Mountaineering ice axe

Abstract

The invention relates to an ice axe (1) comprising a head (2) and a handle (4), the head extending from the handle, the head comprising an anchoring blade (20) mounted on the handle, the head also comprising an accessory (30) movably mounted on said anchoring blade of the head of the ice axe, said accessory being adapted to be moved between a first position, in which said accessory forms a hook, and a second position, in which said accessory forms a hammer.

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUE DE L'INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention relates generally to mountaineering equipment.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a mountaineering ice axe. ARRIERE-PLAN TECHNOLOGIQUE DE L'INVENTION

[0003] Mountaineering ice axes are tools generally used for climbing mountain slopes. They are particularly used for climbing ice or hard snow slopes.

[0004] Typically, a mountaineering ice axe consists of a head and a shaft. The head of the ice axe has, on its front part, an elongated pick designed to penetrate ice and provide effective anchoring in ice or hard snow. On the rear part of the head, opposite the pick, the ice axe has either an adze or a hammer. The adze is used, in particular, to dig into snow or remove sections of ice that would otherwise obstruct the secure placement of the elongated pick. The hammer is used, for example, to drive pitons into rock.

[0005] Generally, during a hike or expedition, a mountaineer carries an ice axe with a hammer and another with an adze, which adds considerable weight. Furthermore, the presence of two elongated blades (each attached to a separate ice axe) increases the risk of snagging on a rock face and can therefore endanger the mountaineer during their ascent.

[0006] Ice axes are also known for their interchangeable adze and hammer. Depending on their needs, the user can choose to equip their ice axe with either the adze or the hammer. This is advantageous because it allows the climber to carry only one ice axe. However, this design requires a specific tool to remove the adze from the head of the ice axe and replace it with the hammer (and vice versa). Therefore, the climber must always carry this tool. Furthermore, this removal and reinstallation of the adze and hammer requires the use of fasteners such as screws, which can easily be lost during the process (since the adze or hammer cannot be attached without these screws, that part of the ice axe becomes unusable). RESUME DE L'INVENTION

[0007] The present invention therefore proposes an ice axe for mountaineering having both a pick and a hammer and which does not require disassembly and reassembly operations to switch from one to the other.

[0008] One aspect of the invention thus relates to an ice axe comprising a head and a handle, the head extending from the handle, the head comprising an anchoring blade mounted on the handle, the head also comprising an accessory movablely mounted on said anchoring blade of the head of the ice axe, said accessory being adapted to be moved between a first position, in which said accessory forms an adze, and a second position, in which said accessory forms a hammer.

[0009] Thus, advantageously according to the invention, the mountaineering ice axe functions as both an adze and a hammer without requiring disassembly (for example, using a tool). The use of this ice axe is very easy, as a simple press by the user transforms the adze into a hammer and vice versa.

[0010] Furthermore, the mountaineering ice axe according to the invention is lightweight, making it easily transportable during an expedition.

[0011] In addition to the characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the mountaineering ice axe according to the invention may have one or more additional characteristics from among the following, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations: the accessory is mounted to rotate freely on the anchor blade; the head includes a locking system adapted to lock the accessory in the first or second position; said accessory includes a plate intended to form, in the first position, the peen and, in the second position, the hammer, the plate being provided with an inner surface, a locking part extending from the inner surface of the accessory plate, the locking system includes a stop portion adapted to abut against an edge of a first notch formed in the locking part to lock the accessory in the first position, said stop portion being adapted to abut against another edge of a second notch formed in the locking part to lock the accessory in the second position;The stop portion includes a side wall forming an angle with a base surface of the stop portion, the side wall being adapted to, on the one hand, abut against the edge of the first notch formed in the locking portion to lock the accessory in the first position and, on the other hand, abut against the other edge of the second notch formed in the locking portion to lock the accessory in the second position; the locking system includes a shoulder from which the stop portion extends, said shoulder being adapted to abut against a bearing surface of the locking portion; the head includes a connecting portion mounted on the handle, the connecting portion includes an elastic deformation means allowing the unlocking and locking of the accessory in the first or second position when pressure is exerted on the locking system;The said accessory comprises a plate intended to form, in the first position, the adze and, in the second position, the hammer; the plate being provided with an inner surface; the plate comprising at least one support block adapted to bear against the handle of the mountaineering ice axe when the accessory is in the second position; the handle comprising a longitudinal slot formed with respect to the said accessory; the longitudinal slot receiving a part of the anchor blade, the support block being adapted to bear against said part of the anchor blade; and the accessory comprising a metallic material. BREVE DESCRIPTION DES FIGURES

