EP3203870A1

EP3203870A1 - Walking pole for training

Info

Publication number: EP3203870A1
Application number: EP15848703.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Åke FÄKTENMARK
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-10-07
Filing date: 2015-10-06
Publication date: 2017-08-16
Also published as: RU2017115330A; SE540476C2; EP3203870A4; WO2016056982A1; RU2017115330A3; SE1451188A1

Abstract

Walking pole (1) for training intended to be used in connection with walking or running comprising at least one first portion (2, 3') and at least one second portion (3, 2'), which are movably provided mutually in their axial directions, at least one energy accumulating/energy releasing unit or an elastic band (5, 5') connected between the first portion and the second portion and a grip portion or a handle (4, 4'), whereby energy is accumulated in the energy accumulating/energy releasing unit or band (5, 5') when the portions (2, 3) are moved against each other axially and that the energy is released from the band when the portions are moved mutually in the opposite axial direction of the portions, the band (5, 5') being fixed by means of a connection portion (10, 10') at the end of the first portion faced against the second portion, whereby a sleeve portion (11) has a part with greater diameter (D) which is so dimensioned, that by pushing it over the end edge of the first portion with the band, which is placed between the end portion of the second portion and the connection portion, by means of clamp effect locks said band at the end of the first portion, whereby the band is moved a distance about the end edge of the first portion.

Description

WALKING POLE FOR TRAINING

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a walking pole for training according to the pre- characterizing portion of Claim 1. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

In many connections exists a need to train the muscles in different ways. One way to do this is to train with different types of elongated training equipment, as walking poles and the like.

Walking poles have been produced in a great number of variations. At the beginning walking poles were of a solid type, which in connection with walking has shown to have a favourable training effect. Solid walking poles have a number of disadvantages.

For example, the walking poles do not comprise an energy accumulating function, with which the training effect can be increased. Furthermore, most of the walking poles are of a substantially stiff construction, which brings with that the impact by bringing the pole against the ground is transported via the pole to the hand of the user. The dumb placement of the pole at the ground brings with a risk for wounds in for instance the forearm, shoulders and the neck.

Walking poles are akeady known in a great number of variations. An example of a walking pole with a resilient effect is shown in the Swedish patent application SE 0402980 which is related to a training equipment comprising even different kinds of walking poles. Even if the training equipment according to SE 0402980 has a positive training effect, the construction comprises a number of disadvantages which brings with problems for the user of the equipment. For instance, the known training equipment is complicated through its construction and is relatively expensive to produce. Details in the pole formed training equipment are furthermore difficult to exchange. Moreover, it is not possible to adjust the resilient effect of the construction. The material can also be effected to problems at chilliness. It exists even a problem to connect the elongated elastic element which is a relatively complicated and time consuming operation.

The connection portion for the elongated elastic element at the known training equipment according to SE 0402980 has shown being complicated constructed which leads to the fact that production of this equipment will become relatively expensive. The fastening of the other end of the elongated elastic element at the known training equipment according to SE 0402980 is also complicated and comprises seven parts which makes it expensive to produce. Another problem with the existing construction is that a limited quantity of energy which is consumed to press together the pole at walking (and thereby being stored in the pole) is not adjustable.

A further problem with the known training equipment is that it comprises a stop function which leads to that the movement at the end position will become distinct and can be seen as giving an impact to the user. Stop positions can involve impacts (unpleasant) for hands, arms etc.

A further problem with existing types of poles is that these are only foldable in a small extent, or only in a limited extent can be shortened. This can for instance lead to problems in connection with travelling.

An object of the invention is to provide a walking pole, which eliminates the above described problems. The object is achieved with the walking pole according to the characterizing portion of Claim 1.

Preferred embodiments of the invention have given characterizing features which appears in the sub claims.

The walking pole according to the invention comprises substantially less parts than corresponding known walking poles with resilient effects.

The walking pole according to the invention is furthermore easy to divide or fold to facilitate transport.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in the following with reference to the attached drawings, which show preferred embodiments. Nota bene that the figures are schematic and that details thereby can be left out therefrom.

