EP3300622A1 - Support stick with lateral supporting projection - Google Patents

Abstract

Support (7) for the hand of a user of a support stick (1), said stick being constituted, in a manner known in itself, of a rod which is formed by a profile of longitudinal axis, whose end upper is equipped with a main end handle (4), while the lower end comprises a tip and incidentally a washer, characterized in that the support is constituted by a lateral projection intended to be secured to the rod under the main end handle (4), said protrusion being constituted by at least a disk portion comprising an upper bearing surface.

Description

The present invention relates to a support for the ulnar edge of the hand of a user of a support stick, particularly for the practice of ski touring, snowshoeing, trekking, walking, train, ski alpine or any other activity requiring the use of poles. The invention also relates to the stick equipped with such a support. This support replaces or supplements the traditional support of poles equipped with straps or gauntlets. Sticks equipped with such a system provide better support, without the inconvenience caused by the wrist strap of the hand.

In a version developed for hiking, this support is a means of facilitating the progression, when traveling across steep areas. In order to obtain the maximum stability, thanks to its poles, and to provide a minimum of effort for a maximum of efficiency, it is recommended that the left hand and the right are at the same height.

Thus, when crossing slopes in the slopes, the downstream stick is held by the handle, while the upstream stick, with a traditional stick, is also held by the handle which is located far too high for comfort and optimal efficiency . To solve this problem, some sticks include a foam sleeve, located along the shaft of the stick under the handle. These sleeves are, on some sticks in general, striated to improve the grip of the stick. However, the use of these sleeves requires a significant effort of clamping on the rod of the stick, during progressions in climbs and slopes, which is a significant drawback.

An alternative to these sleeves is the use of telescopic sticks to adjust the height of the handle by moving along the tube, to block it in the chosen position or by changing the length of the tube through complex mechanisms. Nevertheless, the systematic setting of the sticks to each of the conversions is binding. In addition, current position locking systems tend not to be very reliable and expensive.

In all cases, the change from the high position (downstream stick) to the low position (upstream stick) is tedious and requires unwanted movements such as removing the hand from the hand strap or trigger the stick length adjustment mechanism . The present invention makes it easy to switch from one position to another (low / high) and allows to have a significant support while saving its energy (needless to tighten the handle or the sleeve to have support).

The present invention thus proposes, in a general way, to replace the support systems by straps which are equipped with the handles of sticks and in its elaborate version to provide means of grip on the rod of a stick, in order to have effective support on the upstream stick in the slopes, to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

Traditional pole handles are provided at their bottom with a curved comfort surface, but do not actually provide a bearing surface as is the case in the present invention. Some handles without wristlet type handles have a limited support surface and located at the level of the fingers. There are also longiform handles without straps with limited projections of restraints. However, none of these handles provide both sufficient support and simplicity of passage from a high position to a low position and vice versa than the present invention.

Thus, the invention relates to a support for the hand of a support stick user, said stick being constituted, in a manner known in itself, of a rod having a profile of longitudinal axis, of which the upper end is equipped with a main end handle, while the lower end comprises a tip and incidentally a washer, said support being constituted by a lateral projection intended to be secured to the rod under the main end handle, said protrusion being constituted by at least a disk portion comprising an upper bearing surface.

According to a complementary feature, the disk portion extends over an angular sector of at least 90 °.

According to another characteristic, the projection extends laterally over a width of between 15 and 50 millimeters.

Add that the projection has for example the shape of a peripheral disk, or has the shape of an elliptical disk.

According to another characteristic, the upper surface of the support extends in a transverse plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stick, or bulging upwards.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lateral bearing projection is according to a preferred embodiment, extended upwards, ie towards the upper end of the stick by a secondary gripping handle, to form a set of secondary grip and support.

Note that the second gripping and support assembly is adjustable in position to adapt the height of the lateral support projection to the morphology of the user, said assembly being slidably mounted on the rod of the stick, while locking means in position allow this set to be blocked at the correct height, in the chosen position.

The invention also relates to a stick comprising bearing projections with bearing surface, as defined above.

• La figure 1 est une illustration d'un utilisateur en cours de progression lors d'une traversée dans une zone pentue.
• La figure 2 est une illustration d'un bâton d'appui équipé d'un appui selon l'invention.
• La figure 2a est une illustration similaire à la figure 2, montrant une variante de réalisation, avec deux appuis, à savoir un appui supérieur disposé directement sous la poignée principale d'extrémité et un appui inférieur disposé plus bas.
• La figure 3 est une vue de détail d'une poignée avec sa saillie d'appui.
• La figure 4 est une vue illustrant la poignée de préhension secondaire avec sa saillie d'appui.
• La figure 5 est une vue en bout de dessus d'une saillie d'appui.
• La figure 6 est une vue en bout similaire à la figure 5 d'une variante d'exécution.
• La figure 7 est une vue similaire à la figure 4 illustrant une variante de la surface d'appui.
• La figure 8 est une vue partielle d'un mode de réalisation permettant le déplacement vertical de l'appui avec son dispositif de blocage en position.
• La figure 8a est vue de détails illustrant les moyens de blocage en position.
• Les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues similaires à la figure 2a, illustrant deux perfectionnements.
• Les figures 11 et 12 sont des vues en bout similaires à la figure 5, illustrant des variantes d'exécution.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows with reference to the accompanying drawings which are given by way of non-limiting examples.

