EP1105194B2 - Ski pole - Google Patents

Abstract

A pole, for use in skiing or other sport, of the type that includes a grip handle at its upper end, the handle including a support extending from its side wall and adapted to cooperate with the thumb of a user, so as to constitute an additional mechanism for the axial transmission of forces, by the thumb, when the hand is closed on the handle of the pole.

Description

The present invention relates to a stick and in particular a ski pole of the type comprising at its upper end a handle.

In ski poles this handle is generally provided with a closed loop strap called a strap, which is integral with said handle and in which the skier passes his hand in order to avoid losing his stick when he unexpectedly releases the closure. his hand on the handle. The strap also has the function to allow a better transmission of efforts, especially in the phase of support on the stick, either for turns in downhill skiing, or for the stride or the practice of skating in cross-country skiing, or for the practice of in-line skating or ice skating but also for the practice of sports walking.

To be really effective, a strap must be passed so as to partially encircle the wrist, the two end strands of the loop connected to the handle passing through the palm of the hand.

However, the majority of skiers, and especially beginners, position the wrist strap incorrectly, which totally cancels the effectiveness and the effect of transmission of the efforts of this one. In addition, in order to improve the quality of the impulse on the stick, the sticks used in particular for the practice of cross-country skiing comprise a strap which is traditionally connected to the rear face of the handle. According to this arrangement, the hand is supported on the handstrap, on the inner side, at the level of the metacarpal bone of the thumb on the thumb muscle. However, this support performed on a muscle is not very effective and can be painful for said muscle.

It is for this reason that it has already been proposed to integrate the strap to a glove or the like on a skier's hand, and to be able to connect it to the handle by a detachable connection system consisting of complementary means arranged on the one hand on said handle, and on the other hand on the strap integrated in the glove.

Such a device has been devised and described in the patent No. 2,634,388 filed by the applicant, and which allows by simply donning the glove, or a suitable jacket / sheath, provided with a connecting element at the handle of the stick, to have an adequate connection between the hand of the user and said stick, namely a connection with transmission of forces.

Such an improvement therefore makes it possible to appreciably improve the transmission of the forces.

By the documents WO-A 90 14136 and EP-A-0266329 it has been proposed to increase the transmission of forces by providing a pick handle with a shape substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stick, cooperating with the entire palm of the hand.

Such systems were quickly abandoned because of the excessive fatigue generated for the muscles of the forearm.

The WO-A-92/04953 proposes a handle of stick having a shape of L cooperating with the cutting edge of the hand which prevents any mutual pivoting movement of the hand with respect to the stick

The problem of transmission of efforts also exists on ski poles or the like that do not have a strap.

The present invention therefore aims to further improve the existing handles and provide an improvement for optimized transmission of efforts between the hand of the skier and the handle of the stick including ski stick, whether or not it is provided with a strap, and that it is integrated in the stick or the glove. It also aims to improve the grip and the contact between the hand and the handle of the stick by ensuring a frank and powerful contact.

To this end, the invention relates to a stick as defined in the independent claims 1, 10 and 11 and a handle as defined in the independent claim 13. Embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

In a first embodiment, the support is fixed on the handle of the stick.

In a second embodiment, the support is substantially rotatable with respect to the handle to best follow the movements of the hand during the impulse phase on the stick.

The present invention also relates to the features which will emerge during the following description, which should be considered in isolation or in all their possible technical combinations.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective de l'extrémité d'un bâton de ski équipé d'une poignée destinée à la main droite, selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une vue schématique latérale de la poignée, suivant la flèche F de la figure 1.
• La figure 3 est une vue schématique d'une poignée selon la figure 1.
• La figure 4 illustre schématiquement une vue de dessus d'une poignée de bâton selon un second mode de réalisation.
• La figure 5 illustre schématiquement une vue en perspective arrière d'une poignée de bâton selon un troisième mode de réalisation.

This description given by way of nonlimiting example, will better understand how the invention can be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• The figure 1 is a perspective view of the end of a ski pole equipped with a handle for the right hand, according to the first embodiment of the invention.
• The figure 2 is a schematic side view of the handle, following the arrow F of the figure 1 .
• The figure 3 is a schematic view of a handful according to figure 1 .
• The figure 4 schematically illustrates a top view of a stick handle according to a second embodiment.
• The figure 5 schematically illustrates a rear perspective view of a stick handle according to a third embodiment.

The figure 1 shows an example of application of the invention to a stick, in this case ski stick 1 which comprises a handle 2, object of the invention, intended to be grasped by the hand of a user on which was preferentially donned a glove 3.