Figs. 1A and IB show schematically a side view and a longitudinal section, respectively, of a first embodiment of a walking pole according to the invention with an energy accumulating/energy releasing unit or at least one elongated elastic band, whereby a handle has been eliminated.

Fig. 1C shows schematically a longitudinal section like that in Fig. IB of a second embodiment of the walking pole according to the invention.

Figs. ID and IE show schematically a side view and an enlarged partially longitudinal section, respectively, of a third embodiment of the walking pole according to the present invention, wherein the handle is shown in Fig. ID.

Figs. 2A and 2B show longitudinal sections of an alternative embodiment of a connection portion for the elongated elastic element of the walking pole according to the invention.

In Figs. 3A and 3B is shown partially elongated sections of alternative embodiments of the connection portion.

In Fig. 3C is shown a partially elongated section of an embodiment of a fastening for the elongated elastic element of the walking pole according to the invention.

Fig. 4A shows a side view of an extension portion with the handle mounted thereon.

Fig. 4B shows a side view of the extension portion in Fig. 4A with the handle dismounted.

Figs. 5A and 5B show side views of a dividable and a foldable walking pole according to the invention, respectively.

Fig. 6 shows a side view of a walking pole according to the invention with elastic resilient elements which are directed against each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Details, which refer to substantially alike parts of the different embodiments, have been given the same reference numbers.

With reference to the drawings in Figs. 1 A- ID is shown embodiments of a walking pole

1 for loaded walking exercise, which pole comprises at least one first elongated portion

2 and at least one second elongated portion 3, which are telescopically displaceable mutual in each other in axial directions in the first portion 2 and the second portion 3. The walking pole 1 is preferably produced of a light material, as aluminium or plastics. With reference to Figs. 1A and IB it is shown that the second and lower portion 3 consists of a portion which completely or partially is introducible in the first and upper portion 2. The upper or first portion 2 is therefore tube-formed, while the second lower portion 3, for the sake of the total weight of the walking pole, also could be tube- formed, but could even be solid. In the exemplified embodiment the second portion 3 is introducible in a space 6 in the first portion 2 (see Fig. IB). The walking pole 1 comprises also a handle 4 (see Figs. 4A, 5A, 5B and 6), at least one elastic and energy accumulating/energy releasing unit 5, as at least one elongated elastic band, which is connectable to the first portion 2, as well as to the second portion 3, and a ground supporting unit 7 with an outer tip 8. When the first portion 2 is forced against the second portion 3 in the axial direction, energy is accumulated in the elastic and energy accumulating unit 5. This energy accumulating movement is provided by pressing the walking pole 1 against the ground or any other base by the user, so that the first portion 2 and the second portion 3 are led in a direction against each other. At a mutual movement between the first portion 2 and the second portion 3 in the opposite axial direction, i.e. when the user "lifts" the pole in the direction from the ground or any other base, energy is set free from the elastic and energy accumulating/energy releasing unit 5. By use of the walking pole 1 energy is accumulated or released into or from, respectively, the energy accumulating/energy releasing unit 5.

In the drawings circular sections are shown of the first portion 2 and of the second portion 3. In spite of that the portions 2, 3 of the walking pole 1 at the most preferable embodiment are formed with circular sections, the section of the first portion 2 and of the second portion 3 can also be of another appropriate forms for the purpose. It is accordingly possible that the sections of the first portion 2 and the second portion 3 have three or four edges, are oval, are elliptic or have any other appropriate form for the purpose. The portions can have different sections, but they shall nevertheless be able to be telescopically introduced into each other. The construction accordingly assumes that one of the first portion 2 or the second portion 3 is introducible in the other of the first portion 2 or the second portion 3 or that these portions can be connected to each other in another appropriate way. The advantage with a section form which is not round is that the portions 2 and 3 can be prevented to rotate mutually. This rotation is prevented substantially by the mounting of the band 5, which is described in greater detail below. This gives the advantage that a specific design of the basement supporting unit 7 can be better positioned in relation to the handle provided at the upper part of the walking pole 1.

