basket 400. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the breakage of the tab 406 by a sudden insertion of the ring 300 on the basket 400, which would be more likely fracture with a reverse configuration in which the first end 407 of the tab 406 would be positioned upstream of the second end 408.

Similarly, this positioning downstream of the first end 407 of the tab 406 facilitates the insertion of the rod 20 into the housing 401 without the risk that the distal end 21 of the rod 20 will deteriorate the tab 406 while the 409 lug protrudes inside the housing 401. Indeed, the rod 20 gradually pushes the lug 406 outwardly of the housing 401 as it is inserted into the housing 401.

In addition, the endpiece comprises axial locking means configured to eliminate or limit the axial displacement between the basket 400 and the ring 300. These axial locking means make it possible to avoid an involuntary axial distance of the ring 300 with respect to the basket. 400 which could lead to a separation of the tip relative to the rod 20.

In the example, the axial locking means are shaped so as to be activated by a relative rotation between the ring 300 and the basket 400 around the longitudinal direction Z1. According to a preferred embodiment, these means comprise at least one inclined surface 305, 413 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z1, this inclined surface 305, 413 being carried by one of the ring 300 and the basket 400. and being configured to cooperate with a complementary surface carried by the other of the ring 300 or the basket 400 so as to transform the rotation of the ring 300 into a translation thereof to the washer 402. Thus, when the user operates a rotation of the ring 300 on the basket 400 in a locking direction, the ring 300 is pushed towards the washer 402 and when the user operates a rotation in the opposite direction, the ring 300 moves away from the washer 402.

The inclined surface thus acts as a cam profile. As it appears in particular on the figures 1 and 3 of the embodiment illustrated, the basket 400 preferably has a first inclined surface 413 carried by a relief 411 formed on an outer face of the wall 404 defining the housing 401. This first inclined surface 413 forms a thread or a portion of no screws. The ring 300 has in turn a second inclined surface 305 complementary to the first inclined surface 413. This second inclined surface 305 is carried by a protrusion 306 carried by the inner face 302 of the opening 301. The first and second inclined surfaces 413, 305 are shaped to transform a relative rotational movement between the ring 300 and the basket 400 in a relative translation movement.

In the example, the axial locking means are shaped so that locking is obtained by turning the ring 300 by an angle of less than 180 ° in a locking direction. Preferably, this angle is less than or equal to 90 °. In this illustrated example, the angle is about 60 °. Locking or unlocking is thus obtained very quickly and simply. The invention thus improves the known solutions in that it avoids a long screwing, tedious and source of inaccuracies.

Therefore, the insertion of the ring 300 on the basket 400 is carried out by operating firstly a relative translation of the ring 300 relative to the basket 400 on a stroke corresponding preferably to a portion of the longitudinal dimension of the housing 401, then operating a rotational movement to complete the relative translation between these two parts, until abutting.

In the example, the rotation of the ring 300 in the locking direction is limited by a limit stop 414 in rotation, for example carried by the basket 400 at the washer 402. This stop is visible in figure 2 . The ring 300 can be arranged to facilitate handling, especially when the user wears gloves and / or that the stick is wet. The outer surface of the ring is for example knurled. These gripping reliefs may take the form of ribs 304 extending longitudinally and distributed around the circumference of the ring 300. The ring 300 may also be provided with a gripping zone 303 shaped to serve as a support for a sliding finger against the periphery of the ring. The ring 300 is dimensioned so that at the end of the stroke, the gripping zone 303 abuts on the end stop 414. Thanks to the abutment 414, in addition to facilitating the locking, the invention makes it possible to ensure that the ring is correctly mounted on the basket, so that the axial locking means are functional. Moreover, this reduces the risk of deterioration of the component parts of the tip. Typically, the gripping zone 303 has a fin shape. It presents for example an ergonomics promoting its manipulation by the thumb or another finger of the user. The invention thus provides a solution for locking and unlocking in a simple, effective and quick way the ring 300 on the basket 400.

