GB2222956A - Equestrian jump pole - Google Patents

Abstract

An equestrian jump pole has a linear pole body portion, to be supported by end portions, the body portion having parts of differing weight per unit length of the pole to damp vibration when struck by a horse during use. The variation in weight per unit length can be provided by joint members 36 securing separable portions of the pole and/or by filling material provided in the hollow interior of the pole. The joint members 36 are a sliding frictional fit and bonded in position by solution welding of the plastics material. The joint members may themselves have separable portions with quick attach couplings of the bayonet or screw-threaded kind as in Fig 6. The tubular pole has an internal stiffening structure of lengthwise extending ribs or webs. <IMAGE>

Description

EQUESTRIAN JUMP POLES This invention relates to equestrian jump poles. The invention may also be applicable to related structures for use, for example, in athletics.

There is a considerable need for a manufactured equestrian jump pole for use as an alternative to the traditional timber poles and offering consistency of structure and performance, easier transportation, suitability for use with jump stands, and so on.

Previous proposals in this respect include the use of extruded aluminium poles and drainage pipes.

As regards extruded aluminium poles, these tend to become bent in use and then cannot be straightened. This has safety implications since the aluminium pole does not yield significantly until it is overloaded, and then it bends non-elastically.

As regards the use of drainage pipes, in an informal manner, these are really too light for the purpose and tend to warp and to oscillate in use.

The problem of pole oscillation or bounce during use applies not only to the above-mentioned prior proposals, but also to timber poles. These poles can bounce by up to about 50 cm in use when struck by a horse, and this is often sufficient fdr the pole actually to strike the horse as it passes over.

All such prior poles are somewhat inconvenient for transport purposes.

An object of the present invention is to provide an equestrian jump pole offering improvements in relation to one or more of the matters discussed above, or generally.

According to the invention there is provided an equestrian jump pole as defined in the accompanying claims.

In a preferred embodiment, an equestrian jump pole is made up from a number of shorter sections joined together to form a pole of any required length. The pole sections can be of any shape in cross-section, any diameter, and can be of any desired length, and can employ a variety of methods for coupling the sections together. The pole can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials with the appropriate one chosen to suit the particular purpose. The sections can also be manufactured in a variety of colours to facilitate colour combinations to suit the particular application. The jump pole may be applicable to uses other than equestrian jump poles.

In the embodiment, a pole of circular cross-sectional shape comprises a number of short sections. At one end of each section the diameter is reduced for an appropriate distance to form a male protrusion. A proportion of this male end has a thread of appropriate length and pitch to engage a corresponding thread in the female end. A pole of the required length is made up by screw-threaded engagement of the appropriate number of sections. A small blanking piece is used to bring the unused male end back to the pole outside diameter, at the end of the pole. The number of sections can be varied to suit the length of pole required.

In the preferred embodiment the jump pole comprises pole end portions to be supported at a chosen height for jumping purposes. A linear lengthwise-extending intermediate pole body portion extends between the end portions to be supported solely by the end portions in use, and presents a height objective for jumping purposes. The pole body portion comprises a manufactured product, such as an extrusion or moulding or formed article which has crosssectional external dimensions which are generally uniform at positions spaced lengthwise of the pole. The pole body portion further comprises at least one portion of said manufactured product which has a different weight per unit length of the pole from an adjacent portion. Thus, the pole body portion has a non-uniform weight per unit length.

The pole body portion comprises at least two manufactured pole portions which are joined or to be joined in end-to end relationship. Joint means for joining the pole portions is said relationship itself causes the portion of the pole at the joint to have a different weight per unit length from an adjacent portion. At least a portion of the pole is formed with a hollow interior into which has been inserted a filling material which increases the weight per unit length of the pole.

The joint means for joining the pole portions in endto-end relationship is at least partially received in hollow portions formed in the pole at the ends thereof. A joint member is proportioned to be a sliding fit in both of the hollow end portions. The joint means further comprises bonding means to bond the joint member in position in the hollow end portions. The joint means itself comprises two separable portions which, after being secured to the pole end portions, then permit separation of the pole portions as desired. The joint means are themselves provided with quick-attach-detach means to permit their separation and subsequent re-attachment, the quick attach means comprising screw-threaded connector means or bayonet connector means.

