Cross-country ski-type water poles

Abstract

A cross-country ski-type water pole for advancing on a water sport device, more particularly a floating surfboard or stand-up paddle board, the cross-country ski-type water pole (1) comprising a push drive device (2), a shaft (3) and a grip (4). The push drive device (2) comprises a membrane (21) and a support structure (22) that is rigid and has at least two intersecting supporting surfaces (23). The membrane is fastened to the outer edges (23a) of the supporting surfaces (23).

Description

[0001] The invention lies in the field of propulsion aids for muscle-powered locomotion on water sports equipment, in particular in the area of ​​stand-up paddling.

[0002] Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a popular recreational activity on the water. In stand-up paddleboarding, the user stands on a floating surfboard and propels themselves forward by paddling with a paddle. Balancing and paddling while standing trains the athlete's balance, coordination, and muscles.

[0003] One disadvantage of traditional stand-up paddleboarding is that, to travel straight with a single paddle, the strokes must be alternated between both sides of the board. Paddling with a single paddle requires both hands, which is why stand-up paddleboarding uses a single, long paddle. This always results in an asymmetrical propulsion of the board.

[0004] Various propulsion devices for intermittent propulsion on water are known from the prior art. GB 819382 A discloses a water propulsion device with a flexible sheath attached to an elongated pole with a handle. The sheath includes flexible ribs that fold against the pole when the sheath collapses. GB 914358 A discloses a device for generating propulsion in a fluid with a floating, rod-shaped handle to which a conical sheath made of a flexible material is attached. Two tubular arms extend obliquely from the pole on opposite sides and stretch the flexible material. US 4578038 A discloses an elongated propulsion device with a pole and a thrust element comprising a flexible film. The film has several radial stiffening elements in the form of folds. The ends of the film are connected to the tip of the pole by cords.From US 3800734 A a water propulsion device is known which discloses a structure of wedge-shaped, flexible sections (gores 37) between ribs (ribs 35).

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an improved propulsion device for stand-up paddleboarding. The invention achieves this object with a water cross-country skiing pole having the features of the main claim. The invention presents an advantageous alternative to a conventional paddle.

[0006] The invention is based, among other things, on the idea of ​​transferring the pushing propulsion motion with poles, as known from cross-country skiing in winter sports, to stand-up paddling.

[0007] The water ski pole comprises a propulsion device, a shaft, and a handle. The user preferably uses two poles, standing on the surfboard and holding each pole by its handle with one hand, dipping the sides of the board into the water. The propulsion device is connected to the handle via the shaft. Using the handle, the user pushes the angled, backward-hanging poles into the water against the direction of travel, propelling themselves forward and generating forward momentum. The user then pulls the poles forward again, in the direction of travel, to propel themselves forward once more. Propulsion is achieved through repeated pushing motions in the water.

[0008] The shaft is preferably designed as a rigid or length-adjustable tube with a length of one to two meters. The movement generated by the user at the handle is transmitted via the shaft to the impulse drive device. Simultaneously, the flow resistance generated at the impulse drive device by the impulse movement is transmitted via the shaft to the handle. This allows the user to push off from the water using the flow resistance at the handle.

[0009] The impact drive device comprises a membrane and a support structure. The membrane preferably consists of a flow-flexible material, in particular a tear-resistant fabric. The membrane is flexible and can adapt to the surrounding water flow.

[0010] The membrane is attached to the impact drive device in such a way that it inflates when the water ski pole is struck, creating a reservoir for the water flow. This reservoir, formed by the membrane, increases flow resistance, thus braking the impact movement.

[0011] The storage volume formed by the membrane is preferably tent- or funnel-shaped, i.e., tapering to a point. The storage volume narrows along the axis of the shaft towards the handle and widens towards the impact mechanism.

[0012] In the opposite direction of flow, i.e., when the water ski pole is pulled through the water or dragged along while moving through the water, the membrane adheres to the supporting structure. The storage volume disappears or decreases, and the flow resistance in the direction of pull of the water ski pole is reduced.