[0012] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description, which can be read in conjunction with the figures. These figures are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 represents a schematic overall perspective view of a mountaineering ice axe according to the invention, [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 represents a partial schematic perspective view of the mountaineering ice axe of the figure 1 with the accessory positioned in a first position, [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 represents a partial schematic rear view of the mountaineering ice axe of the figure 2 , [ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 represents a partial schematic perspective view of the mountaineering ice axe of the figure 1 with the accessory positioned in a second position, [ Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 represents a partial schematic perspective view of a portion of the mountaineering ice axe according to the invention with the accessory positioned in the first position, [ Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 represents, from another point of view, the part of the mountaineering ice axe of the figure 5 , [ Fig. 7 ] There figure 7 represents a partial schematic perspective view of a portion of the mountaineering ice axe according to the invention with the accessory positioned in the second position, [ Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 represents a schematic view of a locking system included in the mountaineering ice axe according to the invention, [ Fig. 9 ] There figure 9 represents a schematic cross-sectional view of part of a mountaineering ice axe when the locking system is not cooperating with the accessory, [ Fig. 10 ] There figure 10 represents a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the mountaineering ice axe when the locking system cooperates with the accessory to lock it in the first or second position, and [ Fig. 11 ] There figure 11 represents a partial schematic perspective view of the accessory positioned in the second position.

[0013] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference symbols across all figures. DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE

[0014] The present invention aims to improve the structure of a mountaineering ice axe so that it incorporates the functions of an adze and a hammer without requiring disassembly with specialized tools. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a mountaineering ice axe that is easy to use and relatively lightweight (making it easily transportable during an expedition).

[0015] There figure 1 represents a schematic overall perspective view of an ice axe 1 according to the invention. In this description, the ice axe 1 is also referred to as "ice axe 1".

[0016] As can be seen on the figure 1 , the mountaineering ice axe 1 comprises a head 2 and a handle 4. Here is defined a longitudinal direction L along which the mountaineering ice axe 1 extends globally and a transverse direction T orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L.

[0017] The head 2 of the mountaineering ice axe 1 includes a connecting part 10, an anchoring blade 20 and an accessory 30.

[0018] The connecting part 10 is positioned between the anchoring blade 20 and the accessory 30. The connecting part 10 is fitted into the handle 4, which is a hollow tube. In practice, the connecting part 10 is, for example, mounted onto the handle 4 by snapping it into place. Alternatively, the connecting part 10 is, for example, fixed to the handle 4, here by means of a rivet (not visible in the figures). The cross-section of the connecting part 10 is preferably non-circular, for example oval or elliptical, so as to prevent the head 2 from rotating relative to the handle 4. The connecting part 10 comprises, for example, a polymer material or a metallic material. The connecting part 10 comprises, for example, an aluminum alloy.

[0019] The connecting part 10 is also adapted to prevent rotational and compressional movements of the anchor blade 20. The connecting part 10 also has an aesthetic role and also improves user comfort when handling the ice axe 1.

[0020] The anchor blade 20 forms one end of the head 2 of the mountaineering ice axe 1. This anchor blade 20 is formed by an elongated blade. The anchor blade 20 is made of a metallic material, for example, high-strength steel.

[0021] As is particularly evident on the figure 2 The anchoring blade 20 comprises a first portion 22 with openings (not visible in the figures) adapted to cooperate with corresponding openings in the connecting portion 10, thus enabling cooperation between the anchoring blade 20 and the connecting portion 10. The anchoring blade 20 cooperates, for example, with the connecting portion 10 by means of a rivet (not shown). This rivet also allows the connecting portion 10 to be attached to the handle 4. In other words, the anchoring blade 20 is attached to the handle 4, for example, via this rivet. Generally, the anchoring blade 20 is fitted onto the handle 4.

