EP4099866B1 - Folding stick - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of poles for hiking, Nordic walking, but also in the broadest sense for other sports such as cross-country skiing or alpine skiing, alpinism, etc.

STATE OF THE ART

In particular, but not exclusively, from the area of hiking or Nordic walking is known for its pole constructions, which are adjustable in length. The adjustability can be used on the one hand to ensure that the length of the pole can be adjusted to suit the needs, and on the other hand also to reduce the pole to as small a pack size as possible, i.e. to make the length so much smaller that the Stick can be stored in a backpack or similar, for example. Such constructions, in which so-called inner tubes with a small diameter are displaceably mounted in an outer tube with a slightly larger diameter, and in which the relative position of the tube sections can be fixed by a locking mechanism, are known, for example, from DE 297 06 849 or also from the DE 497 08 829 or the EP 1 450 906 .

When using such constructions, it is essential that the individual pipe sections have different diameters, and it must also be ensured that the pipes can actually be largely moved into one another so that the small packing size can be achieved.

It can therefore happen that the stick becomes very thin, especially in the lower area, where the thinnest tube is typically arranged, and therefore no longer has sufficient inherent rigidity for some applications, and the designs disclosed in these documents are often not quite as user-friendly welcome, since the relative position of the individual stock pipe sections must be ensured by twisting these stock pipe sections relative to each other, for which corresponding manually applied rotational forces are required.

Alternative mechanisms in which the relative determination of the axial position of different pipe sections is not implemented by an internal locking mechanism are, for example, from WO 2010/085905 known, or also from the DE 694 01 765 or the EP 1 217 224 resp. the EP 098 898 , but these external constructions are often not suitable for storing more than two pole tubes so that they can move inside each other, which means that the packing size is not sufficiently small.

There are so-called folding sticks, for example known from WO 2012/104424 , in which individual stick segments are connected via plug connections. The stick segments can then have essentially the same diameter, and the stick segments are connected to one another via a pull rope, so that after the individual stick segments have been plugged together, the segments are rigidly connected to one another by placing this pull rope under tension. The problem with these constructions is that the flexible pull rope has to connect the individual pole segments and run through them. This means that such constructions are not very easy to manufacture and service and are difficult to put together according to different customer requirements.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

This is where the present invention comes into play. It is the object of the present invention to provide a folding stick that is improved in particular in terms of modularity, ease of assembly, ease of modification and ease of repair or replacement of parts.

This task is solved by a folding stick according to the claims.

Specifically, the present invention relates to a folding stick with at least three or with at least four, or preferably five tube sections, the tube sections in the assembled state of the folding stick being rigidly connected to one another via plug-in connections along the stick axis, and at least two or at least three tube sections in the folded state only are still connected to one another via a movable connecting element, and wherein a stick handle is arranged on an uppermost pipe section and a stick tip is arranged on a lowermost pipe section.

At least one of the plug connections is implemented via an external clamping mechanism and/or a positive locking device.

It is also possible to design one connection as an external clamping mechanism, for example with a lever, and another as a positive locking device (arranged outside or inside), preferably the external clamping mechanism is then provided closer to the handle or on the pipe section on which the stick handle is arranged, and The connection with the positive locking device follows downwards.

The clamping mechanism is attached to a first pipe section, and in this a second pipe section, which has a smaller or almost the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the first pipe section, and which is displaceably mounted in the first pipe section, can pass through in the relative axial position be fixed using the external clamping mechanism.

The alternative or additional form-fitting locking device is implemented on a second pipe section, the second pipe section having a smaller or almost the same outside diameter as the inside diameter of a first pipe section, and can be inserted into the first pipe section, and in the relative axial position by the form-fitting Locking device can be fixed.

The further plug-in connections are designed as pure plug-in connections, in which pipe sections, when plugged together, are only fixed in one axial direction, as long as they are not held together by the pull cable.

The pipe sections are connected to one another via at least one pull cable, which is attached to the lowest pipe section and to the top pipe section, and is arranged to run through the interior of the at least two or three middle pipe sections.

The folding stick is designed in such a way that it can be brought or transferred from the folded state into the assembled state by plugging the (further) plug-in connections together or sliding into one another via the continuous tensioning of the pull cable, and then by releasing the external clamping mechanism or at With the locking device released, the second pipe section is pulled out of the first pipe section until the pull cable is under tension, and by fixing the external clamping mechanism or the positive locking device. The other plug connections are then fixed in both axial directions.

Different designs can be used as locking devices, for example those as shown in the WO 2018/224417 are revealed, and have an external rocker, but also those like those in the WO 2019/129484 , which are arranged on the inside, are described.

The locking device can preferably be constructed as follows: as a clamping device for the form-fitting, releasable axial fixing of an inner tube section which can be inserted into an opening of the clamping device attached to an outer tube, the clamping device having a circumferential plastic sleeve, on the outside of which a clamping lever via an axis which is perpendicular to the pole axis is arranged, tiltable against the restoring force of a spring element, wherein the plastic sleeve has two projections with through openings and/or recesses for the axle, and the clamping lever is mounted between these projections so that it can be tilted about the axle, and wherein the plastic sleeve has a radial through opening, the clamping lever having a first lever arm with a pressure area accessible from the outside Loosening the clamping device and a second lever arm arranged on the other side of the axis, the second lever arm having a clamping projection arranged essentially radially to the pole axis, which engages through the radial through-opening in the plastic sleeve into an axial through-opening of the plastic sleeve and positively into a groove or recess of the inner tube or a guide insert connected to the inner ear for the axial fixation of the two tubes. However, the clamping of the inner tube in the outer tube can also have a technical solution other than that described above.

The further plug-in connections or at least one of them are designed in such a way that they have a guide pin on one pipe section which is provided with an axially extending central through-opening for the pull cable, which is firmly fastened with a fastening section in this pipe section and which is axially opposite and which is exposed in the folded state has a pin area that can be inserted into the other pipe section, the fastening section and the pin area having a through opening for the pull rope.

In the pin area and connecting this to the following pipe section, there is now a cone end pin with an axial passage opening for the pull cable for each plug connection. The cone end pin is releasably fastened in the pin area, for example screwed in or snapped into place, and each or at least one of these cone end pins has an axial slot through which the pull cable can be inserted into the through opening in the radial direction.

The axial slot for the introduction of the pull cable into the through opening in the radial direction is exposed or can be exposed or opened when the cone end pin is removed from the pin area.

The axial slot of the cone end pin can be designed in different ways. Typically, the cone end pin is formed in one piece. The cone end pin can now either be a rigid component and have an axial slot with a substantially predetermined width, through which the pull cable can be inserted into the through opening in the radial direction when the cone end pin has been removed from the pin area.

Alternatively or additionally, the cone end pin can also be used as a flexible component have an axial slot variable in width, which is widened in the radial direction in the state released from the pin area, preferably against a certain restoring force, for the introduction of the pull cable into the through opening.

However, the axial slot can also be provided in which the cone end pin as a flexible component has two cone end pin halves connected via preferably a film hinge, the film hinge connecting the two cone end pin halves only on one side of the through opening. It is also possible to design such a cone-end pin component in two parts, i.e. H. without a film hinge, but it must then be ensured that positioning aids are provided which orient the two halves precisely relative to one another when assembled, which is particularly important if an external thread is provided for fastening in the guide pin. The cone-end pin halves are preferably essentially symmetrical and are defined by a central axial separating surface. Such a cone end pin can be removed from the pin area (for example by unscrewing) and can then be opened over the film hinge, so to speak, so that the axial slot is available. However, it does not have to be opened completely; it is sufficient that the two halves on the side of the axial slot are expanded slightly in order to open it for the insertion of the pull rope. The film hinge is preferably provided on an axial end face of the cone end pin. When the cone end pin is assembled/screwed in, the axial slot occupies a parallel distance of 0 or even smaller in some areas of the thread. This allows, for example, a non-positive tension to be transferred to the last thread turns and thus prevents the end pin from being unscrewed unintentionally. With the film hinge variant, the contact surfaces are usually parallel to each other (i.e. even an open slot when installed, but can be opened when removed). If the contact surfaces are slightly conical to one another, a securing effect can also be achieved by slightly increasing the outside diameter (because the surfaces lie parallel to one another during assembly). Of course, this can also happen if the surfaces remain parallel to one another and the external thread of the end pin is enlarged (in some areas).