[0013] The thrust drive device is designed to generate high flow resistance in the water during the thrusting motion and low flow resistance during the pulling motion by ensuring the membrane adheres to the support structure. The thrust drive device can remain submerged in the water between thrusts during the pulling motion, eliminating the need to laboriously lift the poles out of the water.

[0014] The membrane is attached to the support structure. The support structure comprises at least two support surfaces. The support surfaces are arranged in at least two intersecting planes. Preferably, the support surfaces are formed from two or more sheets. The support structure forms a rigid structure designed to exert a formative influence on the membrane. In the preferred embodiment, the shock drive device comprises a support structure with four support surfaces arranged in a cross shape at 90 degrees to each other. A star-shaped arrangement of three or more support surfaces is also possible.

[0015] The membrane is attached to the outer edges of the support surfaces. The outer edges of the support structure and the membrane are designed to create a storage volume. Attaching the membrane to the outer edges of the support surfaces prevents it from folding away due to the flow applied during the shock movement.

[0016] Due to the flow-flexible membrane and the supporting structure, the push-action mechanism creates flow resistance that depends on the direction of movement. When pushing in the direction of the push-action mechanism, the accumulated volume at the membrane increases flow resistance. In the direction of pull, i.e., towards the handle, for example, when pulling the poles through the water while skiing, the membrane conforms to the supporting structure and reduces flow resistance. The water ski pole can be pulled forward with less flow resistance than is generated during the push-action movement in the water. This effect allows the water ski pole to remain in the water throughout the intermittent push-action and pull-action movements without the braking effect of the pull-action negating the propulsion generated by the push-action.This type of propulsion has a particular advantage over conventional paddles, which, to avoid excessive braking, must be moved forward again after each push above the water's surface.

[0017] Advantageously, the support structure, with its support surface and adjacent membrane, forms an airfoil angled to the direction of travel when the water ski poles are pulled along. The water flow generates a lift force on at least one of the support surfaces. This allows the water ski pole to be pulled along in the water with less effort while moving.

[0018] The water cross-country ski poles are characterized in particular by a highly dimensionally stable impact propulsion device. Specifically, the support structure, with at least two rigid support surfaces, creates a dimensionally stable reservoir within the membrane. This support structure also offers the advantage of providing excellent impact protection. It preferably extends beyond the membrane in the direction of impact, thus preventing collisions with rocks or other underwater obstacles from affecting the membrane.

[0019] The support structure according to the invention, with at least two intersecting support surfaces, has the further advantage that the storage volume (V) is divided into several chambers. Should the membrane (21) tear at one point, only one of the chambers is damaged. The remaining chambers remain dimensionally stable and thus retain a large part of their braking effect when impacted. This gives the water ski pole emergency running properties, with which the user can still generate sufficient propulsion to return to shore.

[0020] Further advantageous features and embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown or described in the drawings. In particular, the described features can be individually or collectively substituted, omitted, or combined.

[0021] The invention is illustrated in the drawings in an exemplary and schematic manner. They show: Figure 1: A side view of a water ski pole (1) partially submerged in water; Figure 2: A perspective view of a water ski pole (1) with expanded storage volume during a push movement; Figure 3: A perspective view of a water ski pole (1) with an attached membrane during a pull movement; Figure 4: A side view of a water ski pole with a top view of a detached membrane (21) shown next to it; Figure 5: An enlarged view of the push drive device.

[0022] Figure 1Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the water cross-country skiing pole (1) during use. The water cross-country skiing pole (1) comprises a push-action drive device (2), a shaft (3), and a handle (4). The push-action drive device (2) comprises a membrane (21) which expands to form a reservoir volume or rests against the support structure depending on the surrounding water flow. Figure 1 The membrane is dilated.

[0023] For use, the thrust propulsion device (2) is submerged below the water surface (W) and the shaft is held at a backward-sloping angle. To generate propulsion, the water cross-country ski pole (1) is thrust in the direction of thrust (VS). The thrust direction (VS) is directed from the handle (4) towards the thrust propulsion device (2).

