Angle regulator, alpenstock and tripod
By designing an angle adjuster, a stepless angle adjustment of the handles of trekking poles and tripods is achieved using locking screws and an eccentric locking mechanism. This solves the problem that existing equipment cannot be steplessly adjusted, improves the user experience and adaptability, and can be applied to outdoor sports equipment and medical devices.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HEIPI TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-24
AI Technical Summary
The handle angle adjustment of existing trekking poles and tripods cannot achieve stepless adjustment, which affects the user experience and effectiveness.
Design an angle adjuster including a first connector and a second connector, which are connected by a locking screw. The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are adapted to each other and maintain full contact during rotation to achieve stepless adjustment of the included angle. Combined with an eccentric locking mechanism and tooth groove meshing, it can ensure stability.
It achieves stepless angle adjustment of trekking poles and tripod handles, improving the user experience and adaptability, meeting the stringent requirements of portability and outdoor equipment, and using carbon fiber tubing to ensure lightweight and structural strength.
Smart Images
Figure CN121916396A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of connection structure and angle adjustment technology, specifically to an angle adjuster, trekking poles, and tripod. Background Technology
[0002] In fields such as outdoor sports equipment, photography equipment, industrial supports, and medical devices, the ability to adjust the angle between components is a core requirement for improving equipment adaptability and user experience.
[0003] For example, most high-end trekking poles on the market use a pin-locking system with 5-7 levels of handle angle adjustment. When switching between different scenarios such as uphill, downhill, and flat ground, users cannot achieve fine-tuned angle adjustments that perfectly match the slope while walking, affecting the user experience and effectiveness. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an angle adjuster that can achieve stepless adjustment of the handle angle to fundamentally solve the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention
[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved
[0005] This invention provides an angle adjuster, trekking poles, and tripods. It provides a highly versatile angle adjuster that can be freely and steplessly adjusted, and can be portablely applied to different products such as trekking poles and tripods, achieving multiple uses in one device and meeting the stringent requirements of portability and outdoor and professional equipment.
[0006] (II) Technical Solution
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an angle adjuster, comprising: a first connector having a first inclined surface at its bottom end; and a second connector having a second inclined surface at its top end. The central shaft holes of the first and second inclined surfaces coincide, and a locking screw passes vertically through the central shaft hole to rotatably connect the first and second connectors. The first and second inclined surfaces are adapted to each other and maintain a fully fitted state during rotation, so that the included angle between the first and second connectors changes during rotation, thereby achieving stepless adjustment of the included angle between the first and second connectors.
[0008] In one possible implementation, the first and second inclined surfaces are formed by obliquely cutting an elliptical cylindrical tube, such that both the first and second inclined surfaces are perfect circles, the diameter of which is equal to the minor axis of the cross-section of the elliptical cylindrical tube.
[0009] In one possible implementation, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface mesh with each other through mutually adapted protruding teeth and grooves.
[0010] In one possible implementation, the angle adjuster further includes an eccentric locking mechanism, which includes an eccentric buckle and a pin. The pin is disposed in the eccentric hole of the eccentric buckle. The locking screw has a nut on its head and its tail passes through the central shaft hole and is connected to the pin. When the eccentric buckle rotates, it drives the pin inside to move, thereby pulling the locking screw to move, achieving the effect of locking or loosening the first connecting member and the second connecting member.
[0011] In one possible implementation, the protruding teeth and the tooth grooves are respectively distributed in an involute pattern around the central shaft hole.
[0012] To achieve the above objectives, another technical solution provided by the present invention is: to provide a trekking pole, which includes the above-mentioned angle adjuster, wherein the first connector of the angle adjuster serves as the handle of the trekking pole, and the bottom end of the second connector is connected to the pole shaft.
[0013] In one possible implementation, the cane is a retractable cane.
[0014] To achieve the above objectives, another technical solution provided by the present invention is: to provide a tripod comprising three legs, wherein the legs are the aforementioned trekking poles.
[0015] In one possible implementation, the three trekking poles are arranged parallel to each other along their length, and the handles of adjacent trekking poles are locked together by a U-shaped locking mechanism.