Also in the perferred embodiment, the pole body portion comprises a tubular member having cross-sectional external dimensions generally uniform at positions spaced lengthwise of the pole. The tubular member is formed with an internal stiffening structure. The stiffening structure comprises lengthwise-extending ribs or webs defining internal zones in the tubular member. The joint members, which join the pole portions together, may be formed to fit within the stiffening structure.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : Fig 1 shows a first embodiment of a jump pole in its assembled condition; Fig 2 shows the pole of Fig 1 assembled; Fig 3 shows one section of the pole of Figs 1 and 2, on a larger scale; Fig 4 shows an end view of the section of Fig 3; Figs 5, 6 and 7 show three further embodiments having joint members to join successive sections of the whole; and Figs 8, 9 and 10 show cross-sections through pole tubular members illustrating various possible crosssectional shapes, individual sections being identified by the reference letters A, B, C etc.

As shown in Figs 1 to 3, an equestrian jump pole 10 comprises pole end portions 12, 14 and an intermediate pole body portion 16 extending between the end portions, to be supported thereby in use.

Pole body portion 16 comprises a series of six pole portions or sections 18 joined in end-to-end relationship.

Each section 18 comprises a cylinder 20, see Fig 3, formed as a moulding or an extrusion of a plastics material and having a projecting externally screw-threaded male connecting member 22 at one end to cooperate with a complementary internally screw-threaded recess 24 provided at the other end.

The sections are secured together in the manner indicated in Figs 1 and 2. At one end, the left hand end in Figs 1 and 2, of the jump pole, the projecting screwthreaded member 22 is provided with an end cap 26 formed with an internal screw-thread to bring the diameter of the member 22 up to the diameter of the pole 10, namely that of cylinder 20.

In this embodiment, the sections 18 may be of solid or hollow cross-section and may be formed from any suitable plastics material, such as ABS or PVC or high density polyethylene. It might be possible to form the product as an aluminium extrusion.

Turning now to the embodiment of Figs 5, 6 and 7, these drawings show perspective views of the joint assembly whereby successive sections of the pole are joined end-to end in three further embodiments.

In the embodiment of Fig 5, the pole body portion 30 comprises tubular members or sections 32 of uniform cylindrical external cross-sectional dimensions and having an internal stiffening structure comprising generally radial ribs 34. Six such internal ribs are provided. Each is of generally rectangular cross-sectional shape and extends the full length of the sections 32.

A joint member 36 having a central longitudinal aperture 38, and thus likewise of tubular form, is provided with lengthwise recesses 40 proportioned to receive ribs 34 as a sliding fit therein, so that the joint member is itself a sliding fit within the tubular sections 32. The entire structure is formed of a suitable plastics material and the assembly can be bonded together by the use of solvent welding techniques or by appJication of suitable adhesive.

In the embodiments of Fig 6 and 7, parts corresponding to those of the embodiment of Fig 5 are numbered accordingly. However, in these embodiments, the joint means itself comprises two separable portions which, after being secured to the pole end portions, then permit separation of the pole portions as desired.

In Fig 6, the joint member 50 has secrew-threaded connector means to provide quick-attach-detach means for securing together portions 52 and 54 thereof. For this purpose, joint member portion 52 has a screw-threaded projection 56 to be receive in the screw-threaded recess 58 of joint member portion 54. Otherwise, this embodiment is constructed and operates in the same manner as that of Fig 5.

In the embodiment of Fig 7, the joint member 60 has a joint member portion 62 with a bayonet fitting 64 having a peg 66, all to be received in a corresponding key holeshaped recess 68 with a slot 70, formed in joint member portion 72.

This embodiment functions in a manner very similar to that of Fig 6, apart from the simpler attach-detach system arising from the use of the bayonet member.

In the above embodiments the joint means for joining the pole portions in end-to-end relationship itself causes the portion of the pole at the joint to have a different weight per unit length from adjacent portions. Thus, where the pole is tubular, the extra weight of the joint member itself has a dampening effect on the tendency of the pole to vibrate or oscillate when struck by a horse in use.

This dampening effect has considerable significance as a practical matter during use, and particularly in relation to longer lengths of pole, such as 10 and 12 feet, and even 15 feet. The mere difference in weight per unit length of the pole at one portion as compared with an adjacent portion has a dampening effect comparable to that achieved in other structures in other ways.

Figs 8, 9 and 10 show various possible cross-sectional shapes for the tubular sections 32 in the embodiments of Figs 5, 6 and 7. Thus, the embodiment of Fig 8A is similar to that shown in Figs 5, 6 and 7, and likewise that of Figs 8E and F, these having slightly concave and slightly convex rib cross-sections. That of Fig 8D has a more pronounced V-shaped recess in each rib. Figs 8B and C show generally triangular and generally semi-circular ribs.