[0022] As can be seen on the figures 1, 2 And 4The anchor blade 20 includes a second part 24 adapted to ensure anchoring in ice or hard snow. This second part 24 of the anchor blade 20 is provided, along a lower edge 25, with a plurality of teeth 26 allowing the climbing ice axe 1 to be anchored in ice or hard snow.

[0023] As depicted on the figures 1 à 7 , 9 à 11The head 2 of the climbing ice axe 1 includes the accessory 30 located opposite the anchor blade 20. Advantageously, according to the invention, the accessory 30 is intended to form either an adze 30a or a hammer 30b of the climbing ice axe 1. For this purpose, the accessory 30 is mounted to move relative to the anchor blade 20. In this description, "mounted to move" means that the two elements concerned are fixed to each other and that movement of one relative to the other is permitted despite this fixing (the movement is therefore possible without any dismantling of the fixing holding the two parts). In other words, the accessory 30 is fixed to the anchor blade 20 and is movable relative to this anchor blade without it being necessary to dismantle the fixing that holds them.

[0024] It is then adapted to be moved between a first position (represented for example on the figure 2 ) in which accessory 30 forms the 30a fault, and a second position (visible in particular on the figure 1 ) in which the accessory 30 forms the hammer 30b. This is for example a translational or rotational movement.

[0025] More specifically here, the accessory 30 is mounted to rotate freely on the anchor blade 20. It is mounted to rotate freely around an axis A (visible on the figures 3 à 7 ) parallel to the transverse direction T. Thus, the accessory 30 is adapted to be moved in rotation around this axis A between a first position (represented for example on the figure 2 ) in which accessory 30 forms the 30a fault, and a second position (visible in particular on the figure 1 in which the accessory 30 forms the hammer 30b. Advantageously, according to the invention, the accessory 30 allows for the formation of both a peen system and a hammer system. In other words, thanks to the rotational movement of the accessory 30, the peen 30a can be transformed into a hammer 30b and vice versa. This transformation is carried out without any disassembly and is particularly easy to perform because it relies solely on this rotational movement.

[0026] More specifically here, accessory 30 is in the form of a plate 32 with a curved end 33. Plate 32 also includes an outer surface 32a and an inner surface 32b, opposite the outer surface 32a. The term "inner surface" here refers to the part of the plate facing the handle of the ice axe. In other words, it is the part of accessory 30 that faces the handle 4 of the ice axe 1 when accessory 30 functions as a hammer 30b. In the case of the adze 30a, the inner surface 32b of plate 32 is the part of plate 32 oriented towards the handle 4 of the mountaineering ice axe 1.

[0027] In the first position, the curved end 33 allows, in particular, the functions of the peen 30a (namely, that it allows, in particular, digging in ice or hard snow, for example). In the second position, the outer surface 32a forms a hammer surface that allows, for example, driving pitons.

[0028] Here, plate 32 includes a metallic material. This could be, for example, steel, aluminum, or titanium.

[0029] As depicted on the figures 3 And 5 à 7The plate 32 includes a locking portion 34 and a mounting portion 35 extending from the inner surface 32b. The locking portion 34 and the mounting portion 35 allow, in particular, the attachment of the accessory 30 to the anchor blade 20. In particular, the locking portion 34 is provided with an opening 34a. The mounting part 35 is also provided with an opening 35a formed opposite the opening 34a of the locking part 34. The attachment of the accessory 30 to the anchor blade 20 is then effected by means of a mounting means (not visible in the figures) cooperating with the opening 34a of the locking part 34 and with the opening 35a of the mounting part 35. This mounting means is, for example, a rivet inserted through the opening 34a of the locking part 34 and the opening 35a of the mounting part 35.

[0030] As depicted on the figure 11 The first part 22 of the anchor blade 20 is also provided with an opening 22a. This first part 22 of the anchor blade 20 is positioned between the locking part 34 and the mounting part 35 such that the opening 22a of the first part 22 of the anchor blade 20 is positioned opposite the opening 34a of the locking part 34 and the opening 35a of the mounting part 35. The mounting means (for example, a rivet) for attaching the accessory 30 to the anchor blade 20 also cooperates with this opening 22a of the first part 22 of the anchor blade 20. This arrangement notably strengthens the head 2 of the climbing ice axe 1 and also reduces the bulk of this head 2.