[0016] In one possible implementation, the top of the handle of the trekking pole is provided with an arc-shaped inner groove for accommodating the U-shaped buckle.
[0017] In one possible implementation, when the three trekking poles are brought together, their adjacent sides fit together completely without gaps; the top of the tripod is connected with a mating screw.
[0018] (III) Beneficial Effects
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an angle adjuster, trekking poles, and tripod, which have the following advantages:
[0020] An angle adjuster includes a first connector, a second connector, and a locking screw. The first connector has a first inclined surface at its bottom end; the second connector has a second inclined surface at its top end. The central shaft holes of the first and second inclined surfaces coincide. The locking screw passes perpendicularly through the central shaft holes to rotatably connect the first and second connectors. The first and second inclined surfaces are adapted to each other and maintain a fully fitted state during rotation, allowing the included angle between the first and second connectors to change during rotation, thus achieving stepless angle adjustment. This angle adjuster has a simple structure and can be portablely applied to trekking poles and tripods, achieving multiple uses and satisfying the requirements of portability and stepless angle adjustment for outdoor and professional equipment. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the angle adjuster in its disassembled state;
[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the first overall structure of the angle adjuster;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second overall structure of the angle adjuster;
[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the third overall structure of the angle adjuster;
[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The sectional view shown along section line AA;
[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the first connector;
[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the second connector;
[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the first overall structure of the trekking pole of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the second integral structure of the trekking pole of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the third integral structure of the hiking stick of the present invention;
[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth overall structure of the hiking stick of the present invention;
[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the first overall structure of the tripod of the present invention;
[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the second overall structure of the tripod of the present invention.
[0034] In the diagram: 1. First connector; 2. Second connector; 3. Locking screw; 11. First inclined surface; 21. Second inclined surface; 12. Central shaft hole; 111. Raised tooth; 112. Tooth groove; 4. Eccentric locking mechanism; 41. Eccentric buckle; 42. Pin; 10. Angle adjuster; 20. Trekking pole; 5. Anti-slip rubber sleeve; 30. Trekking pole; 6. U-shaped buckle; 7. Arc-shaped inner groove; 8. Connecting screw. Detailed Implementation
[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0036] Please see Figure 1-7 Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the angle adjuster and its specific components in this invention. As shown in the figure, the angle adjuster of this invention includes a first connector 1 with a first inclined surface 11 at its bottom end; and a second connector 2 with a second inclined surface 21 at its top end. The central shaft holes 12 of the first inclined surface 11 and the second inclined surface 21 overlap with each other. A locking screw 3 passes vertically through the central shaft hole 12 to rotatably connect the first connector 1 and the second connector 2. The first inclined surface 11 and the second inclined surface 21 are adapted to each other and maintain a fully fitted state during rotation, so that the included angle between the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 changes during rotation, thereby realizing stepless adjustment of the included angle between the first connector 1 and the second connector 2.
[0037] In the angle adjuster of the present invention, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are fully fitted together, and the locking screw passes vertically through the central shaft hole to rotate and connect the two connecting parts, so that the first connecting part or the second connecting part rotates around the central shaft hole, and the two inclined surfaces are always in a fully fitted state, and the included angle between the first connecting part and the second connecting part changes dynamically accordingly, so as to realize arbitrary angle adjustment between the first connecting part and the second connecting part.
[0038] For details, please refer to the appendix to the instruction manual. Figure 2-4 The diagrams shown are schematics of the first and second connectors of the angle adjuster in different angle states. Based on the structural design of this angle adjuster, a wide range of stepless angle adjustment in different directions can be achieved.
[0039] To ensure a seamless connection at the junction of the overall outer contour when the angle is adjusted to any position, the outer contour remains unchanged during use, resulting in greater comfort. To achieve this, the first inclined surface 11 and the second inclined surface 21 are formed by obliquely cutting an elliptical cylindrical tube, making both surfaces perfectly circular with a diameter equal to the minor axis of the elliptical cylindrical tube's cross-section.