Here, in particular in connection with the cone end pin, releasable means that the cone can be removed non-destructively, if necessary with the help of a tool and reversibly, without loosening a solid bond (apart from, for example, a releasable screw locking varnish or similar) such as gluing. The end pin can be separated, for example unscrewed or released from a locking connection, and also screwed in again. can be snapped into place.

The proposed construction with the cone end pins, which can be unscrewed or removed by loosening a locking connection and have or provide an axially extending lateral slot through which the pull cable can be inserted into the through opening or removed, makes it possible to have such a Folding stick can be reversibly disassembled without destroying the pull rope. To do this, in a first step, after loosening the plug connections, the lowest cone end pin can be unscrewed or separated by loosening the locking connection, and then the pull cable can be pulled out of the lowest pipe section, if necessary with the spring attached to it. The lowest pipe section is now released. The cone end pin of the lowest pipe section can then be removed from the pull rope using its slot. If the cone end pin of the next pipe section is then unscrewed or removed by loosening the locking connection, the cone end pin can again be separated from the cable because of its axial slot and the cable can be pulled through this further pipe section. The second lowest pipe section is then free and can, for example, be replaced or replaced with a different design. The lateral slot of the cone end pin can be designed in such a way that the pull cable can be snapped into or out of the through opening of the cone end pin with slight resistance, or, as described above, it can also be implemented via a film hinge, which connects two cone end pin halves that are virtually separated in the axial direction on only one side of the through opening.

The cone end pin is preferably made as an injection molded component, for example from a thermoplastic material. For example, polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyurethane and mixtures or glass fiber reinforced variants of these are possible.

Likewise, the pin area can be made of such a material, but the pin area can also be made of metal. If an internal thread has to be provided in the pin area because the cone end pin is to be screwed into such a thread, this internal thread can either be provided directly in the pin area, or it is also possible to use an internal thread insert separately, made of plastic or metal. to be provided, which is inserted into the pin area and fastened therein, preferably glued and / or pressed in.

A first preferred embodiment is characterized in that each cone end pin has a conically tapered area that is exposed in the folded state, and means are provided in this conically tapered area, via which the cone end pin can be gripped and screwed in or unscrewed or brought into a latching connection or released from a latching connection. These means are preferably designed in the form of at least or exactly two, in particular opposite, notches, steps or shoulders (eg also millings), which preferably have surfaces that run parallel to one another and form tangential planes to the axis of the stick.

These means can be designed in the form of exactly two opposite steps or notches, which have surfaces running parallel to one another and forming tangential planes to the axis of the stick, these surfaces running parallel to the direction of the axial slot. For example, with a standard open-end wrench, the respective cone end pin can easily be unscrewed and screwed back in or a locking connection can be snapped or released.

A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the two or three lowest pipe sections are connected to one another via the further plug connections mentioned, and that the subsequent or the uppermost of the three pipe sections has a termination pin at its upper end (with a through opening for the pull rope, the pull rope is freely continuous therein and is not fastened), this end pin having a head area which protrudes upwards from the pipe section, and a neck area with which the end pin is firmly fastened in the pipe section, and the head area and neck area being two separate, releasable into one another screwable or releasably snap-in components are formed. This design further increases the ease of servicing, because now the next or uppermost pipe section can also be removed and separated from the pull rope by separating the lower two pipe sections from the rope as described above, unscrewing the head area of the end pin, for example, and then the rope is also simply pulled through this additional pipe section. The third (or fourth, if there are four sections with three pure plug-in connections) pipe section can also be isolated when viewed from below.

A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that a top end pin is provided in the first pipe section, and the traction cable is fastened in this top end pin in such a way that, when it is not under tension, it can be pulled upwards out of the top end pin . Particularly preferred is that there is at least one stepped one in the top end pin Through opening is provided, with a taper in the lower region, and preferably the pull rope is caught in this stage with a knot or preferably a crimp. This design further increases ease of servicing, as the pull rope can now be pulled upwards out of the top end pin when it is not under tension. Here too, the head area of the top end pin and its neck area can be designed as two separate components that can be screwed into one another in a detachable manner.

Above the first pipe section there can be a (yet) further pipe section into which the first pipe section can be slidably inserted and can be fixed axially in various positions using an external clamping mechanism, with the uppermost end pin being connected to this further pipe section using a further pull cable is so that when the external clamping mechanism is loosened, the first pipe section cannot be pulled out of the further pipe section.

The further pull rope is then preferably releasably attached to the upper end of the further pipe section or to a handle attached thereto, preferably in a rotation-free manner, the attachment of the further pull rope preferably being able to be released by, if necessary after removing a cover of the handle, the attachment This additional pull rope is freed non-destructively from the outside, for example via a hook connection.

Preferably, it is a stick with three lower tube segments, which are connected to one another via two purely plug-in connections, and a subsequent fourth tube segment, into which the third tube segment slides and the pull cable is tensioned, in which the axial relative position between the The third and fourth pipe segments are adjusted to the maximum so that the pull rope is tensioned. For this purpose, a clamping mechanism with positive locking is preferably provided between the third and fourth pipe segments. Then there is preferably a fifth uppermost tube segment, this has an inside diameter that is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the fourth tube, and the fourth tube is slidably mounted in this fifth tube segment, to which the stick handle is also attached. The relative position in the axial direction between the fourth and fifth pipe segments can be set variably, for example via an external clamping mechanism, for example with a lever, as described above and in detail further below. But it can also be an internal clamping mechanism.

The attachment of the pull rope to the (lowest, i.e. attached to the lowest pipe section) Holding element can be designed to be elastically sprung, preferably by providing a (spiral or elastomeric) spring on the holding element of the lowest tube section, through the interior of which the pull cable is arranged to run. The pull rope is preferably designed to be tensile and inelastic at least in sections, in particular preferably over the entire length in the longitudinal direction. The spiral spring preferably has an outer diameter so that it can be pulled through the through openings of the guide pins, without a cone end pin, and through the end pin, without a head area.

The pull rope preferably consists of a flexible, longitudinally tensile and non-elastic material, is preferably provided with a plastic coating or cast in a plastic. The known prior art covering of the pull rope with a separate hose is no longer necessary and even disadvantageous due to the specific design of the cone end pin with the axial slot; such a pull rope with a plastic coating or cast in a plastic layer can be optimally installed inside of the stick and take over its function, but also through the cone end pins or their slots.

A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the first pipe section is the uppermost pipe section, and that the second pipe section is the first middle pipe section that adjoins it downwards. This enables particularly easy handling, and with this design the top pipe section is typically the one with the largest diameter and the clamping mechanism is high up, which then also results in an ideal weight distribution along the pole axis. In the case of a positive locking device for the rope tension, the first pipe section is preferably the top or second-top pipe section, and the second pipe section is the first middle pipe section that adjoins it downwards. The locking device has, for example, a spring-loaded radial locking pin, which is held against the action of a spring in a radial through-hole of the second pipe section. The spring element is preferably a leaf spring, for example a spring plate, to the first end of which the locking pin is advantageously fastened, for example riveted. The second end of the leaf spring preferably protrudes in a self-locking manner into a channel of an end pin arranged along the longitudinal axis of the stick. The self-locking is achieved, for example, by means of barbs, which in the case of a spring plate are arranged at its second end. The end pin is preferably held in the upper section of the second pipe section. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the end pin has its head in the The first pipe section is inserted and fastened and has a collar which rests on the upper end of the second pipe section. Preferably, the neck of the end pin, which adjoins the collar at the bottom, is inserted into the second pipe section in the overlap area of the first and second pipe sections.