[0031] In practice, the axis A around which the accessory 30 rotates relative to the anchor blade 20 passes through the center of the holes 22a, 34a, 35a - visible on the figure 11 ). However, it is recalled here that the anchor blade 20 cooperates in a fixed manner with the handle 4 (therefore no movement is permitted here for the anchor blade 20).

[0032] Here, the locking part 34 takes the form of a portion of a cylinder extending from the inner surface 32b of the plate 32. As can be seen in particular on the figure 7 The portion of the cylinder forming the locking part 34 is here truncated, parallel to the axis of the cylinder (extending parallel to axis A). The truncated part is positioned at the level of the inner surface 32b of the plate 32.

[0033] As can be seen on the figure 7 , the portion of the cylinder forming the locking part 34 comprises a first bearing surface 33b, a second bearing surface 33c, opposite the first bearing surface 33b, and a lateral surface 33a extending between the first bearing surface 33b and the second bearing surface 33c.

[0034] Advantageously, according to the invention, the locking part 34 comprises a first notch 36 and a second notch 37 (visible on the figure 5 (for example). The first notch 36 and the second notch 37 are formed in the cylinder portion from the lateral surface 33a of this cylinder portion. The first notch 36 and the second notch 37 respectively allow the accessory 30 to be locked in the first position (so as to form the peen) or in the second position (so as to form the hammer).

[0035] For this purpose, the first notch 36 and the second notch 37 are adapted to cooperate with a locking system 40. Advantageously, the head 2 of the mountaineering ice axe 1 includes the locking system 40 adapted to cooperate with the accessory 30 (and more particularly with the locking part 34 of the plate 32) to lock the accessory 30 in the first position or in the second position.

[0036] The locking system 40 includes, for example, a metallic material. Preferably, this is steel, titanium, or aluminum.

[0037] More specifically, the locking system 40 is presented here in the form of a generally oblong piece with an actuating head 42, a body 44 and a lug 48. Alternatively, this piece may have a generally cylindrical shape.

[0038] The locking system 40, for example, here has the shape of a pin in the mechanical sense. This locking system 40 allows the rotation of the accessory 30 to be blocked, either in the first position or in the second position.

[0039] As described in more detail below, the actuating head 42 is adapted to allow the transformation of the accessory 40 from the purlin (first position of the accessory 30) into a hammer (second position of the accessory 30) and vice versa when an operator exerts a pressure P in the transverse direction T on this actuating head 42.

[0040] As depicted on the figures 5 à 7 The body 44 here presents a generally elliptical cross-section. It could, of course, have a cylindrical cross-section or any other shape with the characteristics described below.

[0041] The body 44 includes a notch 45 forming a transverse groove in this body 44. This notch 45 allows the locking part 34 to rotate when the peen is transformed into a hammer and vice versa (as explained below) without causing any interference or friction between the locking part 34 and the locking system 40. This notch 45 includes two opposing lateral walls 45a (extending transversely to the body 44) and a bottom wall 45b (extending parallel to a longitudinal direction of the body 44).

[0042] Advantageously, a portion of the stop 46 extends, inside the notch 45, from one of the lateral walls 45a. Here, the portion of the stop 46 is formed from the lateral wall 45a of the notch 45 furthest from the actuating head 42. This portion of the stop 46 is adapted to abut against an edge 36a of the first notch 36 (formed in the locking part 34) to lock the accessory 30 in the first position so as to obtain a mountaineering ice axe 1 equipped with the adze 30a. This portion of the stop 46 is also adapted to abut against an edge 37a ( figure 3 ) of the second notch 37 so as to lock the accessory 30 in the second position in order to obtain the same mountaineering ice axe 1 but with the hammer 30b. In other words, the stop portion 46 cooperates with the edge 36a, 37a of either the first notch 36 or the second notch 37 so as to lock the accessory 30 in the first or second position.