According to one embodiment, a mark is provided on the ring 300 so that it coincides with a complementary mark carried by the basket 400. the ring 300 is locked on the basket 400, the two marks cooperate. In this case, the ring 300 and the basket 400 are axially secured. The ring is arranged relative to the basket, in a determined configuration that is stable so as to act on the tabs 406 to maintain the cooperation between the lugs 409 with the retaining surfaces 23, which ensures the connection between the tip 30 and the rod 20. In other words, the ring 300 is configured to limit the radial displacement of the first end 407 of the tab 406 to the outside of the housing 401. The user can easily check that the ring 300 is properly locked. These marks may for example be visual and / or tactile. For example, the shape and / or color of the gripping zone 303 and the end stop 414 can be chosen so that their cooperation is easily identifiable visually and / or tactile. In the illustrated example, the mark corresponds to the gripping zone 303 and the complementary mark corresponds to the limit stop 414. Thus, when the gripping zone comes into contact with the end stop, the ring 300 is arranged relative to the basket in a determined stable locking configuration. In this example, the axial locking means are functional when the ring is in this locking configuration.

The basket 400 may also include rotatable locking means configured to prevent, limit or at least oppose involuntary rotation of the ring 300 from the locked position. In the example shown, the rotary locking means comprise a flange 415 or quilting carried by the basket 400. This flange 415 is illustrated in FIG. figure 2 and forms an obstacle positioned on the rotational stroke of the ring 300. It is sized to be crossed by the fin 303 when the user manipulates the latter in the locking or unlocking direction. However, in the absence of manipulation applied by the user to the fin or the ring 300, the dimensions of the rim prevent crossing the fin 303. Thus, in the locked position, even in case of vibration of the stick 1, the rim 415 prevents the ring 300 from rotating, thereby avoiding an involuntary unlocking of the tip. The reliability of the holding of the tip is thus further enhanced. Moreover, the invention makes it easier to lock or unlock the nozzle while avoiding the disadvantages of known systems.

The tip may comprise angular indexing means configured to allow insertion of the ring 300 on the basket 400 by axial translation only for a specific angular orientation or only for a range of specific angular orientations between these two parts. Thus, the user can slide the ring 300 on the basket 400 only if the ring 300 is correctly positioned angularly with respect to the latter. This makes it easier subsequently to actuate the axial or rotary locking means. Sure the illustrated example, the indexing means comprise protrusions 306 formed inside the opening of the ring 300 and reliefs 411 carried by the inner face 405 of the housing 401 of the basket 400. According to a preferred embodiment these reliefs 411 also bear the first inclined surfaces 413 of the axial locking means and the protuberances 306 also bear the second inclined surfaces 305 of the axial locking means. The sliding of the ring 300 on the basket 400 is possible only when the protuberances 306 are not in relief of the reliefs 411 in the longitudinal direction Z1. If the protuberances 306 are at right reliefs 411, in an axial direction Z1, then they abut on the latter thus preventing the insertion of the ring 300 on the basket 400. It is therefore necessary that the protuberances 306 are placed vis-à-vis -vis grooves delimited by two reliefs 411 to insert the ring. In the example, the reliefs 411 and the protuberances 306 are three in number and are distributed over a circle. Preferably, a first and a second relief 411 form an angle of 90 ° and a third relief forms with the first relief 411 an angle of 120 ° and with the second relief 411 an angle of 150 °. The protuberances 306 are also distributed according to this configuration. The reliefs 411 and the protuberances 306 thus act as polarizers for the insertion of the ring 300 on the basket 400. Alternatively, the number of reliefs and protuberances are different.

According to one embodiment, the ring 300 and the basket 400 comprise visual cues intended to cooperate in order to indicate a particular angular positioning of the ring 300 with respect to the basket 400 around the axis Z1. This particular angular positioning may be that for which the angular indexing means are configured to allow insertion of the ring 300 on the basket 400.