A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the further plug connections are designed in such a way that they are secured in the axial stop position against relative rotation of the pipe sections connected to them about the pole axis, preferably by ensuring a positive connection with regard to rotation, which is also preferred automatically locked when the plug connections are pushed together axially. This is particularly important if, for example, the tip of the stick and the handle of the stick are both designed asymmetrically, i.e. are each designed specifically in the direction of travel.

A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the pipe sections are dimensioned in such a way (in particular with regard to length but also in particular with regard to the possible insertion depth of the second highest pipe section into the uppermost pipe section) that in the assembled state the uppermost middle pipe section is essentially complete or only except for one short section can be inserted into the top pipe section. When folded, this results in a situation in which, in the case of a folding stick with four tube sections, the top two are almost completely pushed into one another and the bottom two can be arranged loosely and only connected to one another via the pull rope, so to speak, in a zigzag manner. This results in a minimally small pack size.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the closure element, which is preferably made of plastic, has a head section and a neck section, wherein the neck section can preferably be inserted into the upper end of the holding element, screwed in by means of an external threaded hole, or plugged in and twisted with a bayonet lock . For this purpose, the holding element preferably has an internally threaded hole in its upper region. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the closure element is arranged axially above the spiral spring. A guide element is preferably arranged as a stop element between the spiral spring and the closure element, which rests on the spiral spring with a radial flange and protrudes into the spiral spring with an axial guide section. The radial flange of the stop element serves as a clear stop or support surface for the closure element. The lower rope connection, ie the pull rope knotted or crimped at the bottom including guide elements, spiral spring and locking element, provides a for is a unit that can be easily removed from the pole tube by the user. To replace the rope, the user loosens the locking element from the holding element, removes the said unit and, if necessary, loosens the knot or crimp at the lower end of the pull rope (there is no loosening of the knot or crimp absolutely necessary as the rope unit can be completely removed). This means the rope can be pulled out from above, preferably through the handle head. A further preferred embodiment of the folding stick proposed here is characterized in that the further plug-in connections are designed in such a way that they have a guide pin (preferably one-piece, made of plastic) provided with an axially extending central through-opening for the pull rope on one pipe section, which is provided with a Fastening section is firmly fastened in this pipe section and axially opposite has a pin area that can be inserted into the other pipe section, a preferably radially circumferential, outwardly directed support flange being provided between the fastening section and the pin area, which in the assembled state is in axial abutment with the pipe end of the other pipe section and / or is brought with a pipe end sleeve provided thereon, with this axial stop preferably being designed asymmetrically about the pole axis, and / or with further preferably the pin area having an at least partially conically tapering area at its end facing the other pipe section.

In general, it can preferably be a stick handle, which has, for example, a hook-like device for fastening a hand holding device, in particular in the form of a hand strap or a glove, with movable or rotatable latching means being arranged in the area of the hook-like device in such a way that one can be inserted essentially from above the hook-like device inserted, loop-shaped, ring-shaped or eyelet-shaped device, which is provided on the hand holding device, is fixed in the hook-like device in a self-locking manner, the hook-like device preferably being arranged on the stick handle in the upper area on the hand side, and further preferably the hook-like device preferably substantially parallel to the stick axis holding mandrel or retaining pin, which is offset from the handle body to form an insertion slot to the hand side or is arranged as an incision in the handle body, the depth of the insertion slot preferably being greater than the width and thickness of the retaining mandrel or retaining pin. Specifically, in other words, it can particularly preferably be a stick handle, as described in the WO 2006/066423 is shown. With regard to stick grip, the disclosure of this document is expressly contained in the Disclosure content of this document included.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the stick handle is ergonomically designed, for example as in the EP 2 168 641 is revealed. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the stick handle has a cover on its handle head, which is removable.

The handle head preferably has an axial through hole at its lower end, through which the upper end of the pull cable projects into the handle head. The upper cable connection can be designed, for example, in that the upper end of the pull cable is knotted or crimped. By removing the cover, the user can access the upper end of the pull rope and pull the pull rope out of the pole without having to dismantle the pole handle (e.g. unhooking it from the swivel hook), and pull the bearing element with the pull rope hooked into the hook out of the pole . According to a further preferred embodiment, the stick tip comprises a tip body and a buffer, wherein the tip body and / or the lowermost section of the stick body are arranged passing through a central opening of the buffer and wherein the buffer is in an axial direction relative to the stick body in this central opening is mounted in a lockably displaceable manner, and wherein the buffer can be fixed in at least two axially different positions via a positive connection with respect to the stick body, the tip body preferably having a locking link, into which locking link a locking body mounted in the buffer can engage in a form-fitting manner to determine the axial position and the Locking body is pivotally and/or displaceably and/or fixedly mounted on the buffer, and in particular preferably the locking body is designed in the form of a locking lever which is articulated on the outside, the locking lever having its lower end facing the asymmetrical rolling surface of the buffer is articulated on the outer sleeve and with its upper end in the fixed position of the buffer the pole tube and / or an inner sleeve at least partially engages in a form-fitting manner and can be pivoted away from an outer sleeve for release. Specifically, in other words, it can be a pole tip specifically designed for Nordic walking applications, for example one like the one in WO 2008/037098 is described. The disclosure of this document is expressly included in the disclosure content of this application with regard to the formation of the stick tip.

A further preferred embodiment of such a folding stick is characterized in that in the case of an external clamping mechanism, the external clamping device comprises a plastic sleeve which essentially directly surrounds the pipe section at least in an axial section and in the closed state, the plastic sleeve having at least one axial slot, which makes the circumference of the plastic sleeve variable in this area, at least in the area gripping the pipe section, and being essentially circumferential in the remaining axial area, with a projection arranged on both sides of this slot on the plastic sleeve is, wherein these projections have a coaxial passage opening arranged essentially perpendicular to the axis of the pipe section, through which a cross pin extends, which has a stop on the outside of the second projection and which has a stop on the outside of the first projection perpendicular to the axis of the cross pin and has an axis of rotation for a clamping lever arranged parallel to the axis of the pipe section, wherein the clamping lever has a lever arm which at least partially surrounds the plastic sleeve when the clamping device is closed, and wherein the clamping lever has a rolling region eccentric about the axis of rotation, by means of which the distance between the stop and a counter surface arranged on the outside of the first projection for clamping can be reduced by pivoting the clamping lever into the closed position, the counter surface preferably being designed in the form of a metal element arranged at least partially in the first projection in a recess, and further preferably the counter surface as is formed as a flat surface or is formed as a concave surface, the radius of curvature of which is essentially adapted to the radius of curvature of the rolling region, and furthermore preferably the plastic sleeve has at least two, preferably at least three axially extending slots in its upper section, with at least one of these slots between the both projections is arranged and preferably these slots are evenly distributed around the circumference, and / or wherein the stop mentioned is preferably designed to be adjustable, the stop preferably being designed with a thread and the cross pin with a counter thread, and the stop as a nut or Screw is formed, preferably with circumferential teeth and/or a comb and/or a groove for the engagement of an adjusting tool. In other words, it can preferably be a clamping mechanism, such as that in WO 2010/085905 is revealed. The disclosure of this document is expressly included in the disclosure content of this application with regard to the clamping mechanism.

If the folding stick has a positive locking device for rope tension instead of an external clamping mechanism, the stick can certainly be designed to be adjustable in length. The length adjustment mechanism can be a friction lock working external clamping mechanism, as described in the previous section. The clamping mechanism is preferably used for telescopic length adjustment of the second pipe section and is attached to the first pipe section for this purpose. Preferably, the lower middle tube section is designed to be adjustable in length. If the folding stick is designed to be adjustable in length, it preferably has an additional tube section, preferably at the top of the first tube section, to which the stick handle is attached, the external clamping mechanism being attached to the uppermost tube section.