[0024] During the impact motion (VS), the water flow applied to the impact drive device (2) creates an arrow-shaped reservoir (V) within the membrane (21). This reservoir (V) is contained within the membrane (21). The reservoir (V) can also be referred to as a reservoir funnel. The propulsive effect arises both from the displacement of the water mass within the reservoir and from the flow resistance of the water flow at the impact drive device as it is moved through the water in the direction of impact (VS).

[0025] The propulsive effect depends, among other things, on the immersion angle of the water ski pole relative to the water surface. The flatter the water ski pole is held, i.e., the more acute the angle between the shaft (3) and the water surface (W), the greater the component of the propulsive force acting in the direction of travel.

[0026] Figure 2Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a water cross-country skiing pole (1) with inflated storage volume during a push motion (VS). The push drive device (2) comprises a support structure (22) with at least two support surfaces (23). In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure (22) comprises four stacked support surfaces (23).

[0027] The at least two support surfaces (23) intersect, preferably along the axis of the shaft (3). The support surfaces (3) are preferably made of one or more sheets. For the purposes of this disclosure, "sheet" means any flat material or profile, which may be made of metal, plastic, or composite material. Two or more support surfaces can be formed from the same sheet. Several sheets can also be welded together or joined or connected to each other in some other way, e.g., by bolting.

[0028] In the preferred embodiment, two opposing support surfaces (23) are formed from a continuous sheet. One or more further support surfaces (23) are attached to the continuous support surface. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the support surfaces (23) are perforated to reduce weight.

[0029] The support surfaces (23) can be made of one or more metal sheets. Preferably, the support surfaces (23) are made of an impact-resistant and / or corrosion-resistant metal. Suitable materials include, in particular, aluminum, stainless steels, or plastics. A support structure made of carbon fiber materials or carbon fiber-reinforced or glass fiber-reinforced plastics is also possible. Advantageously, the support surfaces (23) can be manufactured as injection-molded parts. The support surfaces (23) are preferably arranged in a star or cross shape around the imaginary extension of the axis of the shaft (3). In the preferred embodiment, the four support surfaces (23) are arranged at 90° angles to each other.

[0030] The support surfaces (23) advantageously form a flat contact surface for the membrane (21). The contact surfaces each define a segment of the storage volume (V). The contact surfaces can be perforated to reduce weight and still provide sufficient fluid-mechanical separation between the chambers.

[0031] The storage volume is formed between the stretched membrane (21) and the support surfaces (23). During the impact movement (VS) of the water cross-country ski pole in a liquid medium, the membrane (21) expands. The membrane (21) is held at the outer edges of the support surfaces (23). The attachment of the membrane (21) to the support structure (22) ensures that the storage volume (V) remains dimensionally stable when the water cross-country ski pole (1) is impacted in the direction of impact (VS).

[0032] By arranging the membrane at the arrow-shaped, tapered outer edges of the support surfaces (23), a funnel-shaped reservoir is created. This reservoir (V) traps the surrounding water and generates very high flow resistance against the direction of thrust (VS), i.e., in the direction of travel when used correctly. The flow resistance of the expanded reservoir within the membrane (21) allows the user to push off from the water and generate propulsion.

[0033] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows the water cross-country ski pole (1) with the impulse drive device (2) when the water cross-country ski pole is moved through the water in the opposite direction, i.e., in the direction of pull (VZ). The water flow at the impulse drive device (2) causes the membrane to rest against the support surfaces (23).

[0034] At least one of the support surfaces (23) forms a hydrofoil (T). When the water ski pole (1) is dragged diagonally behind the watercraft in the usual operating position, the water flow against the hydrofoil (T) creates lift. The lift generated at the hydrofoil (T) counteracts the weight of the water ski pole and facilitates its use. Due to the buoyancy effect of the hydrofoil (T) lying diagonally in the water, the lower end of the water ski pole, i.e., the propulsion device, rises back to the water's surface in a very short time. This re-establishes an acute angle between the shaft (3) and the water surface (W), which improves the propulsion effect in the direction of travel.

[0035] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a side view of an advantageous embodiment of the water cross-country skiing pole. The shaft (3) of the water cross-country skiing pole preferably consists of a rigid tube. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the shaft (3) can be formed from two or more telescopic sections. The telescopic sections can be slid into one another. The tube sections of the shaft (3) are preferably guided into one another by means of sliding bushings. The length of the water cross-country skiing pole can be adjusted by the user by means of a locking device or a clamping mechanism. The locking device can be rotatable or adjustable by means of incremental detents.