The energy accumulating/energy releasing unit 5 consists at the described embodiments, as mentioned above, of at least one elongated elastic resilient element, suitably in the form of an elastic band 5. The band 5 can be an elongated band, one end of which can be fastened at the opening of the first portion 2, where after the band is lead over and fastened at the end of the second portion 3 and thereafter lead back to and fastened at the opening of the first portion 2. The band extends accordingly from the opening of the first portion 2 over the end of the second portion 3 extending in to the space 6 of the first portion 2 and back to the opening of the first portion 2. The energy

accumulating/energy releasing unit 5 can also consist of two or more bands 5, which extend in parallel or crossed over the end of the second portion 3 into the space 6. In connection with the extension of the band or the bands 5 energy is accumulated into this or those, respectively. When the power no longer influences the first portion 2 and the second portion 3 the length of the walking pole 1 will increase by simultaneously releasing the energy accumulated in the band of the walking pole 1. The band 5 consists of a plaited or woven elastic ribbon, whereby the threads in the elastic ribbon in a certain degree are friction increasing to increase the friction between the connection portion 10 and the outer surface of the first portion 2 with the band clamped there between. The friction increasing, in woven or in plaited threads can consist of rubber threads or of the threads sold under the trade name Lycra. The friction increasing threads of rubber should have a diameter of 0,5-1 ,5 mm, preferably about 0,7 mm. The rubber threads should have a stretchability of about 150%. The friction increasing Lycra threads should have a diameter of 0,2-1 ,0 mm, preferably about 0,4 mm. The Lycra threads should have a stretchability of about 100%.

At an alternative embodiment of a walking pole 1 according to Figs. ID and IE, it is possible that a portion of an upper, first portion 3 ' is introducible in a corresponding inner space 6' in a lower, second portion 2'. The waking pole Γ comprises at the embodiment according to Figs. ID and IE at least one ground supporting unit 7' (a counter stay against the ground or the basement), the outer end of which preferably can comprise a tip 8' or even a foot of metal or rubber or the like. The basement supporting unit 7' is preferably, as is shown in the drawings, placed at one or lower end of the walking pole 1 ' or near the end of the walking pole 1 ' . At the other, upper end of the walking pole 1 ' a handle 4' is provided with a wrist strap 4a' or the like. By the under layer it is intended a substantially horizontal surface or an inclined surface adapted for walking, against which surface the walking pole 1 ' is intended to be lead. With the under layer it is intended ground, roads, floors and the like. With reference to the drawings in Figs. ID and I E is accordingly shown an inverted embodiment of the walking pole 1 in Figs. 1A- 1 C for biased walking training, at which the first portion 2' and the second portion 3 ' are telescopically moveably mutually provided in the axial directions of the first portions 2' and the second portion 3 ' . As can be seen in Figs. IE and ID the portions 2' and 3 ' have changed place in relation to the portions 2 and 3 in Figs. 1A-1C. The walking pole 1 ' comprises preferably also at least one elastic and energy accumulating/energy releasing unit appropriately in the form of at least one elastic band 5 ', which is connected to the first portion 2' by means of a connection portion 3 ' and to the other portion 3 ' by means of a fastening 13 '. At this embodiment the fastening 13 ' constitutes of a threaded plug with hat, wherein the band 5 ' extends from the end of the upper portion 3 ', over the tip of the plug 13 ' and back to the end of the upper portion 3 ' . When the first portion 2 ' is moved against the other portion 3 ' in the axial direction energy is accumulated in the band 5 ' . The energy accumulating movement is provided by pressing the walking pole 1 against the ground by the user so that the first and the second portions 2 ' and 3 ' , respectively, are moved in the direction against each other. At a mutual movement between the first portion 2' and the second portion 3 ' in the opposite axial direction, i.e. when the user "lifts" the pole in the direction from the ground energy is released from the band 5'. By using the walking pole alternately energy is accumulated and released in and from, respectively, the band 5 ', as at the embodiments according to Figs. 1A-1E. Embodiments of the connection portion 10 of the walking pole 1 are shown in Figs. 2A and 2B. The band 5 can be connected to the first portion 2 in a variable mode to variate the stroke. The connection portion 10 consists of a first hollow sleeve portion 11 with greater inner diameter D and a second hollow sleeve portion 12 with smaller inner diameter D. The connection portion 10 has at the exemplified embodiment besides to releasably fasten the ends of the band 5 at the end of the first portion 2, even as a purpose to centrate the first portion 2 in the second portion 3. Further embodiments of the connection portion 10 are shown in Figs. 3A and 3B. In the case that the first and the second elongated portions not have a circular section, as is described above, it is prevented that the band parts are twisted between the first and second portions, as the portions are rotated relative each other, and therewith loose a part of their inbuilt elastic or elastic ribbon load. The walking pole 1 comprises also at least one fastening 13, as is shown in Fig. 3C, by means of which the band 5 is fastened at the end of the second portion 3 in the space 6 of the first portion 2. The fastening 13 can be constituted of a pin, an expander screw or the like. The fastening 13 fasten the band 5 about at its centre at the second portion 3, so that two parts of the band extend on each side of the second portion 3 out of the opening of the first portion 2 and are bent against the outer surface of the first portion.