[0043] More specifically here, the cooperation takes place between a side wall 46a of the stop portion 46, which is adapted to bear against the edge 36a of the first notch 36 to lock the accessory 30 in the first position (putter 30a) or against the edge 37a of the second notch 37 to lock the accessory 30 in the second position (hammer 30b).

[0044] Preferably here, the lateral wall 46a of the stop portion 46 forms a non-right angle α with the lateral wall 45a of the notch 45 (visible on the figure 8 ). In other words, the lateral wall 46a of the stop portion 46 does not extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the body 44 but is inclined relative to this longitudinal direction of the body 44. This is particularly advantageous because the use of such an inclined surface (corresponding to an indexing surface) to form the locking stop function makes it possible to compensate for any manufacturing or wear play that could damage the locking mechanism (and therefore hinder the proper functioning of the mountaineering ice axe according to the invention by preventing the accessory from locking in the first or second position).

[0045] This angle α is preferably less than 45 degrees (°), for example between 10 and 20°. Even more preferably, this angle α is on the order of 12°.

[0046] Furthermore, as can be seen on the figures 5 And 8 à 11, the locking system 40 also includes a shoulder 47 formed at the side wall 45a of the notch 45 from which the stop portion 46 extends. In other words, the shoulder 47 is formed at the base of the stop portion 46 (therefore opposite the free end of the stop portion 46). This shoulder 47 is particularly advantageous because it provides a suitable bearing surface to abut against the first bearing surface 33b of the locking part 34 in the event that the stop portion 46 is too worn and can no longer abut against the edge 36a, 37a of the first notch 36 or the second notch 37. In other words, the shoulder 47 forms a backup part which still allows the accessory 30 to be locked in the first or second position, even if the stop portion 46 is worn.

[0047] Finally, the locking system 40 also includes the lug 48 positioned at the end of the body 44, opposite the actuating head 42. This lug 48 notably allows to maintain an elastic deformation means 50 (described below) in thrust against the locking system 40.

[0048] Here, the lug 48 has a cylindrical shape but any other shape allowing the elastic deformation means 50 to be retained can be used.

[0049] Alternatively, this lug could be omitted (the elastic deformation means would then be maintained solely by bearing on the connecting part).

[0050] As depicted on the figures 9 et 10 , the linking part 10 also includes the elastic deformation means 50 cooperating with the locking system 40 so as to allow the locking and unlocking of the accessory 30 during its movement between the first position and the second position (and vice versa).

[0051] Here, this elastic deformation means 50 is in the form of a spring positioned around the lug 48, at the end of the body 44, opposite the actuating head 42. The spring therefore extends between an inner wall of the connecting part 10 and the end of the body 44, opposite the actuating head 42. The spring is therefore in contact with the connecting part 10.

[0052] This example involves a compression spring with an axis parallel to the transverse direction T. Here, the spring's rest position corresponds to its state when the accessory 30 is locked in the first or second position. The spring exhibits a thrust force equivalent to approximately 300 grams. The spring's length is less than 2 centimeters (cm), preferably on the order of 1 centimeter.

[0053] More specifically, when accessory 30 is locked in the first or second position, the spring remains compressed to ensure easy operation of the locking system ( figure 10 ). During the rotational movement of the accessory (to transform the peen 30a into a hammer 30b and vice versa), the spring is further compressed to allow the accessory 30 to move.

[0054] Thus, the assembly formed by the elastic deformation means 50 and the locking system allows the accessory 30 to be locked in the first position (so as to obtain the peen) or in the second position (to obtain the hammer).

[0055] Furthermore, as can be seen on the figures 2 , 7 And 11 Accessory 30 also includes at least one support block 39. This support block 39 extends from the inner surface 32b of the plate 32. The support block 39 is designed to bear against the handle 4 of the ice axe 1 when accessory 30 is in the second position. This reinforces the hammer 30b thus formed on the ice axe 1 and makes its hammer function effective.

[0056] In practice, the free end 39a of the support block 39 is shaped to fit the shaft 4 of the mountaineering ice axe 1. This allows for better distribution of forces when using the hammer 30b, and therefore increases the rigidity and strength of the accessory when used as a hammer. The forces are then transmitted directly to the anchor blade rather than to the rivet in the shaft of the mountaineering ice axe.