In general, said handle 2 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical element comprising a peripheral wall 2a. The handle 2 comprises a fulcrum 4, emerging laterally from its side wall 2a and able to cooperate in abutment with the thumb 5 of the user, so as to constitute an additional means of axial transmission of forces, by said thumb 5 for a natural position thereof when the hand is closed on the handle 2 of the stick 1. By fulcrum or support is meant here an area not necessarily punctual to serve as support for the thumb.

More specifically, the fulcrum 4 of the thumb 5 protrudes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX 'of the handle 2, from an intermediate zone of the side wall 2a of the handle 2, to the way of a crutch.

This fulcrum 4 of the thumb 5 is shaped on its upper part substantially rounded tile whose curve is directed upwards so as to match the shape of the thumb 5 when the hand is closed on the handle 2 during practice Sport.

As the figures clearly show, the fulcrum 4 is also inclined angularly towards the rear relative to the longitudinal axis XX 'of the handle 2, so as to perfect the ergonomics of the latter at the level of the thumb 5, when the hand is closed.

According to another characteristic of the invention, a zone B of the side wall 2a of the handle 2, substantially opposite to that A from which the support 4 of the thumb 5 emerges, has a convexity 6 of shape and dimensions provided so to fit ergonomically in the palm of the hand of the user when the thumb 5 is in contact with its fulcrum 4 for a closed position of the hand around the handle 2.

The handle 2 is ergonomically shaped so as to be intended for a right hand or a left hand of the skier, the fulcrum 4 being located, seen from the skier, on the left, and the convexity 6 on the right, for a hand right.

Conversely, for a left handle, the fulcrum 4 will be located on the right, always seen by the skier, and the convexity 6 will be located on the left.

In this case, the figures shown relate to a right hand grip.

According to a particular application of the invention to the practice of the ski shown in the figures, a strap 7 is integrated in the glove 3 intended to be threaded on the hand of a skier, and connected to the handle 2 by a removable connection system consisting of complementary means 8, 9 arranged on the one hand on said handle 2, and on the other hand on the strap 7 integrated in the glove 3.

In this case, one of these complementary means 8 located on the handle 2 is formed in a zone C in a direction substantially perpendicular to those A and B in which are obtained the fulcrum 4 of the thumb 5 and the convexity 6 of the handle 2, that is to say a zone C which is directed towards the arm of the user when he grabs the stick 1.

As a documentary, it should be noted that a strap of this type integrated into a glove is described in the application for French Patent No. 2,634,388 filed by the plaintiff.

More specifically, the complementary connecting means 8 of the handle 2 is raised relative to the plane P of support defined by the fulcrum 4 of the thumb 5, so as to be substantially at the level of the mutual rotation zone of the hand relative to the handle / ski pole, so as to avoid phenomena such as bulbs due to relative sliding of these elements during their mutual rotation and allow optimal transmission of efforts.

The tests have demonstrated that a distance D of about 20 mm between the upper bearing plane P of the bearing point 4 and the axis 8a of the complementary connecting means 8 of the handle 2 constitutes an optimum distance as a function of the different users and in fact offers the skier a pre-set position of the elements between them, namely strap 7, connecting means 8 and thumb support point 4.

According to a preferred embodiment, the complementary connecting means 8 of the handle 2 with the one intended to cooperate with the connecting means 9 of a strap 7 is constituted by an immobilizing element 10 able to be moved in a housing 11 substantially horizontal recessed in the handle 2 and wherein is introduced into a free end 12 of the strap 7 carrying the complementary means 9 to cooperate in attachment with said element 10.

Said immobilizing element 10 is constituted by a slider capable of being driven in vertical translation in a corresponding housing 13 of substantially vertical axis, made in an upper part of the handle 2 and one end of which opens into the housing 11. One end of the slider 10 forms a tip 10a adapted to be engaged in a corresponding hole 9 of the free end 12 of the strap 7 which constitutes the complementary connecting means thereof, while the other end 10b of the slider 10 , is directed opposite to the upper part of the handle 2, to constitute a gripping grip of said slider 10 in a direction of immobilization or release of the strap 7.

In fact, the housing 11 extends transversely inside the handle 2 and is of substantially identical size and shape at the end 12 of the strap 7 which must be introduced to immobilize it.

The slider 10 also has near its upper end portion 10b a hole 10c for the insertion of a flexible gripping element 14, which is formed by a link or strap, so as not to create an element. dangerous rigid projection during the practice of skiing, the slider 10 can then be completely retracted in the locking position of the strap 7.