[0040] The elliptical cylindrical tube offers a more comfortable grip, making it more convenient and comfortable to hold during use, and conforming better to the palm. Two identical first and second connectors are formed by obliquely cutting the elliptical cylindrical tube. By controlling the direction of the oblique cut, the projection of the major axis of the elliptical cylindrical tube onto the cutting plane equals the minor axis. At this point, the first and second oblique surfaces are perfectly circular, and these two circular oblique surfaces fit together perfectly. Therefore, regardless of how the first or second connector rotates, the outer contours of the two connectors always form a seamless connection, without misalignment or protrusion due to changes in angle, maintaining a smooth outer surface for greater comfort during use.
[0041] In one possible implementation, to ensure that the two inclined surfaces do not shift after rotational adjustment, the first inclined surface 11 and the second inclined surface 12 are meshed together by mutually adapted protruding teeth 111 and tooth grooves 112. Alternatively, the first inclined surface may have protruding teeth, and the second inclined surface may have tooth grooves that match the protruding teeth; or the first inclined surface may have tooth grooves, and the second inclined surface may have protruding teeth that match the tooth grooves. The meshing is achieved as long as they cooperate. The accompanying drawings of this invention illustrate this with an example where the first inclined surface has tooth grooves and the second inclined surface has protruding teeth.
[0042] When toothed grooves and gears are present, the angle adjuster is in a stepped adjustment state, and the adjustable angle is determined by the distribution of the toothed grooves and convex teeth. When there are no convex teeth or toothed grooves, the overall angle is in a stepless adjustment state.
[0043] Furthermore, to ensure stable fixation after angle adjustment, in practical implementation, an elastic element, a locking mechanism, bolt locking, or latch locking can be provided between the first and second connecting parts. This allows the first and second connecting parts to rotate relative to each other for angle adjustment, and after angle adjustment, a locking force can be used to tighten the first and second connecting parts, achieving stable fixation after angle adjustment. This invention does not limit the specific locking structure, as long as it can achieve angle fixation between the two connecting parts after angle adjustment.
[0044] In one possible implementation, this embodiment of the invention also provides a specific fixing method, as shown in the figure. The angle adjuster further includes an eccentric locking mechanism 4, which includes an eccentric buckle 41 and a pin 42. The pin 42 is disposed in the eccentric hole of the eccentric buckle 41. The locking screw 3 has a nut on its head and its tail passes through the central shaft hole 12 and is connected to the pin 42. When the eccentric buckle 41 rotates, it drives the pin 42 inside to move, thereby pulling the locking screw 3 to move, achieving the effect of locking or loosening the first connecting member 1 and the second connecting member 2.
[0045] Refer to the instruction manual. Figure 1 as well as Figure 5 As shown, when the first connector and the second connector are fixed, the eccentric cam of the eccentric buckle is pressed against the outer contact surface of the second connector. At this time, the locking screw is in a tightened state. Therefore, the first connector and the second connector are tightly locked together. When angle adjustment is required, the eccentric buckle is pulled outward, causing the eccentric cam to disengage from the outer contact surface of the second connector. At this time, the locking screw is released, allowing the first connector and the second connector to rotate relative to each other. Then, one of the connectors is rotated, causing the included angle between the two connectors to change until the required angle is reached. Then, the eccentric buckle is pulled back inward, causing the eccentric cam to press against the outer contact surface of the second connector. Simultaneously, the locking screw is pulled to achieve locking, thereby maintaining the required angle state.
[0046] In one possible implementation, the protruding teeth 111 and the tooth grooves 112 are distributed in an involute pattern around the central shaft hole.
[0047] The above detailed description of the angle adjuster, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, indicates that the angle adjuster of the present invention includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a locking screw. The bottom end of the first connecting member has a first inclined surface; the top end of the second connecting member has a second inclined surface. The central shaft holes of the first and second inclined surfaces coincide. The locking screw passes perpendicularly through the central shaft hole to rotatably connect the first and second connecting members. The first and second inclined surfaces are adapted to each other and remain fully engaged during rotation, so that the included angle between the first and second connecting members changes during rotation, achieving stepless angle adjustment. Because the first and second inclined surfaces are fully engaged, and the locking screw passes perpendicularly through the central shaft hole to rotatably connect the two connecting members, the first or second connecting member rotates around the central shaft hole, and the two inclined surfaces are always fully engaged, and the included angle between the first and second connecting members changes dynamically accordingly, achieving arbitrary angle adjustment between the first and second connecting members.