• The figure 1 is an illustration of a user progressing during a crossing in a steep area.
• The figure 2 is an illustration of a support stick equipped with a support according to the invention.
• The figure 2a is an illustration similar to the figure 2 , showing an alternative embodiment, with two supports, namely an upper support disposed directly under the main end handle and a lower support disposed lower.
• The figure 3 is a detail view of a handle with its support projection.
• The figure 4 is a view illustrating the secondary gripping handle with its support projection.
• The figure 5 is an end view from above of a support projection.
• The figure 6 is an end view similar to the figure 5 of an execution variant.
• The figure 7 is a view similar to the figure 4 illustrating a variant of the bearing surface.
• The figure 8 is a partial view of an embodiment for the vertical displacement of the support with its blocking device in position.
• The figure 8a is seen in detail illustrating the locking means in position.
• The Figures 9 and 10 are views similar to the figure 2a , illustrating two improvements.
• The Figures 11 and 12 are end-views similar to the figure 5 , illustrating alternative embodiments.

A support rod (1) consists, in a manner known in itself, of a rod (2) which is formed by a section of longitudinal axis (XX '), the upper end (3) of which is equipped with a main end handle (4), while the lower end (5) comprises an attachment point and incidentally a washer (6).

According to the invention, the main end handle (4) is preferably devoid of strap, so as not to constrain the user (U) during the movements of one of his hands along the rod (2), such explained in more detail below, but of course it could be otherwise.

The invention relates to support means (7) for the hand, and more particularly, a support for the ulnar edge (8) of the hand (9) of a user of a stick, (as illustrated in FIG. figures 1 and 3 ), especially for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, trekking, trail running or Steps. This support allows the user to place his hand in support below the main end handle (4). In addition, this support is a means of facilitating progression when traveling across sloping areas. Said support (7) is arranged on the rod of the stick under the main end handle (4), at a distance as defined further in the description.

These support means (7) are constituted by a lateral projection (10) extending laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis (X, X ') of the rod (2) of the stick (1). This lateral projection (10) is intended to be integral with the rod (2) on which the user can bear, during travel including crossing in sloping areas, as shown in FIG. figure 1 .

The lateral bearing projection (10) is constituted generally by at least one disk portion comprising an upper bearing surface (11) facing upwards, ie towards the main handle (4) on which the ulnar edge (8) of the hand (9) of a user can rely, as illustrated in figures 1 and 3 .

According to one of the features, and according to a preferred arrangement, the lateral bearing projection (10) is in the general form of a peripheral disk as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1, 2 , 2a, 3 , 4, 5 , 8 , 11 either in the form of a disk portion as illustrated in figure 6 , and 12 . In the case of a disk portion, the latter angularly extends advantageously over an angular sector (A) of at least 90 °, for example 120 °.

According to a preferred arrangement the support projection has the shape of a circular peripheral disk, but it could take another form as an elliptical disk.

Note that for the support of the hand on the upper bearing surface (11) is effective and comfortable said surface extends over a bearing width (L) of between 15 millimeters and 50 millimeters.

The upper bearing surface (11) is for example flat to extend along a transverse plane (P) and for example substantially perpendicular, or perpendicular to the axis (X, X ') of the rod as illustrated in FIGS. figures 2 , 2a , 3 , 4 , 8 , 9 and 10 but it could be otherwise.

Thus, according to a variant, the upper bearing surface (11) is curved upwards (HA) as illustrated in FIG. figure 7 . The projection according to another embodiment (not shown) may be such that its upper surface is concave.

According to preferred modes illustrated in figures 2 , 3 , 4 , 7 , the lateral bearing projection (10) is extended upwards, ie towards the upper end of the stick by a secondary gripping handle (12). The latter of tubular form is engaged around the rod (2) of the stick, to form a secondary gripping assembly and support (13). However, even if the lateral bearing projection is not extended upwards by a secondary gripping handle, this embodiment is considered as a variant of the invention.

This secondary gripping and support assembly (13) is disposed on the shank under the upper end handle (4) as also illustrated in FIG. figure 1, 2 , 2a , 8 .

