Slalom pole

Abstract

A slalom pole (1) having a tube (2), a tip (4), a joint (3) and a sleeve (71) comprising a connecting portion (73) adapted to be inserted inside an end portion of the tube (2) is described. The end portion of the tube (2) has an inner surface which comprises a plurality of first straight longitudinal ribs (23), and the connecting portion (73) of the sleeve (71) has an outer surface which comprises a plurality of second straight longitudinal ribs (76) adapted to be coupled to the first straight longitudinal ribs (23).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the fields of skiing poles In particular, the present invention relates to an hinged skiing pole, more particularly, a slalom pole, which can be used in skiing competitions.PRIOR ART

[0002] In the 1970s hinged skiing poles were introduced in order to mark out the trajectories in skiing competitions. These poles are equipped with a joint so as to ensure that said poles, when a skier passes by them, may be bent over by the impact with the skier's poles and legs.

[0003] Figure 1 shows a cross-section through the end portion of a typical hinged skiing pole 1' (in particular, a slalom pole). The slalom pole 1' comprises a hollow tube 2', a joint 3 and a fixing tip 4' (or simply, tip) which is inserted into the snow and allows the slalom pole to be secured in the ground. The joint 3' is coupled to an end portion of the tube 2', in particular its bottom end portion, and to the tip 4' in order to provide the pole with the necessary flexibility. The tube is the element which basically has the function of marking out the race track in visible manner for the skier.

[0004] The joint 3' may be of the metal or plastic type. Figure 1 shows in schematic form a metal joint of the known type. A metal joint such as that shown in Figure 1 typically comprises a pair of springs 51', 52' which are connected by means of a tie-rod with chain made of steel. The springs 51', 52' ensure that the pole returns into the vertical position after it has been made to bend by the skier. A series of ring elements 6' is present between the bottom end of the tube 2' and the tip 4' and these ensure correct bending of the joint.

[0005] The slalom pole 1' also comprises a pair of sleeves 71', 72'. Each sleeve 71', 72' houses a respective spring 51', 52'. When the slalom pole is assembled, each sleeve 71', 72' is inserted, respectively in the bottom end portion of the tube 2' and in the tip 4'. Typically, the inner surface of the tube 2' and the outer surface of the sleeve 71' are smooth surfaces.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The inventor has noted that it could be advantageous to provide the tube of an hinged skiing pole, in particular a slalom pole, with internal ribs, so as to increase the rigidity and the bending resistance thereof without increasing its weight. The increase in the rigidity and resistance of a slalom pole would in fact result advantageously in a reduction in the so-called "whiplash effect", i.e. the effect acting on the skier during bending of a slalom pole which is too flexible.

[0007] The Applicant has therefore considered the problem of providing an hinged skiing pole, in particular a slalom pole, which has a greater rigidity compared to the hinged skiing poles according to the present state of the art, without this however resulting in an increase in the weight of the pole. In particular, according to the Applicant, the rigidity of the slalom pole may be improved by providing a tube which has, on its inner surface, longitudinal ribs and a corresponding sleeve comprising a connecting portion which can be associated with an end portion of said tube, wherein said connecting portion comprises on its outer surface longitudinal ribs which can be coupled to the ribs of the tube. The term "longitudinal rib" of the tube or the sleeve is understood as meaning a relief or projection which projects from the inner or outer surface of the object considered and which extends along a longitudinal direction of the object itself. The ribs of the tube and the sleeve, in particular, are straight longitudinal ribs.

[0008] The expression "longitudinal ribs which can be coupled to the ribs of the tube" or "longitudinal ribs adapted to be coupled to the ribs of the tube", referring to the ribs present on the outer surface of the sleeve, is understood as meaning that these ribs have a cross-section, the shape and dimensions of which are suitable for coupling with the ribs present on the inner surface of the tube, in particular so that, when the sleeve is slid inside the end portion of the tube, the ribs of the said sleeve are housed inside the grooves formed between the inner ribs of the tube and vice versa so that the ribs of the tube are housed inside the grooves formed between the ribs of the sleeve.