[0048] The angle adjuster based on the present invention can be applied to trekking poles, industrial supports, or other medical devices.
[0049] Specifically, based on the above angle adjuster, the present invention further provides a trekking pole. For example, referring to the attached figure, the trekking pole includes the above-mentioned angle adjuster 10, wherein the first connector 1 of the angle adjuster 10 serves as the handle of the trekking pole, and the bottom end of the second connector 2 is connected to the pole handle 20.
[0050] In one possible implementation, the staff is a telescopic staff. The telescopic lever can take any telescopic form of staff in the prior art, and this invention does not impose any specific limitations on it.
[0051] Since the angle adjuster is located in the upper part of the trekking pole, specifically using the first connector as the handle, the handle can be adjusted to any angle based on the second connector. This allows for easy switching of the handle angle in different scenarios during hiking, such as uphill, downhill, and flat terrain. See [link / reference]. Figures 8-11 The diagrams shown are schematics of trekking poles with the handle in different angles, meaning the handle can rotate circumferentially around the first or second inclined plane, achieving stepless angle adjustment of the handle.
[0052] To meet the requirements of lightweight design, the angle adjuster and the cane can be made of carbon fiber tubing. This not only meets the requirements of lightweight design but also ensures the overall structural strength of the product. Furthermore, based on the characteristics of carbon fiber tubing, it has better elastic contraction force, ensuring a better locking effect.
[0053] Furthermore, an anti-slip rubber sleeve 5 can be installed at the bottom of the cane.
[0054] Based on the trekking pole of the present invention described above, the present invention further provides a tripod, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figures 12-13 The figures show a schematic diagram of the tripod structure of the present invention. The tripod includes three legs, which are the trekking poles 30 described in the above embodiment. The three trekking poles can be connected in any way. The present invention does not limit the specific connection method between the trekking poles, as long as they can be combined to form a complete tripod. For example, as a specific implementation, the three trekking poles 30 are parallel and side-by-side along their length, and the handles of adjacent trekking poles 30 are locked together by U-shaped latches 6.
[0055] As a specific implementation, the top of the handle of the trekking pole 30 has an arc-shaped inner groove 7 for accommodating the U-shaped locking buckle 6. The arc-shaped inner groove design effectively meets storage needs and further reduces the overall weight of the product. When the trekking pole is used separately, the U-shaped locking buckle can be placed in the groove, making it easy to carry and less likely to be lost; it can be easily pulled out for use when needed. Furthermore, when locked, the outer walls of the arc-shaped inner grooves fit together perfectly, and the U-shaped locking buckle spans the outer walls of adjacent arc-shaped inner grooves to lock adjacent handles together, resulting in a compact structure and better locking effect.
[0056] In one possible implementation, to make the tripod legs more compact and smaller in size when folded up, the adjacent sides of the three trekking poles fit together completely without gaps when folded up. This results in the three trekking poles forming a compact polygon or circle without gaps when folded up horizontally.
[0057] Furthermore, the cross-section of the trekking pole handle is specifically a fan shape with a central angle of 120 degrees. The three trekking pole handles meet with their fan-shaped straight sides to form a complete cylindrical storage unit.
[0058] In one possible implementation, the tripod top is connected to a mating screw 8. This screw allows for the connection of various functional components, such as a camera head, quick-release plate, etc. It can also be used to connect other items, such as surveying tools and phone holders. To achieve a compact overall structure, arc-shaped threaded holes can be formed on the inner curved surface of the trekking pole handles. When the three trekking poles are brought together, these arc-shaped threaded holes on the handles perfectly align to form a complete threaded hole, through which the mating screw is connected.
[0059] The above detailed description of the angle adjuster, trekking pole, and tripod, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates that the design concept of this invention lies in the structural design of the angle adjuster and its ingenious application to sports equipment and tripods. The angle adjuster includes a first connector, a second connector, and a locking screw. The bottom end of the first connector has a first inclined surface; the top end of the second connector has a second inclined surface. The central shaft holes of the first and second inclined surfaces coincide. The locking screw passes vertically through the central shaft hole to rotatably connect the first and second connectors. The first and second inclined surfaces are adapted to each other and maintain a fully fitted state during rotation, so that the included angle between the first and second connectors changes during rotation, achieving stepless angle adjustment.