The pole tube is preferably made essentially of aluminum or carbon, with the transition areas of the individual tube sections being reinforced by means of stabilizing sleeves, for example made of aluminum, in the case of a carbon version. Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

eine Ansicht eines Stockes mit vier Rohrabschnitten im gefalteten Zustand, wobei die unteren beiden Rohrabschnitte lose und nur noch über das Zugseil verbunden angeordnet sind und die beiden oberen Rohrabschnitte soweit wie möglich ineinandergeschoben sind und über den aussenliegenden Klemmmechanismus in ihrer axialen Position relativ zueinander festgelegt sind;

Fig. 2

in einen axialen Schnitt durch einen Faltstock nach Fig. 1 im zusammengesteckten Zustand;

Fig. 3

eine Ansicht eines Stockes gemäss einer zweiten Ausführungsform im gefalteten Zustand, wobei der Stock zur Seilspannung statt eines aussenliegenden Klemmmechanismus' eine formschlüssige Rastvorrichtung aufweist;

Fig. 4

in a) einen axialen Schnitt durch einen Faltstock nach Fig. 3 im zusammengesteckten Zustand, in b) einen Schnitt durch den Bereich des der Seilspannung dienenden Rastmechanismus zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Rohrabschnitt gemäss V; in c) die Ansicht gemäss U wie in Fig. 4a) dargestellt; in d) die Ansicht gemäss T wie in Fig. 4a) dargestellt;

Fig. 5

eine Ansicht eines Stockes gemäss einer dritten Ausführungsform im gefalteten Zustand, wobei der Stock zur Seilspannung eine formschlüssige Rastvorrichtung aufweist, und zur Längenverstellung einen aussen liegenden Klemmmechanismus;

Fig. 6

in a) einen axialen Schnitt durch einen Faltstock nach Fig. 5 im zusammengesteckten Zustand, in b) einen Schnitt durch den Bereich des der Längenverstellung dienenden Bereichs des aussen liegenden Klemmmechanismus und den Bereich der oberen Seilanbindung; in c) die Ansicht gemäss R wie in Fig. 6a) dargestellt; in d) die Ansicht gemäss Q wie in Fig. 6a) dargestellt; in e) die Ansicht gemäss P wie in Fig. 6a) dargestellt;

Fig. 7

in a) einen teilweisen axialen Schnitt durch einen Abschlusszapfen nach Fig. 4b) und 6c), in b) einen Abschlusszapfen für einen aussenliegenden formschlüssigen Mechanismus, in c) den obersten ausschraubbaren Teil des Abschlusszapfens nach b) und in d) in axialen Schnitt entlang O-O in Figur 7c;

Fig. 8

in a) einen Konus-Abschlusszapfen in einer seitlichen Sicht auf den axialen Schlitz, in b) einen Konus-Abschlusszapfen in einer seitlichen Sicht quer zur Sicht nach a) auf eine der Kerben, c) eine Aufsicht auf den KonusAbschlusszapfen;

Fig. 9

in a) den obersten Abschlusszapfen in einer Seitenansicht und in b) den obersten Abschlusszapfen in einem schematischen zentralen Schnitt entlang K-K in a) durch die beiden Durchgangsöffnungen für das Zugseil respektive das weitere Zugseil;

Fig. 10

in a) das Seilbefestigungselement von oben, in b) das Seilbefestigungselement in einer Seitenansicht, in c) die oberen Befestigungselemente des weiteren Zugseils und in d) einen Blick in einen durch Entnahme des Deckels geöffneten Griffkopf auf den Boden der Ausnehmung und den Fixierzapfen

Fig. 11

einen Konus-Abschlusszapfen mit zwei über ein Filmscharnier verbundenen Hälften;

Fig. 12

eine Ansicht eines Stockes gemäss einer weiteren Ausführungsform im zusammengesteckten Zustand, wobei der Stock zur Seilspannung oben einen aussenliegenden Klemmmechanismus' und darunter eine formschlüssige Rastvorrichtung aufweist, und wobei jeweils auf der linken Seite der zusammen gesteckte Stock und auf der rechten Seite die Konstruktion ohne Rohre unter Freilegung der Klemmmechanismen und das Zugseils etc dargestellt ist.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve only for explanation and are not to be interpreted in a restrictive manner. Shown in the drawings:

Fig. 1

a view of a stick with four tube sections in the folded state, the lower two tube sections being arranged loosely and only connected via the pull rope and the two upper tube sections being pushed into one another as far as possible and being fixed in their axial position relative to one another via the external clamping mechanism;

Fig. 2

in an axial section through a folding stick Fig. 1 when assembled;

Fig. 3

a view of a cane according to a second embodiment in the folded state, the cane having a positive locking device for rope tension instead of an external clamping mechanism;

Fig. 4

in a) an axial section through a folding stick Fig. 3 in the assembled state, in b) a section through the area of the locking mechanism used for cable tension between the first and the second pipe section according to V; in c) the view according to U as in Fig. 4a ) shown; in d) the view according to T as in Fig. 4a ) shown;

Fig. 5

a view of a stick according to a third embodiment in the folded state, the stick having a positive locking device for rope tension and an external one for length adjustment clamping mechanism;

Fig. 6

in a) an axial section through a folding stick Fig. 5 in the assembled state, in b) a section through the area of the length adjustment area of the external clamping mechanism and the area of the upper cable connection; in c) the view according to R as in Fig. 6a ) shown; in d) the view according to Q as in Fig. 6a ) shown; in e) the view according to P as in Fig. 6a ) shown;

Fig. 7

in a) a partial axial section through a terminating pin Fig. 4b ) and 6c ), in b) a closing pin for an external form-fitting mechanism, in c) the uppermost unscrewable part of the closing pin according to b) and in d) in an axial section along OO in Figure 7c ;

Fig. 8

in a) a cone end pin in a side view of the axial slot, in b) a cone end pin in a side view transverse to the view of a) one of the notches, c) a top view of the cone end pin;

Fig. 9

in a) the top end pin in a side view and in b) the top end pin in a schematic central section along KK in a) through the two through openings for the pull rope or the other pull rope;

Fig. 10

in a) the rope fastening element from above, in b) the rope fastening element in a side view, in c) the upper fastening elements of the further pull rope and in d) a view of the bottom of the recess and the fixing pin in a handle head opened by removing the cover

Fig. 11

a cone end pin with two halves connected via a film hinge;

Fig. 12

a view of a cane according to a further embodiment in the assembled state, with the cane having an external clamping mechanism at the top for rope tension and a positive locking device underneath, and with the assembled cane on the left side and the construction without pipes on the right side Exposing the clamping mechanisms and the pull rope etc. is shown.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary embodiment of a folding stick 1 with four pipe sections 7-9 is shown in the Figures 1 and 2 shown. Figure 1 shows such a folding stick 1 in the folded state, ie in the state where the top two pipe sections are complete are pushed into one another and the lower two pipe sections are folded next to them, and Figure 2 in the assembled state.

Specifically, such a stick comprises an uppermost pipe section 7, to which a stick handle 2 is attached at the very top. In this case, this stick handle 2 is designed asymmetrically, in the direction of travel to the front it is designed to be slanted at the very top and has a release head 5 for a holding mechanism for a hand holding device, and to a certain extent towards the rear it has a holding nose 3, which is in the form of a pin with a slot 4 arranged in front of it is formed. This is a stick handle, such as the one from the WO 2006/066423 is known, and how it can be used, for example, together with a glove or a hand strap, as shown in the WO 2006/066424 known, ie with a hand holding device which has a loop between the thumb and index finger, which can be passed over the holding nose 3 and then locked in the slot 4 in a self-locking manner. The stick handle also has a grip area 6, which is usually designed as an area with a grip-friendly coating.