Advantageously, the ring 300 comprises a collar 307 bordering the upper end of the ring and extending towards the inside of the opening 301. The collar 307 prevents or reduces the access of foreign bodies, such as snow, ice or mud, inside the ring, between the ring and the basket. This protection allows a good operation of the indexing mechanism of the basket relative to the rod and the locking mechanism of the ring with the basket. Indeed, ice, packed snow or mud can disrupt the operation of these mechanisms by blocking moving parts. In addition, the flange 307 can serve as an axial stop for the reliefs 411 during the establishment of the ring on the basket.

The figure 8 illustrates another embodiment. The securing system of the basket 400 with the rod 20 is identical to the embodiment described above. The difference comes from the fact that the basket 400 comprises a hole 420 traversing the piece longitudinally. This opening 420 is thus opening on either side of the basket along its longitudinal axis. In its upper part, the hole 420 is formed by the housing 401. In its lower part, the hole 420 is formed by a second housing 421 opening into the lower part of the basket 400. The second housing 421 extends the housing 401. In this for example, the second housing 421 is slightly conical, the largest diameter being located inside the basket 400, at the junction between the housing 401 and the second housing 421. The second housing 421 is dimensioned so that its larger diameter is smaller than the diameter of housing 401 to create a rim forming an upper annular surface 422.

In this example, the tip 30 comprises the ring 400 but also a tip 500, inserted inside the rod 20 and inserted between the rod 20 and the basket 400. The tip 500 comprises a cylindrical upper part 501 having a diameter substantially equal to or slightly less than the inner diameter of the rod 20 to fit into the rod. The tip 500 also comprises a lower portion 502 whose outer envelope is adapted to conform to the second housing 421. Between its upper portion 501 and its lower portion 502, the tip comprises a flange 504 whose outer diameter is preferably substantially equal to outer diameter of the distal end 21 of the rod 20. The tip 500 further comprises a cavity 503 for receiving an end member as in the embodiment described above.

When the tip 30 is assembled, the distal end 21 of the rod 20 is adapted to be in contact with the flange 504 and it is adapted to be in contact with the upper annular surface 422 of the basket 400. This construction allows a good transmission of thrust force from the rod to the basket and also from the rod to the end member.

With this construction, it is possible to bring the end member independently of the basket. This is interesting because one can change the basket or the end member independently, in case of deterioration. In this example, it is possible to disassemble the basket without removing the end member. It can be interesting to switch from summer use, without basket, to a winter use, with basket.

Advantageously, one can provide angular indexing means between the tip 500 and the basket 400 and / or between the tip 500 and the rod 20. For example, it may be a notch in the flange 504 cooperating with a pin protruding from the upper annular surface 422 of the basket 400.

It is also possible to provide retaining means for securing the point 500 and the basket 400 and / or for securing the point 500 and the rod 20. This can facilitate the assembly of the tip on the stick.

The previous embodiments describe a tip attached to the distal end of a rod of a stick. This distal end of a stem of a stick must be interpreted in the broad sense. The invention thus also covers a tip attached to an insert on the distal end of a rod of a stick when the tip reproduces the same fastening system. In this case, it is the insert that constitutes the distal end of a rod of a stick that fits into the housing 401 of the basket 400.

In view of the above description, it is clear that the invention offers a solution to facilitate the assembly of the tip on the rod 20 while improving the reliability and robustness of this assembly and the correct axial and angular positioning of the tip relative to the rod 20.

The invention, although particularly advantageous in the context of cross-country skiing since it makes it possible to withstand very high thrust forces, is not limited to this application and extends to the ski poles of other winter disciplines ( alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing in particular), as well as walking sticks, hiking or running in nature usually referred to by its English word "trail".

The invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is possible to combine these embodiments.

The invention is not limited to the previously described embodiments and extends to all the embodiments covered by the claims.