The slider 10 also comprises an oblong slot 10d whose upper and lower ends constitute abutments in one direction of sliding or in the other, with respect to a fixed pin 15 passing through the handle.

The Figures 4 and 5 represent a gripping handle 2 mounted on a stick 1 which is intended more specifically for cross-country skiing, in-line skating, ice skating and sports walking, and more generally to all sports practices in which the user is supported on the stick, when the hand is closed on the handle 2, but also when the hand is not closed on the handle 2. This last position corresponds to the end of support on the stick 1 when said stick 1 is positioned behind the user. To obtain this result, the fulcrum 4 is mounted substantially pivotally relative to the handle 2.

The Figures 4 and 5 represent embodiments of the invention in which the fulcrum 4 is formed by a strap 51 which equips the handle 2. The fulcrum 4 obtained is of flexible type therefore a little less effective than the rigid supports previously described. However, these variants have the advantage of being much less expensive to implement and adapt to the specific morphology of the hand of each user by allowing to vary the distance between the fulcrum 4 and the A rotation axis.

The figure 4 represents a strap 51. The handle 2, here illustrated by the top, comprises a hooking means 67 for cooperating by a link 68 with the upper zone 64 of the strap 51. The attachment means 67 may be in particular , but in a nonlimiting manner, a vertical slot located on the rear face 2C and in the upper part of the handle 2. This attachment means 67 corresponds in particular to the known grip of the classic strap on the handle of stick. Similarly, the link 68, which is fixed by its end 68a by means of hook 67, is connected at its other end 68b to the upper zone 64 of the strap 51. The attachment of the link 68 on the strap 51 can be fixed. such as a seam, or removable and repositionable such as a hook-and-loop attachment, which allows adjustment of the distance between the top of the strap 51 and the handle 2. The link 68 may advantageously have a character elastic, and in particular be made in a non-limiting manner elastic strap to adapt to the deformations of the hand M during the impulse movement of the user on the stick 1.

The figure 5 represents another variant of construction of the strap 51 described above which is here illustrated to cooperate with the left hand of the user. The strap 51 comprises a connecting piece 75 which connects at least one of the portions 65, 66, of the strap 51 to its upper zone 64. In the preferred embodiment shown here, the connecting piece 75 is fixed, at the level of one of its ends 75a, by appropriate means such as seams 152, 153, respectively to the inner 65 and outer 66 portions. The connecting piece 75 will advantageously be positioned between the adjacent edges of the two parts 65, 66, and the most close to the handle 2 of the stick. The other end 75b of the connecting piece 75 comprises a removable and repositionable fastening means 150, in particular of the self-gripping type, which cooperates with the upper zone 64 of the strap 51. The end 75b of the connecting piece 75 can advantageously pass through a tunnel 151, fixed on the upper zone 64 of the strap 51, such that said tunnel 151 comprises means of complementary attachment fastening means 150. Thus, the end 75b is held fixed in the tunnel 151 along the path illustrated by the arrow shown in Figure 8 in an interrupted manner.

The embodiments of the strap 51, which are illustrated in FIGS. Figures 4 and 5 , allow to maintain the upper zone 64 of the strap 51 in position close to the upper portion 50 of the handle 2. They ensure the strap 51 an optimal position on the hand M of the user, especially so that the inner portion 65 well surrounds the thumb 5 at its first phalanx 71 and / or the hinge 73. Indeed, in the absence of connecting piece 75 or 68 link, the strap 51 risk during many phases of impulse to slide gradually, on the hand M, towards the rear while moving away from the handle 2.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, which are given for information only, but encompasses all similar or equivalent embodiments.

Claims (13)