[0009] According to the present invention, a slalom pole is provided, said slalom pole comprising: a tube; a tip configured to be inserted in the snow; a joint configured to be coupled to an end portion of the tube and to the tip; and a sleeve comprising a connecting portion adapted to be inserted in the end portion of the tube, wherein the end portion of the tube has an inner surface which comprises a plurality of first straight longitudinal ribs, and the connecting portion of the sleeve has an outer surface which comprises a plurality of second straight longitudinal ribs adapted to be coupled to the first straight longitudinal ribs.

[0010] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first ribs are uniformly spaced along the perimeter of the cross-section of the inner surface of the tube.

[0011] Preferably, each of the first ribs is located at a predefined angular distance from any of the adjacent ribs, the predefined angular distance being comprised between 12° and 90°.

[0012] Preferably, the height of each of the first ribs is comprised between 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0013] According to embodiments of the present invention, the second ribs are also uniformly spaced along the perimeter of the cross-section of the outer surface of connecting portion of the sleeve.

[0014] Preferably, the second ribs are tapered.

[0015] Preferably, the connecting portion of the sleeve comprises, at the edge of a free end thereof, one or more notches.

[0016] Preferably, the tube comprises a polycarbonate. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the tube also comprises an elastomer.

[0017] Preferably, the sleeve comprises a polyamide.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description, provided purely by way of a non-limiting example, to be read with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 shows in schematic form the end portion of a known hinged skiing pole; Figure 2 shows in schematic form the end portion of a slalom pole according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows in schematic form a longitudinal portion of the tube of a slalom pole according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a cross-section view of the tube according to Figure 3; Figure 5 shows in schematic form a sleeve of a slalom pole according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a longitudinal view of the sleeve according to Figure 5; and Figure 7 is a cross-section view along the plane A-A' of the sleeve according to Figure 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0019] In the present description and the claims, unless otherwise specified, all the numbers and numerical values mentioned are to be understood as being preceded by the term "about". Moreover, all the numerical ranges mentioned include any combination of the maximum and minimum values described and include any intermediate range within them, irrespective as to whether these ranges are explicitly described in the present description.

[0020] The present invention, as mentioned above, relates to an hinged skiing pole, in particular a slalom pole. Typically, these poles are used to mark out the race track in a skiing competition (in particular, a giant slalom or special slalom race).

[0021] Hereinbelow, by way of example, some embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 2-7.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a cross-section through the end portion of a slalom pole 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slalom pole 1 comprises a hollow tube 2, a joint 3 and a tip 4 which is inserted in the snow and allows the pole to be secured in the ground. The joint 3 is coupled to an end portion of the tube 2, in particular its bottom end portion, and to the tip 4 in order to provide the pole with the necessary flexibility.

[0023] The joint 3 shown in schematic form in Figure 2 is a metal type joint. It comprises a pair of springs 51, 52 which are connected by means of a tie-rod with chain made of steel. A series of ring elements 6 is present between the bottom end of the tube 2 and the tip 4 and these ensure correct bending of the joint. The joint 3 will not be further described below since it consists of a known component, the detailed description of which is not of importance for the purposes of the present invention. However, it should be pointed out that, although the present description is based on a type of metal joint such as that schematically shown in Figure 2, purely by way of example, the present invention is applicable also to skiing poles of the plastic type, as will become clear from the description below. In a similar manner to the skiing pole with a metal joint, in fact, a skiing pole with a plastic type joint may comprise a tube and a sleeve which is inserted in the bottom end part of the tube.

[0024] The slalom pole 1 also comprises a pair of sleeves 71, 72. Each sleeve 71, 72 houses a respective spring 51, 52. When the slalom pole is assembled, each sleeve 71, 72 is coupled with, respectively, the bottom end portion of the tube 2 and the tip 4, namely is inserted, respectively, in the bottom end portion of the tube 2 and in the tip 4.