[0057] Here, accessory 30 includes two support pads 39. This allows the hammer 30b itself to be reinforced even more, by distributing the forces from the impacts suffered on the hammer 30b even more.

[0058] The handle 4 is presented here as a hollow tube, extending generally along the longitudinal direction L. Here, the handle 4 has a slightly curved shape allowing for better grip on the mountaineering ice axe 1 by its user. However, the handle can, of course, be straight, particularly depending on the intended use.

[0059] The handle 4 comprises a metallic material. Preferably, this is a lightweight metallic material, such as aluminum, to facilitate the use and transport of the mountaineering ice axe 1.

[0060] The handle length depends, for example, on the user's height. This length typically ranges from 40 to 80 cm. Regarding its oblong cross-section, the dimension along the minor axis typically ranges from 15 to 25 millimeters (mm), while the dimension along the major axis typically ranges from 25 to 35 mm.

[0061] Optionally, the handle may include, at its free end, a spike 5 (visible on the figure 1 ). This spike 5 allows the user, for example, to lean on the ice axe 1 and use it as a pole (by planting it, for example, in the snow or in the ice).

[0062] Advantageously, according to the invention, the handle 4 includes a longitudinal slot 7 formed opposite the accessory 30. More particularly, the longitudinal slot 7 is formed directly above the accessory 30. The longitudinal slot has, for example, a width on the order of a few millimeters, preferably greater than 3 millimeters (mm). Furthermore, the length of the longitudinal slot 7 is greater than 2 cm. Preferably, this length is between 2 and 6 cm.

[0063] This longitudinal slot 7 is adapted to accommodate a portion 23 of the anchor blade 20. Thanks to this arrangement, the forces, when using the hammer 30b, will be mainly distributed on the portion 23 of the anchor blade 20. The support pads 39 then bear on this portion 23 of the anchor blade 20 rather than on the handle 4. This is particularly advantageous because, as the anchor blade 20 is made of a more rigid and resistant material than the handle 4, the risks of damage to the handle 4, when using the ice axe 1 with the hammer 30b, are reduced.

[0064] The use of the mountaineering ice axe 1 according to the invention and having both a 30a adze and a 30b hammer without the need for any disassembly is now described.

[0065] A user presses (therefore exerts a pressure P in the transverse direction T) on the actuating head 42 of the locking system 40 ( figure 9 This pressure P causes the body 44 of the locking system 40 to move along the transverse direction T. The displaced body 44 of the locking system 40 pushes the spring 50, thereby releasing the interaction between the stop portion 46 and the locking portion 34 in either the first or second position. In other words, the transverse displacement of the locking system 40 allows the accessory 30 to rotate (and thus move between the first and second positions).

[0066] In the first position (represented for example on the figure 10 ), the edge 36a of the first notch 36 cooperates with the side wall 46a of the stop portion 46 so as to lock the accessory 30 in the first position. The pressure is released by the user, the spring then returns to a less compressed position by pushing the body 44 of the locking system 40, in the transverse direction, so that the stop portion 46 comes to rest against the edge 36a of the first notch 36 ( figure 10 ). The actuation head 42 then protrudes from the connecting part 10. The mountaineering ice axe 1 here presents the function of a belay.

[0067] If the user wishes to change the function of the accessory 30, they press the actuating head 42 of the locking system 40 again (by again applying pressure P in the transverse direction T). The body 44 of the locking system 40 is then moved transversely again to allow the accessory 30 to rotate.

[0068] In the second position (partially visible on the figure 7The edge 37a of the second notch 37 cooperates with the lateral wall 46a of the stop portion 46, so as to lock the accessory 30 in the second position. The pressure is released by the user, and the spring then returns to a less compressed position by pushing the body 44 of the locking system 40, in the transverse direction, so that the stop portion comes to rest against the edge 37a of the second notch 37. The actuating head 42 of the locking system 40 then protrudes from the connecting part 10. The climbing ice axe 1 here functions as a hammer. The support pads 39 then bear against the part 23 of the anchor blade 20 so as not to damage the handle 4 when the hammer 30b is used.