An external clamping mechanism 10 is arranged at the lower end of this uppermost pipe section, which can in principle be a pipe made of aluminum or carbon composite material (this applies to all pipe sections). In this specific case it is an external clamping mechanism like the one in the WO 2010/085905 is known, but this could also be a clamping mechanism according to EP 098 898 or according to the EP 1 217 224 act.

In this specific case, the clamping mechanism 10 is fastened to the pipe section 7 in its upper area via a circumferential holding area 13, which typically consists of plastic, the upper tube section 7 has an axially extending slot in the enclosed area, in particular below the holding area 13, so that The actual clamping area of the sleeve arranged below the area 13 leads to the outer tube 7 being clamped to the inner tube 8 inserted into it and thus a non-positive connection can be established between the two. Below the circumferential holding area 13 there is a slotted clamping area 14, the slot running between two projections which pass through a transverse pin forming a clamping axis 12. The pin is fixed on the rear side with a nut, for example, and on the side shown here on the front side it is connected to the lever 11 via a transverse axis which forms a pivot point for the lever 11. The lever 11 has two fork-shaped extensions at its pivot point, which are designed as eccentrics, so that the clamping lever 11 in the clamped state, as shown here, when the Lever around the pole pipe or around the clamping device, the slot is tapered so much that the clamping takes place, and that when the lever is folded outwards, this clamping is reduced because the eccentric expands the two projections to a certain extent and releases the clamping.

The top of the two middle pipe sections 8 is inserted into the top pipe section 7 from the inside. The outside diameter of this upper middle pipe section 8 corresponds to just slightly less than the inside diameter of the top pipe section 7, so that mobility is guaranteed with as little play as possible. The uppermost pipe section 7 accommodates the upper middle pipe sections 8 as much as possible in order to keep the packing size as small as possible. Typically, the pipe section 8 is pushed in as far as it will go on an upper fastening pin 27.

The upper of the two middle pipe sections 8 is followed by a further lower middle pipe section 8 ', here as it were folded over, which has the same pipe diameter as the upper middle pipe section 8. A plug connection 17 is provided in between, which is not connected here. The plug connection 17 has a guide pin 49 which is tapered 18 at its tip. The guide pin 49 is attached to the lower of the two pipe sections 8 'and is inserted into this via a fastening area 37, the other pipe section 8 typically has an upper pipe end sleeve 15, among other things to protect the pipe end, but also for rotational fixation (see below).

The tapered region 18 is designed as a slotted conical end pin which is detachably inserted into the cylindrical region of the plug connection 17, preferably screwed in or snapped into place. For this purpose, the cone end pin 18 has an external thread or latching elements (e.g. projections) in the area engaging in the cylindrical region of the plug connection 17, and the cylindrical region of the plug connection 17 on the inside has a corresponding internal thread there, or in the case of a latching clip. Connection via recesses, for example in the form of opposite holes, into which elastically mounted and movable projections can snap into place. In order to make screwing in and unscrewing easier, the cone end pin 18 has two axially opposite notches 18 'in the exposed, tapering, inherently conical area, the axially extending flanks of which run parallel, so that the cone end pin 18 can be unscrewed with a tool.

At the opposite end of the lower of the two middle pipe sections 8 ', a lower pipe end sleeve 19 is provided there. Folded over again This is followed by the lowest pipe section 9, which in this case is a butted pipe which has the same diameter in the uppermost section as the two middle pipe sections 8, 8 ', but which tapers downwards. A stick tip 23 is attached to the lower end of this lowest pipe section 9, this stick tip is designed asymmetrically, that is, in the lowest area it has a bevelled and tapered rubber buffer 25, which is also designed to be adjustable here, as between at least two Positions can be adjusted. Namely between the position shown here, where a hard tip 24 is arranged passing through a hole in the rubber buffer 25, which is suitable for icy surfaces or gravel ground, but the buffer can be moved downwards if an adjusting lever 26 is tilted to the right can be fixed there by folding the adjusting lever 26 again, so that the tip 24 in this position, so to speak, disappears into the opening in the buffer 25 and so only the rolling surface of the asymmetrical buffer comes into contact with the ground. In other words, it is a tip, such as that found in the WO 2008/037098 is known.

At the upper end, the lowest pipe section 9 also has a plug connection 17 of essentially the same design as in the case already described, i.e. there is a guide pin 49 which is tapered 18 at its tip and which has an outside diameter so that it can be inserted into the lower end of the lower middle pipe section 8 '.

The tapered region 18 is also designed here as a slotted conical end pin which is screwed into the cylindrical region of the plug connection 17. For this purpose, the cone end pin 18 has an external thread in the area engaging in the cylindrical area of the plug connection 17, and the cylindrical area of the plug connection 17 on the inside has a corresponding internal thread there. In order to make it easier to screw in and out, the cone end pin 18 has two axially opposite notches 18 'in the exposed, tapering, inherently conical area, the axially extending flanks of which run parallel, so that the cone end pin 18 can be unscrewed with a tool.

The individual pipe sections are connected via a flexible but low-stretch pull rope 16, which is constructed, for example, from low-stretch plastic fibers such as polyethylene with an ultra-high molecular weight (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene = UHMWPE or PE-UHMW or high-modulus polyethylene = HMPE, e.g. Dyneema ^® ), m- or p-aramid (e.g. Kevlar ^® ) or similar, monofilament and/or braided and/or coated.

A possibly covered wire rope is also possible. The pull rope 16 preferably has a thickness of 0.25-6 mm, preferably 0.4-3 mm, particularly preferably 0.5-2 mm. To ensure the tensile strength of the pull rope, for example, multifilaments made of several monofilaments arranged in parallel, e.g. made of polyethylene with an ultra-high molecular weight (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene = UHMWPE or PE-UHMW or high-modulus polyethylene = HMPE), are preferred, if necessary a carrier material is cast in, or multifilament made of several braided monofilaments, e.g. made of polyethylene with an ultra-high molecular weight (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene = UHMWPE or PE-UHMW or high-modulus polyethylene = HMPE), optionally individually and / or as a braid a carrier material is poured in. Chain-like pull ropes are also possible. This means that the individual pipe sections 8' and 9 are loosely connected to the two upper pipe sections 7, 8 pushed into one another in this position, which is advantageous for transport and prevents the individual parts from getting lost. The pull rope 16 can be provided with a protective covering, preferably in the form of a PVC tube, in sections, particularly in the sections intended for folding. It is preferably a flexible but low-stretch pull rope with a thickness in the range of 0.5-1.5 mm, e.g. made of braided UHMW-PE fibers obtained by gel extrusion spinning, cast or provided with a coating made of a thermoplastic.

Figure 2 shows an axial section through this stick when it is in the assembled state, ie when the two lower tube sections 8 'and 9 are inserted into one another and the two upper tube sections 7, 8 are pulled apart as far as possible. The stick can be used from the folded position as in Fig. 1 shown in the nested position according to Figure 2 be transferred by inserting the lowest stock pipe section 9 via the plug connection 17 into the lower of the two middle pipe sections 8 ', by subsequently (or before) inserting the middle section 8' into the other middle section 8 via the corresponding plug connection 17, and by subsequently releasing the external clamping mechanism 10 by releasing the lever 11, and then pulling the tube 8 out of the tube 7. This up to the state in which the pull rope 16, as shown in Figure 2a , is under tension, because the pull rope 16 is fastened on the inside in the lowest pipe section 9 and in the top pipe section 7. The stick is now fixed in this position by fixing the external clamping mechanism 10 again. The plug connections between the pipe sections 8, 8', or 8' and 9, which only fix in one axial direction, are therefore also fixed in the other axial direction and are stable.