[0025] The present invention relates in particular to the tube 2 and the sleeve 71 for the bottom end portion of the tube itself. The sleeve 72 for the tip 4 is of the known type and will not be further described below.

[0026] Figures 3 and 4 shows, respectively, a longitudinal portion and a cross-section through the tube 2 of the slalom pole according to an embodiment of the present invention. The portion of the tube 2 shown in these Figures is the bottom end portion, namely the end portion which, when the slalom pole is assembled, is coupled with the sleeve 71.

[0027] The tube 2 is hollow and has an outer surface 21 and an inner surface 22. Both said surfaces have a cylindrical shape with circular cross-section.

[0028] The outer surface 21 of the tube 2 is preferably smooth. The outer diameter of the tube 2 is the diameter of the outer surface and is preferably comprised between 25 mm and 32 mm. In some preferred embodiments, said diameter may be equal to 27.60 mm or 31.40 mm. These dimensions correspond in fact to standard dimensions for slalom poles approved for use in World Cup skiing competitions organized by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

[0029] The inner surface 22 of the tube 2 comprises a plurality of longitudinal ribs 23. According to the embodiments of the present invention, the longitudinal ribs 23 of the inner surface of the tube 2 are straight. In particular, preferably, they extend over the entire length of the tube 2. Viewed in cross-section, each rib 23 has a substantially rectangular or trapezoidal shape. Grooves 24 extending in the longitudinal direction along the tube 2 are formed between the ribs 23.

[0030] The inner diameter of the tube 2 is the diameter of the circle inscribed within the tube 2 itself. The inner diameter of the tube 2 is preferably comprised between 21 mm and 25 mm. Said diameter is for example equal to 21.65 mm for tubes with an outer diameter of 27.60 mm and to 24.80 mm for tubes with an outer diameter of 31.40 mm. The thickness of the tube 2 at each rib (more simply "tube thickness") is comprised between 2 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0031] The depth of each groove 24 (which substantially corresponds to the height of each rib 23) is preferably comprised between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm; more preferably, it is comprised between 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm. Said depth is for example equal to 0.57 mm for tubes with an outer diameter of 27.60 mm and to 0.65 mm for tubes with an outer diameter of 31.40 mm.

[0032] As schematically shown in Figure 4, the ribs 23 are preferably arranged uniformly over the entire inner surface 22 of the tube 2, namely are uniformly spaced along the perimeter of the cross-section of the inner surface 22 of the tube 2. The ribs 23 in particular are located at a constant and predefined angular distance α (referred to also as pitch) from each other. In other words, the ribs 23 are angularly arranged equally spaced on the inner surface 22 of the tube 2 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube itself. The angular distance α is preferably comprised between 12° and 90°; the number of ribs may therefore vary between 4 and 30. For example, said angular distance may be equal to 24°. This angular distance corresponds to a number of ribs equal to 15.

[0033] The tube 2 preferably comprises a thermoplastic polymer material. According to some embodiments, the tube 2 is substantially made of such a thermoplastic polymer material. According to some embodiments, the tube 2 is made exclusively of such a thermoplastic polymer material. The thermoplastic polymer material of the tube is preferably a polycarbonate. The tube 2 may also comprise additives, such as one or more elastomers or the like, in order to increase the impact resistance and / or low-temperature resistance thereof. The tube 2 is preferably made by means of an extrusion process.

[0034] Figure 5 shows the sleeve 71 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a longitudinally section view of the sleeve 71 shown in Figure 5. The sleeve 71 comprises a connecting portion 73 and a ring portion, or collar, 74 which is connected to the connecting portion 73 at a first end thereof. The connecting portion 73 also has a second end opposite the first end and corresponding to the free end of the connecting portion 73. Figure 7 shows a cross-section through the connecting portion 73 along the plane A-A'.