[0069] It should be noted here that in practice, the support blocks may slightly rest on the handle but the majority of the forces remain distributed on the anchoring blade.

[0070] Finally, and advantageously, the mountaineering ice axe according to the invention combines the functions of an adze and a hammer without requiring disassembly. The axe is very easy to use, as a simple twist transforms the adze into a hammer and vice versa. Furthermore, the locking system is designed in shape, arrangement, and dimensions to ensure effective locking in either position. The accessory itself, which provides the adze or hammer function, is also specifically designed to guarantee the effectiveness of both functions, as well as the strength and durability of the mountaineering ice axe.

[0071] In an alternative design not shown, the side wall of the stop portion forms a right angle with the side wall of the notch. In other words, the side wall of the stop portion extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the body. In this case, and to compensate for any manufacturing or wear play that might prevent the accessory from locking properly in the first or second position, the edges of the first and second notches have inclined surfaces forming a non-right angle with the bearing surface of the locking portion. In other words, the stop portion engages with the inclined edge of either the first or second notch to lock the accessory in the first or second position.

Claims

1. Mountaineering ice axe (1) comprising a head (2) and a shaft (4), the head (2) extending from the shaft (4), the head (2) comprising an anchor blade (20) mounted on the shaft (4), the head (2) also comprising an accessory (30) movably mounted on said anchor blade (20) of the head (2) of the ice axe (1), said accessory (30) being adapted to be moved between a first position, in which said accessory (30) forms an adze (30a), and a second position, in which said accessory (30) forms a hammer (30b).

2. Mountaineering ice axe (1) according to claim 1, wherein the accessory (30) is mounted movably in rotation on the anchor blade (20).

3. Mountaineering ice axe (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the head (2) includes a locking system (40) adapted to lock the accessory (30) in the first position or in the second position.

4. Mountaineering ice axe (1) according to claim 3, wherein said accessory (30) comprises a plate (32) intended to form, in the first position, the adze (30a) and, in the second position, the hammer (30b), the plate (32) being provided with an inner surface (32b), a locking portion (34) extending from the inner surface (32b) of the plate (32) of the accessory (30), the locking system (40) comprising a stop portion (46) adapted to abut against an edge (36a) of a first notch (36) formed in the locking portion (34) to lock the accessory (30) in the first position, said stop portion (46) being adapted to abut against another edge (37a) of a second notch (37) formed in the locking portion (34) to lock the accessory (30) in second position.

5. Mountaineering ice axe (1) according to claim 4, wherein the stop portion (46) comprises a side wall (46a) forming an angle (α) with a base surface of the stop portion (46), the side wall (46a) being adapted to, on the one hand, come against the edge (36a) of the first notch (36) formed in the locking part (34) to lock the accessory (30) in the first position and, on the other hand, come against the other edge (37a) of the second notch (37) formed in the locking part (34) to lock the accessory (30) in the second position.

6. Mountaineering ice axe (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the locking system (40) comprises a shoulder (47) from which the stop portion (46) extends, said shoulder (47) being adapted to come into contact with a bearing surface (33b) of the locking portion (34).

7. Mountaineering ice axe (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the head (2) includes a connecting part (10) mounted on the handle (4), the connecting part (10) includes an elastic deformation means (50) allowing the unlocking and locking of the accessory (30) in the first position or in the second position when a pressure (P) is exerted on the locking system (40).

8. Mountaineering ice axe (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said accessory (30) comprises a plate (32) intended to form, in the first position, the adze (30a) and, in the second position, the hammer (30b), the plate (32) being provided with an inner surface (32b), the plate (32) comprising at least one support block (39) adapted to bear against the handle (4) of the mountaineering ice axe (1) when the accessory (30) is in the second position.

9. Mountaineering ice axe (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the handle (4) includes a longitudinal slot (7) formed with regard to said accessory (30).

10. Mountaineering ice axe (1) according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the longitudinal slot (7) receives a part (23) of the anchor blade (20), the support block (39) being adapted to bear against said part (23) of the anchor blade (20).

11. Mountaineering ice axe (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the accessory (30) comprises a metallic material.

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