Thereafter, the connection portion 10 is led over the outer surface of the first portion 2 and clamps the band 5 against the first portion 2.

The walking pole 1 can also comprise at least one coupling device 14, as an expander lock or the like, which is intended to be used to lock internally at the handle 4, 4' . It is possible that the coupling device 14 is constituted of another locking device adapted for the purpose like a clamp, a screw joint, any type of quick coupling or the like.

At the embodiment of the walking pole 1 ' according to Fig. ID the handle 4' is mounted on the upper end of the walking pole 1 ', with which the walking pole 1 ' is intended to be gripped by the hand of the user. The handle 4' can be provided with at least one wrist strap 4A', a glove or the like. The placing of the handle 4' on the walking pole 1 ' can also be variated within the frame of the present invention. The handle 4' can accordingly have a placing, which differs from the placing at the end or near the end.

At an alternative embodiment of the walking pole 1 the handle 4 is changeable. The changeability of the handle 4 can for instance be achieved by means of that the handle 4 is connected to some part of the walking pole by means of at least one locking device 14 (see Figs. 4 and 4B) or any other appropriate locking construction for the purpose. The expander lock (the locking device) can be placed in the handle 4 or in the portion of the walking pole 1 to which the handle 4 is connected. The handle 4 can also be constituted of an integrated part of the walking pole 1. It is further possible that the user uses one portion of the first portion 2 or the other portion 3 as a handle or a gripping part. The handle 4 can for instance be constituted by a wire or the like coiled on the upper portion 2 or any in another way grip-friendly or separate portion of the upper portion 2 or the like. The walking pole 1 according to Fig. IB comprises preferably also at least one damping device 18, placed in the opposite end in relation to the tip 8 of the walking pole 1. The damping device 18 is provided at biasing the walking pole 1 to engage the portion 3 with a smaller diameter. At the alternative inverted embodiment according to Figs. ID and IE is a not shown damping device provided in a corresponding way at the lower end of the walking pole in the lower portion (with a greater diameter). The damping device 18 has the technical effect that the mutual movement of the first portion 2, 2' and the second portion 3, 3 ' against each other is not experienced as hard when either portion reaches a given end point.

In Fig. 1C a variant of a damping device 18A is shown, which device is placed in connection to the tip 8 or near the tip 8. At use of the walking pole 1 according to Fig. 1C the damping occurs by means of that the portion, which has the greater diameter at use is moved downwards against the damping device. The damping device 18A can brake the movement of the first portion 2 at the free end of the second portion 3.

At alternative embodiments it is possible that damping in the walking pole can occur by means of that the construction of the band 5 constitute a damping device when this has been stretched out to its maximal extend. This presupposes that the possible mutual movements of the lengths of the portion 2 and the portion 3 are longer then the length of the maximal extension of the band 5.