[0035] The connecting portion 73 is a hollow tube. Said connecting portion 73 has an outer surface 75 and an inner surface with a cylindrical shape having a circular cross-section. The inner surface of the connecting portion 73 is preferably smooth.

[0036] The outer surface 75 of the connecting portion 73 comprises a plurality of longitudinal ribs 76 between which grooves 77 extending in the longitudinal direction along the sleeve 71 are formed. The ribs 76 of the sleeve 71 can be coupled to the ribs 23 present on the inner surface of the tube 2. In particular, according to embodiments of the present invention, the longitudinal ribs 76 of the outer surface of the connecting portion 73 of the sleeve 71 are straight. Moreover, according to some embodiments, they extend along the entire connecting portion 73 and have a substantially constant height. According to other embodiments, the ribs 76 are tapered. In particular, according to these embodiments, the ribs 76 have a height variable in a manner decreasing along the longitudinal direction from the first end of the connecting portion 73 to the free end. Viewed in cross-section, each rib 76 has a substantially rectangular or trapezoidal shape. The shape of the ribs 76 of the connecting portion 73 preferably corresponds to the shape of the ribs 23 of the tube 2.

[0037] The diameter of the outer surface 75 is the diameter of the circle circumscribed on the outside of the connecting portion 73. Said diameter may be substantially constant over the entire length of the connecting portion 73. According to other embodiments, the diameter of the outer surface is variable along the connecting portion 73 and, in particular, decreases from the first end of the connecting portion 73 towards the second end of the connecting portion 73. Similarly, the diameter of the inner surface may be substantially constant over the entire length of the connecting portion 73 or may vary along the connecting portion 73 in a manner similar to the diameter of the outer surface 75.

[0038] The ring portion 74 is a hollow tube. It preferably has an outer surface and an inner surface with a cylindrical shape having a circular cross-section. Both the surfaces are preferably smooth. The diameter of the outer surface of the ring portion 74 is greater than the diameter of the outer surface of the connecting portion 73 so as to form a surrounding rim at the first end of the connecting portion 73. The diameter of the outer surface of the ring portion 74 is preferably constant along the entire ring portion 74. The surrounding rim 78 has a preferably a width substantially equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the tube 2. The thickness of the ring portion 74 is preferably comprised between 2.2 mm and 5 mm.

[0039] The sleeve 71 has an overall length which may be comprised between 105 mm and 150 mm. In particular, the connecting portion 73 may have a length of between 85 mm and 125 mm, while the ring portion 74 may have a length of between 20 and 40 mm. For example, the overall length of the sleeve 71 may be 144.70 mm, the length of the connecting portion 73 may be 110.20 mm and the length of the ring portion 74 may be 34.50 mm.

[0040] The connecting portion 73 is configured to be coupled to the bottom end portion of the tube 2, as shown in Figure 2. In particular, when the connecting portion 73 is inserted in the bottom end portion of the tube 2, the ribs 76 of the connecting portion 73 slide inside the grooves 24 formed between the ribs 23 of the inner surface of the tube 2 (and likewise the ribs 23 of the inner surface of the tube 2 slide inside the grooves 77 formed between the ribs 76 of the outer surface of the connecting portion 73) until the edge of the bottom end portion of the tube comes into abutment against the surrounding rim 78 of the ring portion 74. The sleeve 71 and the tube 2 are then stably fixed to each other by means of the fixing elements such as a pair of self-threading screws.

[0041] The height of each rib 76 is preferably comprised between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm; more preferably it is comprised between 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm. Said height is for example equal to about 0.64 mm. The outer diameter of the connecting portion 73 at its first end is preferably comprised between 21 mm and 25 mm. Said diameter is for example equal to 22.33 mm for poles with tubes having an outer diameter of 27.60 mm and to 25.63 mm for poles with tubes having an outer diameter of 31.40 mm, at a cross-section of the connecting portion 73 close to its first end, in particular located at a distance of 1 mm from the ring portion 74.