In Figures 4b and 6c Alternative embodiments are shown in which the rope tension is achieved by a positive locking mechanism instead of the external clamping mechanism 10. The in Figure 6b The clamping mechanism shown is analogous to that in Figure 2 shown, but fulfills the function of adjusting the length of the upper part of the second pipe section 8 '. The upper connection of the pull rope is shown here. The pull rope is crimped at its upper end and the crimp 30 prevents the pull rope from passing through the through opening 35 of the end pin 34. About the further pull rope 16 'is the pipe section 8 adjoining the additional pipe section 59 with the handle head or one between the upper end of the additional pipe section and the rope attached to the handle as a fastening element. The length of this additional pull rope 16' is set so that the pipe section 8 can only be pulled down from the additional pipe section 79 just enough so that it is just sufficiently guided in the latter. This ensures that the pipe section 8 is always sufficiently inserted into the additional pipe section 79 and that the two pipe sections cannot be separated.

Im to the right of Figure 6b The section highlighted as an inset shows how the end pin 34 can be screwed with its external thread into a threaded sleeve, for example made of metal, which is glued into a plastic ring fastened in the pipe section 7.

The end pin 34 also points, as in Figure 7a shown, a channel 54 into which the upper end of a leaf spring 52 projects and in which the leaf spring 52 is fastened in a self-locking manner, here with the aid of barbs 55. At the lower end of the leaf spring 52, a locking pin 51 is attached, for example riveted. If pressure is exerted on the locking pin in the radial direction to release the locking mechanism, the leaf spring is tensioned and the locking pin 51 enters at least partially through the through opening 35 into the interior 31 of the stock tube.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the end pin 34 can also be used for a clamping mechanism WO 2012/104424 be designed, ie for an external positive clamping mechanism with a spring-loaded rocker (cf. Figures 7b and c). This rocker engages with its tip from the outside for the positive connection in the circumferential groove 69 provided in this end pin 34. The end pin 34 has a lower region 34b with which it is fastened in the pipe section 8, preferably glued or firmly clamped. It is inserted into the pipe section 8 up to the collar 34c. Above the circumferential groove 69 there is an extension area 70 with essentially the same outer diameter as that of the Pipe section 8. This extension area 70 ensures that the unit consisting of pipe section 8 and this end pin 34 is always sufficiently guided in the following pipe section 7.

As described, the end pin 34 preferably has a head region 34a screwed into the lower region 70/34b. Such a head region 34a, which typically also has one or a plurality of axial slots, has a narrow axial passage opening for the pull cable and an external thread 72 in the region protruding into the lower region of the pin. The extension region has a corresponding upper region an internal thread, and the lower region of the end pin 34 has a continuous axial through opening with a large diameter. If the pipe section 8 is to be separated from the pull rope, as described above, after the lower two pipe sections have been separated, the head area 34a can be unscrewed and then the pull cable can be pulled upwards through the pipe section 8 and this pipe section can also be separated.

The second pipe section 8 also has in the two alternative exemplary embodiments Figures 4b and 6c each has an end pin 34, which has an axial through opening 35 for the pull cable. When the stock is assembled, the head 34a of the end pin 34 is inserted into the first pipe section 7 adjoining the top of the second pipe section 8, while the collar 34c rests on the upper end of the second pipe section 8 and with the neck section 34b in the upper end of the second Pipe section 8 protrudes. As mentioned, the head 34a is preferably designed as a separate component and can be inserted, preferably screwed, into the lower part of the end pin 34. In Figure 7b the end pin 34 can be seen in a slightly unscrewed position so that the external thread 72 is visible. The neck section 34b finds a stop at the upper end of an optional insert element 62 fixed in the second pipe section 8 or directly in the pipe section. The insert element 62 rests with its outer wall on the inner wall of the second pipe section 8 and has a through hole 53 which is aligned or coincides with that of the second pipe section 8, so that the locking pin 51 passes through this through hole 53 from the interior 31 of the stock pipe can protrude outwards.

The sticks according to the in Figures 3 and 4a , or 5 and 6a illustrated embodiments have an ergonomically shaped stick handle 2, the handle head 57 of which has a lid 58, which can be opened or removed. If this cover 58 is opened or removed, the crimp 30 or the upper one described above is End of the pull rope 16 accessible through the cavity in the handle head 58, or the rope fastening of the further pull rope 16 'described below, which, in particular in combination with the design of the lower rope connection described below, enables the pull rope to be replaced in the event of wear.

The plug connection 17 is designed in two parts. The pin area 49, which has a head section with a conically tapering area 18 in the form of the conical end pin designed as a separate component, projects here with a neck section into the upper section of the fastening section. The pin area 49 can be made of plastic, for example, and the fastening section 37 can be made of aluminum or composite materials. In the in the Figures 4c and 6d In the exemplary embodiments shown, the plug connection 17 has no circumferential flange 21 between the pin area 49 and the fastening section 37, so that the two pipe sections 8 'and 9 rest against one another without being offset. The area where the two pipe sections rest against each other is here surrounded by a pipe end sleeve 19. In the in Figures 4d and 6e In the exemplary embodiments shown, the plug connection 17 is formed in two parts from a holding element 37 and a closure element 56, the cone end pin 18. The closure element 56, which has an external threaded hole in the neck section 56b, is screwed into the upper end of the holding element 37, which has an internally threaded hole. The connections of the closure element or the cone end pins (also on the other elements) can alternatively also be realized using other connection techniques that can be easily and non-destructively detached, such as bayonet locks, locking elements or even through detachable joining techniques. The closure element can here be designed analogously to the pin area 49 of the plug connection or the guide pin 17 between the pipe sections 8 'and 9. In the Figures 4d and 6e not shown, but advantageously arranged between closure element 56 and spiral spring, is an upper stop element 40. The holding element 37 here has an upper region with an internally threaded hole, a middle region with a shoulder for resting on the upper end of the lower pipe section 9, and a lower region , which serves to effectively hold the plug connection in the upper end of the lower pipe section.

In Figure 8 The specially designed cone end pin, which is used in the two plug connections between the lower three pipe sections 8, 8 ', 9, is now installed. This cone end pin 18 has an axial through opening 64 for the pull cable 16. It also has an external thread 68 in the area protruding into the pin area 49. He also has one single axial slot 63 running over the entire length, which allows the cone end pin 18 to be separated from the pull rope without having to loosen any crimps or the like on the pull rope. The pull rope is preferably attached to the respective elements with crimps, as this is the only way to ensure that the corresponding attachment is really sustainable. Accordingly, it is of considerable advantage if the cone end pins can not only be screwed out and screwed back in, but can also be separated from the pull rope using the slot.

The cone end pin also has two lateral notches 18', which are provided in the conical area protruding from the pin area 49. These notches 18 'have axially extending flanks that are parallel, so that the cone end pin 18 can easily be gripped and screwed in or out using an open-end wrench or a similar tool.

In Figure 9 the top end pin 65 is shown. It has a head area 77, which protrudes beyond the uppermost tube section 7, and a neck area 78, which is firmly fixed in the uppermost tube section 7. A stepped through opening 66 for the pull rope 16 is provided in this uppermost end pin 65. The stepped through opening has a narrow area 67 through which the pull rope can be guided, and a further area arranged after the step 73. So the pull rope can be fastened in this upper end pin 65 with a crimp, which then comes to rest in this further area, but can also be pulled upwards out of the pin when the pull rope is relaxed. In addition, there is a second through opening 74, which is stepped in the other direction, for the further pull rope 16 '. This should be tensioned upwards, accordingly the crimp 30 can rest on the step 76 and the further pull rope 16 'can run through the taper 75.