[0036] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the shaft (3) and / or the handle (4) comprises one or more buoyancy elements. One or more sections of the water ski pole (1) comprise a watertight, air-filled volume. Preferably, the buoyancy elements of the water ski pole are sufficiently large so that the air-filled buoyancy elements generate a buoyant force in the water that is greater than the weight of the water ski pole. In this way, the water ski pole floats and does not sink to the bottom if the user accidentally drops it into the water.

[0037] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a top view of a membrane (21). The membrane (21) preferably has a circular outline. Alternatively or additionally, the membrane (21) can be composed of several segments. A one-piece, circular membrane (21) has the particular advantage of being easy to manufacture and assemble.

[0038] To attach the membrane (21) to the impact drive device (2) of the water cross-country ski pole, the membrane (21) includes one or more recesses (28). In an advantageous embodiment, the membrane (21) includes a centrally located hole through which the membrane can be pulled over the shaft (3) and / or a shaft flange (31). Alternatively or additionally, recesses can be provided for securing the membrane (21) to the support structure in a slip-resistant manner.

[0039] Preferably, the membrane (21) is attached to the outer edges (23a) of the support surfaces (23) by means of linearly arranged recesses (28). In an advantageous embodiment, the support surfaces (23) comprise one or more retaining lugs on their outer edges (23a), each of which can be inserted into one of the recesses (28) of the membrane (21). The recesses (28) allow the membrane (21) to be attached to the support surfaces without slipping under load.

[0040] The membrane (21) is preferably additionally fastened to the outer edges (23a) of the support surfaces with one or more fastening means, e.g. a U-profile.

[0041] Figure 5 Figure 1 shows an enlarged section of the impact drive device. The support surfaces (23) each have an outer edge (23a) extending outwards from the shaft (3) in an arrow shape.

[0042] Preferably the outer edges of the support surfaces (23a) form an angle between 20° and 90°, preferably 45°, with respect to the axis of the shaft (3).

[0043] The combination of a circular membrane (21) and support surfaces (23) with outer edges (23a) arranged at an angle of 45° is particularly advantageous.

[0044] The arrow-shaped angle of the outer edges of the support surfaces (23a) and the membrane (21) attached to these outer edges create an arrow-shaped storage volume within the membrane. The membrane (21) is attached to the support surfaces (23) at its outer edges (23a) by one or more fasteners (24). These fasteners (24) can be, for example, several rivets or screws, which secure the membrane, positioned over the outer edge, to the support surface.

[0045] InIn a particularly advantageous embodiment, the impact drive device comprises an edge protection strip (25), preferably made of a U-profile. The edge protection strip (25) serves to protect the membrane (21) at the outer edge (23a) when the water cross-country ski pole comes into contact with rocks or other objects underwater.

[0046] In In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the edge protection strip (25) can simultaneously serve as a fastening means for the membrane (21) on the outer edges (23a) of the support surfaces (23). Preferably, the edge protection strip (25) is detachably attached to the support surface (23).

[0047] The diaphragm (21) is preferably detachably attached to the shock drive device and is replaceable. If the diaphragm (21) or any other component is damaged, the shock drive device (2) can be easily disassembled by the user and repaired with replacement parts. As a wear part, the diaphragm is advantageously quick and easy to replace by the user.

[0048] The support structure (22), in particular the support surfaces (23), are preferably connected to the shaft (3) by a flange (31). The flange (31) has a pipe fastening section for attachment to the shaft (3) and one or more further fastening sections for attaching the support surfaces (23).

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment, the flange (31) is bonded into the shaft (3). The support surfaces (23), on the other hand, are detachably attached to the flange (31), e.g., by screws. The diaphragm (21) is preferably arranged in a groove (32) on the flange (31).