REFERENCES

1.

Stick

20.

stem

21.

Distal end

22.

Distal end portion

23.

Orifice

30.

tip

300.

Ring

301.

Opening

302.

Inner face of the opening

303.

Gripping area

304.

Rib

305.

Second inclined surface

306.

Protuberance

307.

Collar

400.

Basket

401.

Housing

402.

Washer

403.

Cavity

404.

Wall

405.

Internal face

406.

Paw

407.

First end

408.

Second end

409.

ergot

4091.

Cylindrical portion of ergot

4092.

Ergot head

410.

Axial stop

411.

Relief

412.

Stop surface

413.

First inclined surface

414.

Rotating limit stop

415.

Flange

420.

Through hole

421.

Second housing

422.

Upper annular surface

500.

Point

501.

The top part

502.

Lower part

503.

Cavity

504.

Collar

Z1.

Longitudinal direction

F.

Insertion direction

X1.

Actuation height

X2.

Indexation height

X3.

Lock height

Claims (15)

Tip (30) for a stick (1) comprising: a basket (400) comprising a housing (401) intended to receive a distal end (21) of a rod (20) of the stick (1), a locking ring (300) intended to surround at least part of the housing (401), characterized in that
the housing (401) is delimited by a wall (404) supporting at least one lug (406) provided, at a first end (407), with a lug (409) intended to extend inside the housing ( 401), the tab (406) can take several configurations corresponding to different radial positions of the pin (409),
in that the ring is shaped to limit the radial displacement of the first end (407) of the tab (406) towards the outside of the housing (401) when the ring (300) is assembled on the basket (400). Tip (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that each lug (409) comprises at least one lateral face (4091) for stopping rotation. Tip (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (404) defines an outer envelope and, in the rest state, the first end (407) of each tab (406) projects, towards outside, the outer envelope of the wall (404). Tip (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that , in the rest state, each lug (409) projects into the housing (401) of a height less than 3 mm. Tip (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tip (30) is configured so that when the ring (300) is assembled on the basket (400), the ring (300) supports on each leg (406) to radially move the first end (407) of each leg (406) inwardly of the housing. Tip (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each tab (406) is elastic, the basket (300) being dimensioned so that each pin (409) returns, under the effect of the elasticity of the tab (406), outwardly of the housing (401), when the ring (300) is removed from the basket (400). Tip (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tip (30) comprises axial locking means (306, 411) for limiting the relative axial displacement between the basket (400) and the ring (300) locking, the activation of the axial locking means comprising a relative rotation between the two parts (400, 300). End piece (30) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the axial locking means (306, 411) are configured so as to ensure axial locking by relative rotation between the ring (300) and the basket (400). an angle less than 180 °. Tip (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tip (30) comprises rotary locking means (303, 414, 415) for limiting the relative rotation between the basket and the ring, when the tip (30) is assembled. End piece (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end piece (30) comprises angular indexing means (306, 411) enabling the ring (300) to be placed on the basket ( 400), by relative axial translation between the two parts, only for one or more specific angular orientations between the two parts. A mouthpiece (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second end (408) of each lug (409), opposite the first end (407) supporting the lug (409), is disposed on the wall (404) downstream in the direction of insertion (F) of the distal end (21) of the rod (20) in the housing (401). Tip (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (404) of the housing (401) forms a closed ring at the end of the housing (401) downstream in the direction of insertion. (F) the distal end (21) of the rod (20) in the housing (401). Tip (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (401) forms part of a hole (420) passing through the basket (400) along its longitudinal axis. Tip (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ring (300) comprises a mark (303) and in that the basket (400) comprises a complementary mark (414), the mark and the mark complementary arrangement being arranged so that, when cooperating, the ring (300) is configured to limit the radial displacement of the first end (407) of the tab (406) outwardly of the housing (401). Stick (1) comprising a rod (20) equipped with at least one end piece (30) according to one of the preceding claims.

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