At the very top, the further pull rope 16 'is connected to a rope fastening element, as shown in Figure 10a and b is shown attached. The fastening element 79 has a plate area that can be placed on the additional pipe section 59 or fastened at the very top of it. For this purpose, the recessed area 81 engages, for example, in the upper cavity of the additional pipe section 59. In the area 81 there is a through opening 82 for the further pull rope 16 '. So that any hooks 86 provided on this pull rope can be guided through the rope fastening element 79, there can be a lateral extension 83 in the through opening. The fastening element then borders the lower area of the bottom 91 of the handle, which is in Figure 10d shown from above after the lid has been removed. The pull rope is attached at the top so that it is folded over in an upper loop 85 and with a Crimp 84 the loop is fixed. This loop 85 is gripped by a hook 86, which is mounted in a rotatable pin 87 in the actual bearing element 88. The ability to rotate is an advantage because the pull cable cannot twist when the pipes rotate relative to each other. The bearing element 88 converges conically downwards and has a retaining ring 89 at the top. With its area converging downwards, the bearing element 88 rests either on a step in the through opening 92 in the bottom 91 of the recess 90 of the handle head, or on the rope fastening element 79.

The further pull cable 16' can then be easily released by pushing the additional pipe section 79 and the top pipe section 7 into one another as far as possible by releasing the external clamping, so that the further pull cable 16' is relaxed, then the bearing element can be attached to the retaining ring 89 be pulled upwards out of the handle head, the hook 86 is separated from the loop 85, and then the uppermost pipe section 7 is pulled downwards from the additional pipe section 79.

Together with the slotted cone end pins and the end pin 34, in which the head area 34a can be unscrewed, the folding stick can be taken apart and reassembled non-destructively, and parts can be replaced, renewed or otherwise changed.

Figure 11 shows a cone end pin 18, which consists of two cone end pin halves 96. The two halves are connected in one piece via a film hinge 93. The cone end pin halves 96 are essentially symmetrical and separated by a central axial imaginary separating surface. If the two halves 96 are folded onto one another around the film hinge 93, the axial through opening 64 is formed and the slot 63 is given by a distance between the contact surfaces. When the cone end pin 18 is screwed into the pin area via the external thread 68, the slot 63 is closed due to contact of the contact surfaces. In order to ensure the most precise positioning of the two halves relative to one another, which is particularly important because of the external thread 68, positioning pins 94 and corresponding positioning recesses 95 (in the form of blind holes), which can also be designed as a locking connection, can be used, as shown here , are provided in the contact surfaces. Other positive and/or non-positive connections are also possible, although they must be releasable.

The film hinge 93 is arranged on the axial end face 97 only on one side, ie only on one side of the through opening 64 formed in the folded state, so that the axial slot 63 is released and the pull cable is inserted can be.

Figure 12 shows a further exemplary embodiment of such a stick with five pipe sections, the lowest two connections between sections 9 and 8 'or 8' and 8 being designed as pure plug-in connections with corresponding cone end pins 18. In this embodiment, only one such plug-in connection can be used be provided, ie it is also possible to design this embodiment with four pipe sections, ie the section 8 ', which is shown here, would not be present. Here there is now an external locking connection between the pipe section 8 and the further pipe section 7 arranged further up, and then an external clamping mechanism between the uppermost pipe section 7 'and this further pipe section 7. The pull rope runs as a single pull rope through this entire construction and is attached to the lowest pipe section 9 and to the top pipe section 7 '. REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST 1 Folding stick 15 upper 2 Stick handle Pipe end sleeve 3 holding nose 16 pull rope 4 slot 16' another pull rope between 5 Release button first pipe section and 6 Grip range of 2 additional pipe section 7 first pipe section 17 guide pin or 7' top pipe section, additional pipe section 17' Plug connection mounting area of 17 8th second pipe section in the lower tube 8th' another middle pipe section 17" Through opening pin area with 9 lower pipe section Passage opening 10 external clamping mechanism 18 tapered area of 17, cone end pin 11 Clamping lever 12 Clamping axis 18' notch, step, paragraph, 13 circumferential holding area of 10 19 Milling lower 14 slotted clamping area of 10 20 Pipe end sleeve contact surface from 19 to 21 21 Support flange from lower 42 radial flange of 40/41 Bracket of 17 43 axial guide section 22 Investment area from 21 to 19 from 40141 23 Stick tip 44 Intervention section of 19 24 Lace element 45 radially outer axial 25 Rubber buffers Ribs at 44 26 Adjustment lever 46 radially outer axial 27 Bracket element or upper fastening pin for 16 47 Grooves on 44 radially inner axial grooves on the inside of 21 28 central passage opening in 27 for 16 48 radially inner axial ribs on the inside of 21 29 extended area of 28 in 49 Tenon range of 17 upper section of 27 50 Latching device 30 Crimp on 16 51 Locking pin 31 Interior in the pipe 52 Spring element 32 Stock axle 53 radial through hole 33 washer in 8 and 62 34 terminating spigot 54 axial canal in 34 34a Head area of 34 55 Holding means of 52 34b neck range of 34, 56 Closure element Insertion area in 56a Head section of 56 pipe section 56b Neck section of 56 34c Collar of 34 56c axial through opening 35 axial through opening for 16 in 34 57 of 56 handle head 36 axial through opening for 58 Cover from 57 16 into 17 59 additional pipe section, 37 Holding element or fastening section 60 top pipe section on the outside 38 Extension of 36 for 39 Clamping mechanism 39 coil spring for length adjustment 40 Leadership element respectively 61 Protective casing Stop element for 39 62 Insert element 41 Guide element or end element for 39 63 axially extending slot in 18 64 axial through opening in 80 Plate area of 79 18 81 Sunk area of 79 65 top end pin 82 Passage opening for 66 Stepped passage opening in 65 for pull rope 83 additional pull rope 16' extensions/axial grooves 67 Rejuvenation in 66 for fastening further 68 External thread of 18 pull rope 69 circumferential groove in 70 of 34 84 Crimp for top loop of the 70 Extension range of 34 another pull rope 16' 71 Slot in 34a 85 top loop further 72 External thread of pins of 34a 86 Pull rope hook for attaching 73 Level 66 85 74 stepped passage opening 87 rotating pin in 65 for additional pull rope 88 Bearing element up 89 Retaining ring from 88 75 Rejuvenation in 66 90 Recess in the handle head 76 Level 74 91 Floor of 90 77 Head area of 65 92 Passage opening in 91 78 neck area of 65, 93 film hinge Insertion area in 94 Positioning pin pipe section 95 Positioning recesses 79 Rope fastening element for the additional 96 Cone end pin half 97 axial end face Pipe section below the base in the recess of the handle head 98 glued-in internal thread sleeve

Claims (15)

1. A folding pole (1) having at least three tube portions (7-9), wherein, in the assembled state of the folding pole (1), the tube portions (7-9) are connected to one another so as to be oriented along the pole axis (32) via plug-fit connections, and, in the collapsed state, at least two, or at least three, tube portions (8, 8', 9) are connected to one another just via a movable connecting element (16), and wherein a pole handle (2) is arranged on an uppermost tube portion (7, 7') and a pole tip (23) is arranged on a lowermost tube portion (9),
   wherein

   at least one of the plug-fit connections is realized via an external clamping mechanism (10) and/or a form-fitting latching device (50),

   wherein the clamping mechanism (10) is fastened on a first tube portion (7), and a second tube portion (8), which has an external diameter smaller than or more or less equal to the internal diameter of the first tube portion (7) and which is mounted in a displaceable manner in the first tube portion (7), can be fixed in the relative axial position by the external clamping mechanism (10),

   and wherein the form-fitting latching device (50) is realized on a second tube portion (8), wherein the second tube portion (8) has an external diameter smaller than or more or less equal to the internal diameter of a first tube portion (7), and it can be pushed into the first tube portion (7) and fixed in the relative axial position by the form-fitting latching device,

   wherein the further plug-fit connection(s) is/are designed in the form of straightforward plug-fit connection(s) in which, in the fitted-together state, tube portions (8, 8', 9) are fixed only in one axial direction,

   wherein the tube portions (7-9) are connected to one another via at least one pull cable (16), which is provided as connecting element and which is fastened on the lowermost tube portion (9) and is fastened on an upper, or on the uppermost, tube portion (7) and is arranged so as to run through the interior space (31) of the at least one or of the at least two central tube portions (8, 8'),