[0050] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the support surfaces comprise one or more projections (26). The projections extend beyond the area of ​​the support surface (23) covered by the membrane. The projections protect the membrane from impacts with sharp edges. The projections reduce the risk of tearing in the membrane (21) when the water ski pole strikes a rock or other underwater obstacle.

[0051] Preferably, the support structure (22) includes a flow aid (27). The flow aid (27) is arranged on the support surfaces (23) between the projections (26). Through recesses in the material, the water can flow more quickly under the adjacent membrane (21) at the locations of the flow aid (27) and expand the membrane.

[0052] Further embodiments of the invention consist of different combinations of the features described above. The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated. Reference symbol list

[0053] 1 Water cross-country ski pole 2 Push-off device 3 Shaft 4 Handle 21 Membrane 22 Support structure 23 Support surfaces 23a Outer edges of the support surfaces 24 Fastening means 25 Edge protection strip 26 Projection 27 Flow aid 31 Shaft flange 32 Groove VS impulse motion VZ tension motion VStorage volume W water (surface)

Claims

1. Cross-country ski-type water pole for propulsion on a water sports equipment, wherein the cross-country ski-type water pole (1) comprises a push drive device (2), a shaft (3), and a grip (4), wherein the push drive device (2) comprises a membrane (21) and a support structure (22), characterized in that the support structure (22) is rigid and comprises at least two intersecting supporting surfaces (23) arranged in at least two intersecting planes, wherein the membrane (21) is fastened to the outer edges (23a) of the at least two supporting surfaces (23).

2. Cross-country ski-type water pole according to claim 1, wherein the at least two supporting surfaces are designed as metal sheets.

3. Cross-country ski-type water pole according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supporting surfaces (23) spread the membrane (21), in particular an accumulation volume (V) being formed in the membrane, open in at least two intersecting planes.

4. Cross-country ski-type water pole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the membrane (21) is fabricated from a fabric, preferably a tear-resistant fabric.

5. Cross-country ski-type water pole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the membrane (21) is flow-flexible.

6. Cross-country ski-type water pole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the push drive device (2) is designed to form an accumulation volume (V), which in particular is spread open by the outer edges of the supporting surfaces (23) and / or is dimensionally stable, between the membrane (21) and the supporting structure (22) during a thrusting motion (VS) of the cross-country ski-type water pole (1) through a liquid medium (W).

7. Cross-country ski-type water pole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the push drive device (2) is designed such that, during a pulling motion (VZ) of the cross-country ski-type water pole (1) through a liquid medium (W), the membrane (21) is laminarly lying against the supporting surfaces (23), wherein the membrane lying against the supporting surface (23) forms a hydrofoil (T).

8. Cross-country ski-type water pole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer edges (23a) of the supporting surfaces (23) are set at an angle between 20 degrees and 90 degrees, preferably 45 degrees, to the axis of the shaft (3).

9. Cross-country ski-type water pole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the membrane (21) is circular or annular in shape and / or the membrane (21) has recesses (28) for non-slip fastening to the supporting surfaces (23).

10. Cross-country ski-type water pole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting surfaces (23) have holding lugs on their outer edges (23a) which can be inserted into recesses (28) in the membrane (21).

11. Cross-country ski-type water pole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the push drive device (2) comprises edge protection strips (25) for protecting the membrane (21) at the outer edges (23a) of the supporting surfaces (23).

12. Cross-country ski-type water pole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting surfaces (23) have protrusions (26) which protrude beyond the area covered by the membrane (21) on the supporting surface (23) in order to protect against impacts on solid bodies in the direction of thrusting (VS).

13. Cross-country ski-type water pole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting surface (23) between the outer edge (23a) and the axis of the shaft (3) comprises an incident flow aid (27) with a recess that protrudes below the contact surface of the membrane (21).

14. Cross-country ski-type water pole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (3) is designed as a telescopic tube and / or the grip (4) comprises at least one waterproof buoyancy volume.

15. Cross-country ski-type water pole according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (22), in particular the supporting surfaces (23), is fastened to the shaft (3) by means of a flange (31), wherein the flange (31) comprises a tube fastening portion for fastening to the shaft (3), a groove (32) for accommodation of the membrane (21), and a fastening portion for fastening the support structure (22).

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