[0042] The thickness of the connecting portion 73 at each rib is preferably comprised between 1.80 mm and 3 mm.

[0043] As shown schematically in Figure 7, the ribs 76 are preferably arranged uniformly over the entire outer surface of the connecting portion 73 and at a constant and predefined angular distance β from each other. In other words, the ribs 76 are arranged angularly equally spaced on the outer surface of the connecting portion 73 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the said portion. The angular distance β is preferably comprised between 12° and 90°; the number of ribs is therefore between 4 and 30. For example, said angular distance may be equal to 24°. This angular distance corresponds to a number of ribs equal to 15.

[0044] Finally, the connecting portion 73 also comprises, preferably, one or more notches 79 formed at the edge of its free end. In particular, for example, the connecting portion 73 may comprise two notches in a diametrically symmetrical position with respect to its longitudinal axis, or four notches located in diametrically symmetrical positions with respect to the longitudinal axis and angularly equally spaced. Preferably, each notch 79 has a length comprised between 15 mm and 25 mm, for example equal to 19 mm. These notches have the function of making less rigid the connecting portion of the sleeve which may therefore be coupled to the tube (and uncoupled from the tube) with greater ease compared to a continuous connecting portion without notches; the notches also have the function of reducing the risk of breakage of the tube.

[0045] The sleeve 71 preferably comprises a thermoplastic polymer material. According to embodiments of the present invention, the sleeve 71 is substantially made of such a thermoplastic polymer material. According to some embodiments, the sleeve 71 is made exclusively of such a thermoplastic polymer material. The thermoplastic polymer material of the sleeve 71 is preferably a polyamide. For example, the material of the sleeve 71 may be nylon. The material of the sleeve 71 may also comprise additives such as one or more elastomers or the like, in order to increase the impact resistance and / or low-temperature resistance thereof. The sleeve 71 is preferably made by means of a moulding process.

[0046] Advantageously, the presence of the ribs on the inner surface of the tube and on the outer surface of the sleeve increases the rigidity and the bending resistance of the slalom pole and results in a reduction in the so-called "whiplash effect" acting on the skier. Moreover, uniformly arranging the ribs over the entire inner surface of the tube (and outer surface of the sleeve) in an angularly equally spaced manner around the longitudinal axis ensures a uniform rigidity of the pole with respect to all the directions of a possible impact by the skier.

Claims

1. A slalom pole (1) comprising: - a tube (2); - a tip (4) configured to be inserted in the snow; - a joint (3) configured to be coupled to an end portion of the tube (2) and to the tip (4); and - a sleeve (71) comprising a connecting portion (73) adapted to be inserted in said end portion of said tube (2), wherein said end portion of the tube (2) has an inner surface (22) comprising a plurality of first straight longitudinal ribs (23), and the connecting portion (73) of the sleeve (71) has an outer surface (75) comprising a plurality of second straight longitudinal ribs (76) adapted to be coupled to said first straight longitudinal ribs (23).

2. The slalom pole (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first ribs (23) are uniformly spaced along the perimeter of the cross-section of the inner surface (22) of the tube (2).

3. The slalom pole (1) according to claim 2, wherein each of said first ribs (23) is located at a predefined angular distance from any of said first ribs (23) adjacent thereto, said predefined angular distance being comprised between 12° and 90°.

4. The slalom pole (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of each of said first ribs (23) is comprised between 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm.

5. The slalom pole (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second ribs (76) are uniformly spaced along the perimeter of the cross-section of the outer surface (75) of the connecting portion (73) of the sleeve (71).

6. The slalom pole (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second ribs (76) are tapered.

7. The slalom pole (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connecting portion (73) comprises, at the edge of a free end thereof, one or more notches (79).

8. The slalom pole (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tube (2) comprises a polycarbonate.

9. The slalom pole (1) according to claim 8, wherein the tube (2) also comprises an elastomer.

10. The slalom pole (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve (71) comprises a polyamide.

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