In Figs. 2A and 2B the connection portion 10 is shown comprising integrally formed sleeves 11, 12. The connection portion 10 is brought on the end of the second unit, so that the end of the first portion 2 is moved into the first sleeve 11 of the connection portion 10. By means of the sleeve 11 , the elongated elastic element or the elastic band 5 is clamped and/or hold fixed between the sleeve 11 and the first portion 2. In Fig. 2A is shown how the ends of the band 5 have been fold about the edge of the opening of the first portion 2. By variating the part of the band 5 which is folded over the edge of the first portion 2 the stroke of the band 5 can be variated. The portion 12 with smaller diameter D is brought into contact directly or as shown indirectly via a washer 12A of appropriate material, as felt or plastics, against the outer surface of the second portion 3 to control the same. The advantage by fixing the band 5 at the end of the second portion 3 by means of the fastening 13 (the portion with smaller diameter) is that the risk that the band 5 unintentionally loosens from the second portion 3 decreases substantially. By the construction of the connection portion 10, the mounting and the connection of the band 5 at the first portion 2 is made easier. The inner diameter D of the sleeve 11 of the connection portion 10 is adapted after the thickness of the band 5 and the outer diameter of the second portion 3. The diameter D is so dimensioned, that a clamp effect is achieved when the connection portion 10 is moved over the end of the first portion 2 with the ends 20 of the band 5 led over the opening edge of the first portion 2. In Fig. 2B is shown an embodiment wherein a grove 19 is provided at the end of the first portion 2 which is faced against the second portion 3. The ends 20 of the band 5 can thereby be folded into the grove 19 and hold fixed therein by means of an elastic O-ring 22 to better lock the band 5 when the connection portion 10 is mounted on the end of the first portion 2. In Fig. 2A is also shown that the connection portion 10 can comprise a guide 12a for the second portion 3. The guide 12a can be made by felt or any other alike material. By constructing the walking pole 1 in this way the guide 12a can be easily switched out. The guide 12a can comprise at least a first type of material and at least a second type of material. The first material is optimized to assist by clamping the band 5 fixed at the first portion 2. The second material is intended to provide as low friction as possible against the second portion 3. The connection portion 10 can be manufactured of plastics or aluminium. The guide 12a can also be constituted by the material of the connection portion 10. It is possible that the connection portion 10 can consist of two or more, different types of material. By the construction of the connection portion 10 the exchange of the band 5 can be facilitated. The guide 12a can at an alternative embodiment be elastic in the radial or substantial radial direction of the walking pole. This can be achieved by elastically loading the guide in the radial direction. The guide 12a can also for instance be divided in several parts, which each is elastic in the radial direction.

In Fig. 3A is shown a further embodiment of a connection portion 10, which comprises an outer recess 23 at the lower portion 12 to receive at least one guide 12a, which concerning material choice and form corresponds to the guide 22 at the embodiment according to Fig. 2A and 2B. At this embodiment, the upper sleeve portion 1 1 of the connection portion 10 clamps the band 5 firmly at the first portion 2, as is explained above. At the crossing of the connection portion 10 from the sleeve 12 with the greater diameter D to the sleeve 11 with the smaller diameter d an annular formed radial inwardly extending protruding portion is provided to guide the lower portion 3.

In Fig. 3B is shown an variation of the connection portion 10, at which at the lower end of the lower sleeve portion 12 a guide 12c is formed, which is integral with the connection portion 10. At alternative embodiments it is possible that the guide is formed of a material, which is brought on or consist of the contact surface against the second portion 3 (the portion 12 with the smaller diameter d). This can for instance be constituted by a material with low friction. The low friction material can for instance be of a nano composite, as for instance comprising wolfram. The nano composite gives a relatively low friction between the sleeve portions 12 of the connection portion 10 and the second portion 3.

In Fig 3C is shown a fastening 13 to anchoring the band 5 at one end of the second portion 3. In Fig. 3C is shown a clamp means 27 which can be connected to a receiving portion 28, as a sleeve, a plug or the like. The sleeve 28 is pressed into an inner space 9 in the second portion 3. The clamp means 27 presses the material in the sleeve 28 against the inner wall of the inner space in the second portion 3 and fixes the band 5 there between. The band 5 extends from the end opening of the first portion 2 around the end of the second portion 3 with the clamp means 27 and the sleeve 28 and back to the end opening of the first portion 2. In Fig. 3C the clamp means 27 consists of a screw. At alternative embodiments the clamp means can consist of another appropriate means for the purpose as a wedge, a pin, an expander, or the like. In Fig. 3C is shown also a guide 27A, with which the second portion 3 is guided up in the inner space 6 in the first portion 2. The guide 27A can be made of felt or a similar material.