1. Pole of the type comprising a grip handle (2) at its upper end, characterized in that said handle (2) comprises only a support point emerging from its side wall (2a), fixed at the handle (2) and capable of cooperating with the thumb (5) of a user so as to constitute an additional means for axial transmission of forces by said thumb (5), while authorizing a mutual rotation of the user's hand with respect to the pole and in that the upper surface of the support point (4) of the thumb (5) is configured like a rounded tile whose curve is directed toward the top (5) so as to conform to the curvature of the thumb when the hand is closed on the handle (2) during use.
2. Pole according to claim 1, characterized in that the support point (4) is inclined angularly toward the rear with respect to the longitudinal axis (XX') of the handle (2).
3. Pole according to one of the claims 1 to 2, characterized in that a zone (B) of the side wall (2a) of the handle (2), substantially opposite that (A) from which the support point (4) of the thumb (5) emerges, has a convexity (6) whose shape and dimensions are provided so that it is housed ergonomically in the palm of the user's hand when the thumb (5) is in contact with its support point (4) for a closed position of the hand around the handle (2).
4. Pole according to one of the claims I to 3, characterized in that the handle (2) is configured depending upon whether it is adapted to a right hand or to a left hand, the support point (4) being located, when viewed by the skier, to the left, and the convexity (6) to the right for a right hand handle (2), and inversely for a left handle.
5. Pole according to claim 4, characterized in that with respect to a handle (2) comprising one of the complementary means (8) for connecting to a wrist strap (7) integrated into a glove (3), said means (8) is obtained in a zone (C) substantially perpendicular to those (A and B) in which the support point (4) of the thumb (5) and the convexity (6) of the handle (2) are obtained, i.e. a zone (C) that is directed toward the user's arm when he grabs the pole (1).
6. Pole according to claim 5, characterized in that the complementary connecting means (8) of the handle (2) is raised with respect to the plane (P) of the support point (4) of the thumb (5).
7. Pole according to one of the claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the complementary means (8) of the handle (2) for connecting to that (9) of a wrist strap (7) is constituted by an immobilizing element (10) arranged in a housing (11) provided as a recess in the handle (2), and in which a free end (12) of the wrist strap (7) carrying the complementary means (9) for cooperating fixedly with said element (10) is capable of being introduced.
8. Pole according to claim 7, characterized in that said immobilizing element (10) is constituted by a slide capable of being driven in vertical translation in a corresponding housing (13) obtained in an upper portion of the handle (2), and one free end of which, emerging into the housing (11), forms a point (10a) capable of being engaged in a corresponding hole (9) of the free end (12) of the wrist strap (7) which constitutes the complementary connecting means of the latter, whereas the other end (10b), which is also a free end of the slide (10), is directed opposite towards the upper portion of the handle (2), to constitute a grip of said slide (10) in a direction in which the wrist strap (7) is immobilized or released.
9. Pole according to claim 6, characterized in that the raising distance (D) between the complementary connecting means (8) and the plane (P) is about 20 millimeters.
10. Pole of the type comprising a grip handle (2) at its upper end, characterized in that said handle (2) comprises only a support point emerging from its side wall (2a) and capable of cooperating with the thumb (5) of the user so as to constitute an additional means for axial transmission of forces by said thumb (5), while authorizing a mutual rotation of the user's hand with respect to the pole and in that the handle (2) includes a wrist strap (51), and in that wrist strap (51) includes an inner branch (70) that extends downwardly along the side wall (2a) of the handle (2), at least up to the support point (4) and in that the wrist strap (51) includes an upper zone (64) that connects an inner portion (65), passing the user's thumb (5), to an outer portion (66), passing beneath the edge (5') of the hand, and in that the handle (2) includes a fastening (67) adapted to cooperate, via a link (68), with the upper zone (64) of the wrist strap (51).
11. Pole of the type comprising a grip handle (2) at its upper end, characterized in that said handle (2) comprises only a support point emerging from its side wall (2a) and capable of cooperating with the thumb (5) of the user so as to constitute an additional means for axial transmission of forces by said thumb (5), while authorizing a mutual rotation of the user's hand with respect to the pole and characterized in that the handle (2) includes a wrist strap (51), and in that wrist strap (51) includes an inner branch (70) that extends downwardly along the side wall (2a) of the handle (2), at least up to the support point (4) and in that the wrist strap (51) includes an upper zone (64) that connects an inner portion (65), passing the user's thumb (5), to an outer portion (66), passing beneath the edge (5') of the hand, and in that the handle (2) includes a fastening (67) adapted to cooperate, via a link (68), with the upper zone (64) of the wrist strap (51) and in that wrist strap (51) includes an upper zone (64) that connects an inner portion (65), passing beneath the thumb (5) to an outer portion (66) passing beneath the edge (5) - of the hand, and in that the wrist strap (51) includes a connecting piece (75) that connects at least one of the portions (65, 66) to the upper zone (64) of the wrist strap (51).
12. Pole (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the wrist strap (51) surrounds the thumb (5), at least partially, at the level of its first phalange (71) and/or of its joint (73) connecting the bone of the metacarpus (72) to the first phalange (71) of the thumb (5).
13. Grip handle (2) for a pole according to any of claims 1 to 19.

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