Fig 9 shows various arrangements of lengthwiseextending webs within the tubular sections, all serving to stiffen the pole sections. Likewise those of Figs 10.

Interestingly, the above embodiments provide a jump pole offering significant advantages over prior proposals in terms of ease of transport, tendency to oscillate or vibrate, and assembly.

Furthermore, the pole will not absorb moisture and will therefore not increase in weight. Thus, the weight remains reasonably constant both in-doors and out. Because the pole will not crack or splinter, it is much safer than wood or similar materials. The pole can be used and left outside in all weather conditions without detriment to its proportions or function. Furthermore, animals will be unlikely to chew the pole. Moreover, being non-toxic it will be safe for animals and humans alike. If, for any reason, the pole is broken, it can be easily repaired by simply replacing the broken section. The pole can be dismantled down to any convenient size for use, transportation or storage. By selecting suitable materials for manufacture, maintenance of the pole is greatly reduced by eliminating the need for painting (for colour schemes) or protection from the elements.

Claims (19)

CLAIMS :

1 An equestrian jump pole comprising a) pole end portions to be supported at a chosen height for jumping purposes; b) a linear lengthwise-extending intermediate pole body portion extending between said end portions to be supported solely by said end portions in use, and presenting a height objective for jumping purposes; c) said pole body portion comprising a manufactured product, such as an extrusion or moulding or formed article, having cross-sectional external dimensions which are generally uniform at positions spaced lengthwise of the pole; characterised by d) said pole body portion further comprising at least one portion of said manufactured product having a different weight per unit length of the pole from an adjacent portion.

2 An equestrian jump pole comprising a manufactured pole body portion having a non-uniform weight per unit length.

3 An equestrian jump pole comprising a) pole end portions to be supported at a chosen height for jumping purposes; and b) a linear lengthwise-extending intermediate pole body portion extending between said end portions to be supported solely by said end portions in use, and presenting a height objective for jumping purposes; characterised in that c) said pole body portion comprises at least two manufactured pole portions joined, or to be joined, in endto-end relationship.

4 An equestrian jump pole comprising at least two manufactured pole portions joined, or to be joined, in endto-end relationship.

5 A pole according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised by said pole comprising at least two manufactured pole portions joined, or to be joined, in end-to-end relationship.

6 A pole according to any one of claims 3 to 5 characterised in that joint means for joining said pole portions in end-to-end relationship itself causes the portion of the pole at the joint to have a different weight per unit length from an adjacent portion.

7 A pole according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterised in that said pole comprises at least a portion formed with a hollow interior into which has been inserted a filling material, such as a high density polymeric foam, which increases the weight per unit length of the pole.

8 A pole according to any one of claims 3 to 7 characterised in that joint means for joining said pole portions in end-to-end relationship is at least partially received in hollow portions formed in said pole at least at the ends thereof.

9 Apole according to claim 8 characterised in that said joint means comprises a joint member proportioned to be a sliding fit in both said hollow end portions.

10 A pole according to claim 9 characterised in that said joint means further comprises bonding means to bond said joint member in position in said pole hollow end portions.

11 A pole according to claim 9 or claim 10 characterised in that said joint means itself comprises two separable portions which after being secured to said pole end portions then permit separation of said pole portions as required.

12 A pole according to claim 11 characterised in that said two separable portions of said joint means are themselves provided with quick-attach-detach means to permit their separation and subsequent re-attachment, said quick-attach-detach means comprising screw-threaded connector means or bayonet connector means.

13 An equestrian jump pole comprising : a) pole end portions to be supported at a chosen height for jumping purposes; b) a linear lengthwise-extending intermediate pole body portion extending between said end portions to be supported solely by said end portions in use, and presenting a height objective for jumping purposes; c) said pole body portion comprising a tubular member having cross-sectional external dimensions generally uniform at positions spaced lengthwise of the pole; characterised in that d) said tubular member is formed with an internal stiffening structure.

14 A pole according to claim 13 characterised in that said stiffening structure comprises lengthwise-extending ribs.

15 A pole according to claim 14 characterised in that said stiffening structure comprises lengthwise-extending webs defining internal zones in said tubular member.

16 An equestrian jump pole substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

17 A method of making an equestrian jump pole comprising providing at least two manufactured pole portions, joined or to be joined in end-to-end relationship, and the method comprising the step of joining same in said end-to-end relationship.

18 A method of making an equestrian jump pole substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19 A jump pole according to any one of the preceding claims but formed and proportioned for athletics purposes.