With reference to Figs. 4A and 4B is shown embodiments of the exchangeable handle 4 which is a part of the walking pole 1, which handle can be mounted on an elongated portion 24, which more specifically is shown in Fig. 4B. With the elongated portion 24 or the like the length of the tool can be prolonged or shortened. The elongated portion 24 can for instance be connected to the upper portion 2 of the walking pole 1. The handle 4 can be locked fixed at the elongated portion 24 by means of an upper quick lock 14. The elongated portion 24 can as shown be constituted of a medium portion with an outer quick lock 14. The elongated portion 24 is connected to the walking pole and is fixed to this by means of the lower lock device 14, as a quick lock, an expander lock or the like.

The elongated portion 4 makes it possible also that the walking pole 1 in a greater context can be packed together, thereby facilitating the transport of the walking pole. The handle 4 can also be glued or in any other way connected to the elongated portion 24. With reference to Figs. 4 A and 4B is shown how the handle 4 can be connected to an elongated portion 24 or another tube portion, which comprises marks for adjustment of the length of the tool (the position of the handle in relation to the elongated portion). In Fig. 4A the handle 4 is mounted on the elongated portion 24. In Fig. 24B the handle has been demounted from the elongated portion 24. The elongated portion 24 comprises preferably an expander lock 14 at each end, as is shown in Fig. 4B. The elongated portion 24 can comprise a scale or the like which facilitate the positioning of the length of the walking pole 1. With reference to Figs. 5A and 5B is shown a divisible or foldable walking pole. The divisibility is shown in Fig. 5A and is achieved by a known type of coupling device 26 or any other type of connection device. The divisibility as shown in Fig. 5B is achieved by the fact that the walking pole 1 comprises at least one hinge 28 with which at least a first portion of the walking pole and at least a second portion of the walking pole, respectively, can be divisible and retained at each other by means of a band 30 provided in the portions, which band here makes it possible that the other portion 2 can be folded mutually and still it is provided that the portions are retained at each other. Certainly the divisibility as well as the foldability is applicable at the walking poles 1 according the above described embodiments. At alternative embodiments it is possible that the divisibility and the foldability, respectively, are achieved in another way which is appropriate for the purpose and with another known technique.

In Fig. 6 is shown a walking pole 1, which in principle is similar to the embodiments in Figs. 5A and 5B and comprises an upper walking pole unit 2, 3 and a second opposite walking pole unit 2, 3, said walking pole units coincides to one single unit. The units shown in Fig. 6 and opposing each other comprise at least an appropriate with different elasticity (length and/or width) loadable, not shown band 5. The bands are accordingly directed against each other in the length direction of the walking pole 1 and in relation to each other. At this embodiment different elasticity coefficients or stroke lengths can be provided in both bands. It is further possible that the construction comprises instead of an elastic band of the type described a device with compressed gas in one of the inner spaces with a co-acting, not shown piston.

An advantage with the constructions of the walking pole 1 according to the invention is that this comprises a function (stop, lock or the like), which prevent that the first portion 2 and the second portion 3 glides from each other. This is achieved in the exemplified embodiment by adapting the distance between the inside of the tube in the first portion 2 and the outside of the second portion 3 in relation to the band 5. For instance, at a band this could have a thickness of about 1,67 mm, and a total space of about 2,0 mm. The construction makes it possible that the band 5 is clamped together between the portions 2, 3 and thereby providing a locking between the portions 2, 3 when the portions are moved against each other. It is even possible that the first portion 3, alternatively the other portion 2, comprises a surface, which admits a lower friction, alternatively in another way is favourable, in relation to the band 5. The structure could even admit another sound then with a substantially plain surface. This can be achieved by the fact that the whole or parts of this surface (these surfaces) comprises a granulated structure (not shown in the drawings), as grooves or other appropriate structures for the purpose. The function of the granulates is also to constitute a bearing in one direction and make it possible a locking effect in the other direction. For instance can the inside of the tube constitute of eloxed aluminium. At a preferred embodiment the walking pole 1 comprises a function where the inner tube is prevented to slip out from the outer tube with the band. This is achieved by the relation between the space between the inner tube (the second portion 3) and the outer tube (the first portion 2) and the thickness of the band 5. The band 5 becomes wave-formed at shortening of the same. The function of the granulates is also to bear in one direction and to make possible a locking effect in the other direction.