Note that the main end handle (4) may also comprise at its base a bearing projection (10) to form support means (7) such as those defined above, and as it appears in FIG. figure 2a , to constitute a gripping and main support assembly (13 '). Thus the stick comprises both a first gripping and support assembly disposed at the upper end of the stick, as it appears in FIG. figure 2a , and a second gripping and support assembly disposed under the first set.

According to another embodiment, figure 8 ) the second gripping and support assembly (13) is adjustable in longitudinal position on the rod (2) of the stick (1), in order to adapt the height of the lateral bearing projection to the morphology of the user . For this purpose, this assembly is slidably mounted (C) on the rod of the stick, while locking means (15) in position allow this assembly to be blocked at the correct height, in the chosen position. The locking means (15) are for example such as those illustrated in FIG. figure 8 , and disclosed in the patent application EP 0 098 898 or EP 0 641 578 . Thus, these locking means are for example constituted by a locking ring (20) comprising for example in a manner known per se a wall ring in which is arranged a longitudinal slot (21), traversed by a clamping means, such as a bolt and a nut connected by a pivot connection to a lever arm and clamping cam (22).

Note that the bearing projection (10) of the gripping and secondary support assembly (13) used in the bushings is located at a distance (D) from the upper end (40) of the handle of upper end (4) between 20 and 50 centimeters from the upper end (4) of the main handle.

Note, and it will be understood that the height (h) of the main end handle (4) and that of the gripping assembly and secondary support, is substantially equal to see greater than the width of the hand of the user, with his glove.

According to an illustrated embodiment, the handle (12) has a general profile of revolution, namely that the stick (1) has no sense of grip. Thus, the combination of a handle having a profile of revolution and at least one peripheral support projection centered on the rod, provides ease of use, during the gripping changes along the rod in the sloping areas, which whatever the angular position of the hiking stick, the user can seize it without any difficulty.

The Figures 9 and 10 are views similar to the figure 2 , illustrating two variants.

According to the realization of the figure 9 , the main end handle (4) is equipped with a strap (14), while according to the embodiment of the figure 10 , the stick is equipped with a link (23) which advantageously comprises triggering means so as to release the user if necessary.

The Figures 11 and 12 are similar views to figures 5 and 6 showing alternative embodiments. According to these variants the bearing surface (11) is a succession of bearing surface elements.

Of course, the gripping assembly and secondary support (13), could also have a retaining strap (14), such as that of the main handle of the figure 9 .

Claims (14)

Support (7) for the hand of a user of support stick (1), said stick being constituted by a rod (2) presenting by a profile of longitudinal axis (XX '), whose end upper (3) is equipped with a main end handle (4), while the lower end (5) comprises a tip and incidentally a washer (6), characterized in that the support is constituted by a projection lateral bearing (10) intended to be integral with the rod (2) under the main end handle (4), said projection being formed by at least one disk portion comprising an upper bearing surface (11) . Support (7) for the hand of a user of support stick (1), according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the disk portion comprising the upper bearing surface (11) extends over an angular sector (A) at least 90 °. Support (7) for the hand of a user of support stick (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection extends laterally over a width (L) between 15 and 40 millimeters. Support (7) for the hand of a user of support stick (1), according to claim 3, characterized in that the lateral bearing projection (10) has the shape of a peripheral disk. Support (7) for the hand of a user of support stick (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the lateral bearing projection (10) has the shape of an elliptical disc. Support (7) for the hand of a user of support stick (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper bearing surface (11) of the support (7) s extends in a transverse plane (P) substantially perpendicular to the axis (X, X '). Support (7) for the hand of a user of support stick (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the upper bearing surface (11) of the support (7) ) is curved upwards. Support (7) for the hand of a user of support stick (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lateral bearing projection (10) is extended upwards, it is that is to say towards the upper end of the stick by a secondary gripping handle (12), to form a secondary gripping and support assembly (13). Support (7) for the hand of a user of support stick (1), according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said secondary gripping and support assembly (13) is adjustable in position in order to adapt the height of the lateral projection supporting the morphology of the user, said assembly being slidably mounted on the rod of the stick, while locking means (15) in position allow this assembly to be blocked at the correct height , in the chosen position. Support rod (1) consisting of a rod (2) having a profile of longitudinal axis (XX '), whose upper end (3) is equipped with a main end handle (4) , while the lower end (5) comprises a tip and incidentally a washer (6), characterized in that it comprises at least one support (7), according to one of the preceding claims. Support rod (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lateral bearing projection (10) of the support (7) is located at a distance (D) from the upper end (40) of the main end handle (4) between 20 and 50 centimeters. Support stick (1) according to any one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the main end handle (4) comprises a strap (14). Support stick (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the secondary handle (12) comprises a strap. Support stick (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the support stick (1) comprises a link (23) comprising triggering means.

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