[0060] Furthermore, by applying an angle adjuster to trekking poles, the handle angle of the trekking poles can be infinitely adjusted, allowing the trekking poles to switch between different scenarios such as uphill, downhill, and flat ground during mountain climbing. The handle can be adjusted to any angle that matches the slope, improving the user experience and effectiveness.
[0061] Furthermore, trekking poles can be combined to form a tripod that can be adjusted at multiple angles. Since the top part of the tripod is formed by the trekking pole handles joined together, and the angle between the trekking pole handles and the pole shafts is infinitely adjustable, the tripod of this invention breaks through the conventional method of adjusting the angle of the legs of a tripod by simultaneously extending or retracting them horizontally relative to the central axis. The three legs of the tripod of this invention can not only extend or retract horizontally relative to the central axis, but also be adjusted at different circumferential angles relative to the entire circumference of the locking screw, thereby enabling the entire tripod to achieve infinitely adjustable angles over a wide range in different directions.
[0062] This invention utilizes a simple angle adjuster that can be easily applied to trekking poles and tripods, achieving multiple uses in one device. It meets the stringent requirements of portability and outdoor and professional equipment, enabling stepless free adjustment of the angle to suit different usage scenarios.
[0063] Furthermore, the material used is lightweight carbon fiber tubing, which not only meets the requirements for product lightweighting but also ensures the overall structural strength of the product. Based on the characteristics of carbon fiber tubing, it has better elastic shrinkage force, ensuring a better locking effect.
[0064] It should be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0065] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. An angle adjuster, characterized in that, The angle adjuster includes: A first connector, the bottom end of which has a first inclined surface; The second connector has a second inclined surface at its top. The central shaft holes of the first and second inclined surfaces coincide with each other. A locking screw passes vertically through the central shaft hole to rotatably connect the first and second connectors. The first and second inclined surfaces are adapted to each other and maintain a fully fitted state during rotation, so that the included angle between the first and second connectors changes during rotation, thereby achieving stepless adjustment of the included angle between the first and second connectors.
2. The angle adjuster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second inclined surfaces are formed by obliquely cutting an elliptical cylindrical tube, such that both the first and second inclined surfaces are perfect circles, and the diameter of the perfect circle is equal to the minor axis length of the cross-section of the elliptical cylindrical tube.
3. The angle adjuster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first inclined surface and the second inclined surface mesh with each other through mutually adapted convex teeth and tooth grooves.
4. The angle adjuster according to claim 3, characterized in that, The angle adjuster also includes an eccentric locking mechanism, which includes an eccentric buckle and a pin. The pin is disposed in the eccentric hole of the eccentric buckle. The locking screw has a nut on its head and its tail passes through the central shaft hole and is connected to the pin. When the eccentric buckle rotates, it drives the pin inside to move, thereby pulling the locking screw to move, achieving the effect of locking or loosening the first connecting member and the second connecting member.
5. The angle adjuster according to claim 3, characterized in that, The protruding teeth and the tooth grooves are respectively distributed in an involute pattern around the central shaft hole.
6. A trekking pole, characterized in that, The trekking pole includes an angle adjuster as described in any one of claims 1-5, wherein a first connector of the angle adjuster serves as the handle of the trekking pole, and the bottom end of the second connector is connected to the pole shaft.
7. The trekking pole according to claim 6, characterized in that, The walking stick is a telescopic walking stick.
8. A tripod, characterized in that, The tripod includes three legs, which are trekking poles as described in any one of claims 6-7.
9. The tripod system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The three trekking poles are parallel to each other along their length, and the handles of adjacent trekking poles are locked together by a U-shaped lock; the top of the handle of each trekking pole is provided with an arc-shaped inner groove for accommodating the U-shaped lock.
10. The tripod system according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the three trekking poles are brought together, their adjacent sides fit together completely without any gaps; the top of the tripod is connected with a mating screw.