At an alternative embodiment it is possible that the band comprises fibres, or the like, which increase the point of maximum load for the band 5. This can for instance occur by the fact that the band comprises fibres of Kevlar^® or the like, which are woven into, or in another way is connected or integrated in the band 5.

It has unexpectedly been shown at a specific embodiment of the band 5, which comprises an elastomer, as for instance a material, which is traded under the trademark Lycra, it is achieved an effect of a longer life length then with rubber material or the like. It is further possible that the present elongated elastic element comprises rubber material of a known type, as for instance latex.

The invention is of course not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be modified within the frame of the patent claims.

Claims

Walking pole (1) for training intended to be used in connection with walking or running comprising at least one first portion (2, 3 ') and at least one second portion (3, 2'), which are movably provided mutually in the axial directions of the first portions (2, 3') and the second portion (3, 2'), at least one energy accumulatmg/energy releasing unit (5, 5') connected between the first portion and the second portion and a grip portion, as a handle (4, 4'), wherein energy is accumulated in the energy accumulating/energy releasing unit when the first portion and the second portion are moved mutually against each other in the axial directions of the portions and that energy is released from the energy accumulating/energy releasing unit when the first portion and the second portion are moved mutually in the opposite axial directions of the portions and that the energy accumulating/energy releasing unit consists of at least one elongated flexible elastic element in the form of at least one elastic band (5, 5 '),

characterized in that, the band (5, 5') is fastened by means of a fastening (13, 13') at the end of the second portion (3, 2') faced against the first portion (2, 3') and is fastened by means of a connection portion (10, 10') at the end of the first portion faced against the second portion, and that the connection portion (10, 10') constitutes of one in two sections with different inner diameter (D, d) provided hollow sleeve, whereby the sleeve portion (11) with the greater diameter (D) is so dimensioned, that by pushing it over the end edge of the first portion with the ends of the band, which extend between the end portion of the first portion and connection portion, by means of a clamp effect locks said band at the outer surface of the first portion, whereby the band is led a predetermined distance about the end edge of the first portion, and whereby the sleeve portion with the smaller diameter has a diameter which substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the first portion to facilitate the guide of the second portion in the first portion.

Walking pole (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic band (5, 5') constitutes of an elastic ribbon with in plaited or in woven threads of a friction increasing material to improve the clamp effect of the connection portion (10, 10') against the outer surface of the first portion.

Walking pole (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said friction increasing material consists of threads of rubber or threads which are sold under the trade name Lycra.

Walking pole (1) according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the sleeve portion (12) with the smaller diameter (d) of the connection portion (10, 10') is brought into contact directly or indirectly against the outer surface of the second portion (3, 2') to guide the same.

Walking pole (1) according to any of the above mentioned claims,

characterized in that a groove is provided at the end of the first portion (2) facing the second portion (3), in which groove the band (5) is fastened by means of an O-ring (21).

Walking pole (1) according to any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that the first portion (2, 3 ') is completely or partly introducible in an inner space in the second portion (3, 2') or vice versa.

Walking pole (1) according to any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that it comprises two or more energy accumulating/energy releasing units or band (5, 5') placed after each other in the length direction of the training equipment (1, ).

Walking pole (1) according to any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that a predetermined portion of the inner or outer surface of the first portion (3, 2') and the second portion (2, 3 '), respectively, which comes into contact with the elongated elastic element or band (5, 5') comprises an uneven structure as granulates, grooves or the like.

9. Walking pole (1) according to any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that the section of the first portion (2) and the second portion (3) has a round form which fits to each other. 10. Walking pole (1) according to any claims 1-8, characterized in that the section of the first portion (2, 3') and the second portion (3, 2') has a form which fits to each other, which form admit that a mutual rotation between the first portion and the second portion is prevented. 11. Walking pole (1) according to any of the proceeding claims, characterized in that it is divisible or foldable provided.