   and wherein the folding pole (1) is designed such that it can be transferred from the collapsed state to the assembled state by the further plug-fit connection(s) being fitted together and then, with the external clamping mechanism (10) released or with the latching device (50) released, by the second tube portion (8) being pulled out of the first tube portion (7) to the extent where the pull cable (16) is braced, and by the external clamping mechanism (10) or the form-fitting latching device (50) being fixed,

   wherein at least one of the further plug-fit connection(s) is/are designed so as to have, on the one tube portion, a guide stub (17) which is provided with an axially running, central through-opening for the pull cable (16), is firmly fastened in said tube portion by way of a fastening portion (37, 17') and, axially opposite, has a stub region (49, 17") which is exposed when the pole is in the folded state and which can be pushed into the other tube portion, wherein the fastening portion (37, 17') and stub region (49, 17") have an axial through-opening for the pull cable (16),

   wherein a conical terminating stub (18) with an axial through-opening (64) is inserted in a releasable manner into the stub region (49, 17") so as to close the latter off in relation to the following tube portion, and

   characterized in that

   this conical terminating stub (18) has an axial slot (63), by way of which the pull cable (16) can be introduced into the through-opening (64) in the radial direction.
2. The folding pole as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that each conical terminating stub (18) has a conically tapering region which is exposed when the pole is in the folded state, and this conically tapering region contains means (18') via which the conical terminating stub (18) can be gripped and screwed in or unscrewed and/or latched in or unlatched, wherein these means are preferably designed in the form of at least two, in particular oppositely located notches (18'), which preferably have mutually parallel surfaces forming planes at a tangent to the axis of the pole.
3. The folding pole as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that a respective conical terminating stub (18) with an axial through-opening (64) is screwed and/or latched in a releasable manner, preferably via latching elements or a bayonet closure, into the stub region (49, 17") so as to close the latter off in relation to the following tube portion,
   and/or the folding pole (1) is one having at least four or at least five tube portions (7-9), and in that, in the collapsed state, at least three tube portions (8, 8', 9) are connected to one another just via a movable connecting element (16) and can be connected via the further plug-fit connections, and a respective conical terminating stub (18) with an axial through-opening (64) is inserted, preferably screwed, in a releasable manner into the stub region (49, 17") so as to close the latter off in relation to the following tube portion, and wherein each of these conical terminating stubs (18) has an axial slot (63), by way of which the pull cable (16) can be introduced into the through-opening (64) in the radial direction.
4. The folding pole as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that these means are designed in the form of precisely two oppositely located notches (18'), which have mutually parallel surfaces forming planes at a tangent to the axis of the pole, and in that these surfaces run parallel to the direction in which the axial slot (63) runs.
5. The folding pole as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two or three lowermost tube portions (8', 9) are connected to one another via the aforementioned straightforward plug-fit connections, and in that the subsequent or the uppermost of the three tube portions (8) has a terminating stub (34) at its upper end, wherein this terminating stub (34) has a head region (34a), which projects upward out of the tube portion (8), and a neck region (34b), by way of which the terminating stub (34) is firmly fastened in the tube portion (8), and wherein the head region and neck region are designed in the form of two separate components which can be inserted in a releasable manner, preferably screwed and/or latched in in a releasable manner, one inside the other, preferably via latching elements or a bayonet closure.
6. The folding pole as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an uppermost terminating stub (65) is provided in the first tube portion (7), and the pull cable (16) is fastened in this uppermost terminating stub (65) in such a manner that, when it is not braced, it can be pulled upward out of the uppermost terminating stub (65), in particular preferably by the uppermost terminating stub (65) containing a stepped through-opening (66), with a tapering (67) in the lower region, and wherein the pull cable (16) is preferably caught in this step by way of a knot or a crimp (30), wherein preferably above the first tube portion (7) there is a further tube portion (7', 59), into which the first tube portion (7) can be pushed in a displaceable manner and can be secured axially in various positions by way of an external clamping mechanism (10), and in that the uppermost terminating stub (65) is connected to this further tube portion (7', 59) by way of a further pull cable (16'), so that, when the external clamping mechanism (10) is released, the first tube portion (7) cannot be pulled out of the further tube portion (7', 59).
7. The folding pole as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the further pull cable (16') is fastened in a releasable manner, preferably so as to be free of rotation, at the upper end of the further tube portion or on a handle fastened thereon, wherein the fastening of the further pull cable (16') can preferably be released, possibly once a cover of the handle has been removed, by the fastening of this further pull cable (16') being freed from the outside in a non-destructive manner, for example via a hook connection.
8. The folding pole as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening of the pull cable (16) on the holder element (27, 37) is of elastically sprung design, preferably by a helical spring (39) being provided on the holder element of the lowermost tube portion (9), the pull cable (16) being arranged so as to run through the interior space of the helical spring, wherein it is preferably the case that at least certain portions of the pull cable (16) are, preferably the entire length of the pull cable in the longitudinal direction is, of tension-resistant and inelastic design, and wherein in particular preferably the helical spring (39) has an external diameter such that it can be pulled through the through-openings of the guide stubs (17), minus conical terminating stub (18), and through the terminating stub (34), minus head region (34a).
9. The folding pole as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pull cable (16) consists of a flexible, longitudinally tension-resistant and non-elastic material which is provided with a plastic coating or is encapsulated in a plastic.
10. The folding pole as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first tube portion (7) is the uppermost or second-from-top tube portion, and in that the second tube portion (8) is preferably the first central tube portion (8), which adjoins the aforementioned tube portion in the downward direction, and in that the at least one plug-fit connection is realized by a form-fitting latching device (50), wherein the latching device (50) preferably has a spring-loaded radial latching pin (51), which is preferably retained in a radial through-bore (53) of the second tube portion (8) so as to project through the bore counter to the action of a spring element (52) or which engages in a groove in the terminating stub (34) from the outside, wherein preferably alongside the second tube portion (8) there is a further central tube portion (8') and also a lowermost tube portion (9), on which a tip (23) is provided, and wherein the lowermost tube portion (9) and the two central tube portions (8, 8') are connected to one another via the further plug-fit connections.
11. The folding pole as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube portions (7-9) are dimensioned such that, when the pole is in the assembled state, the uppermost central tube portion (8) can be pushed essentially all the way into the uppermost tube portion (7) and preferably, if there is a further additional tube portion (7', 59), such that the uppermost tube portion (7) can be pushed essentially all the way into this further additional tube portion (7', 59).
12. The folding pole as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pull cable (16) is fastened on the lowermost tube portion (9) and/or on the uppermost tube portion (7) by a holder element (27, 37) being provided, this holder element being fixed axially in the respective tube portion (7, 9) and having the pull cable (16) fastened on it.
13. The folding pole as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a preferably radially encircling, outwardly directed bearing flange (21) is provided between the fastening portion (37) and stub region (49) and, in the fitted-together state, the bearing flange is made to stop axially against the tube end of the other tube portion and/or against a tube-terminating cuff (19) provided thereon.
14. The folding pole as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally has a length-adjustment mechanism, preferably an external clamping mechanism which acts in a force-fitting manner and is intended for adjusting the length of the pole.
15. The folding pole as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conical terminating stub (18) is formed in one piece, and

    either, as a rigid component, has an axial slot (63) which is of predefined width and through which the pull cable (16) can be introduced into the through-opening (64) in the radial direction,

    or, as a flexible component, has an axial slot (63) which is of variable width and for the introduction of the pull cable (16) into the through-opening (64) in the radial direction, in the state released from the stub region, is preferably widened counter to a restoring force,

    or, as a flexible component, has two conical-terminating-stub halves (96) connected via preferably a film hinge (93), wherein the film hinge (93) connects the two conical-terminating-stub halves (96) only on one side of the through-opening (64).

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