Accessory for sports activities

Abstract

The invention relates to an accessory having a rod (1) with an outer tube (2c) mounted to slide telescopically around an inner tube (2b) over a longitudinal stroke, said inner tube comprising an inner orifice (9) equipped with a member (10) housed in translation along a radial extension direction (DR), being elastically constrained between a retracted position and a protruding position, the outer tube (2c) comprising an outer orifice (11) disposed in the longitudinal alignment of the inner orifice (9) during telescopic sliding, being arranged to house the member (10) protruding from the inner orifice (9) in order to lock said telescopic sliding in a position in which the member (10) is extended in the orifices (9, 11),the organ (10) having two portions (21) equipped with a spreading means (22) along an expansion direction (DT) which is arranged to constrain the expansion of said organ housed in the external orifice (11). Figure 2b,

Description

Title of the invention: Accessory for sports activities

[0001] The invention relates to a sports activity accessory having a rod formed from a set of tubes.

[0002] It applies in particular to a stick for sporting activity, such as a walking stick, for example of Nordic or trekking type, allowing the walker to propel himself by using his arms to take support on the ground, or a running stick, especially for trail running, to help the runner when progressing on terrain with elevation changes.

[0003] Traditionally, this type of stick comprises a shaft having an upper part equipped with a gripping handle and a lower part equipped with a ground support element, for example in the form of a metal point.

[0004] Accessories are known in which the tube assembly has at least one outer tube, for example the lower tube, which is mounted in telescopic sliding around an inner tube, for example an intermediate tube, on a longitudinal stroke for adjusting the height of the rod.

[0005] In particular, US-5 593 196 describes a height-adjustable pole whose shaft comprises a set of telescopic tubes in which each lower tube is arranged to be positioned telescopically inside the adjacent upper tube.

[0006] To allow locking of an inner tube in the deployed position, US-5,593,196 specifies a "push-pin" type system in which: - the inner tube has an internal orifice in which a component is housed in translation along a radial extension direction, being elastically constrained between a retracted position in the inner tube and a protruding position from the periphery of said inner tube; - the outer tube has an external orifice arranged to house the protruding part of said inner orifice, in order to lock the telescopic sliding in an adjustment position in which the part is extended in the radially facing orifices.

[0007] In this type of system, dimensional dispersions between the organ and the orifices can induce functional gaps at their interface, said gaps being detrimental to the locking in position of the tubes, in particular by allowing relative longitudinal and / or rotational displacements of said locked tubes.

[0008] In addition to the mechanical stresses experienced by the tubes during relative movements, these functional clearances can also generate discomfort during the use of the accessory, particularly in the case of a walking or running stick, during the impact of the support element on the ground.

[0009] The invention aims to improve the prior art by proposing in particular an accessory for sporting activity comprising a rod formed of a set of telescopic tubes which can be locked in sliding in a simple, quick and reliable manner, in particular by limiting the possibilities of relative movement of the locked tubes in order to improve the comfort of use of the accessory.

[0010] To this end, the invention proposes a sports activity accessory having a rod formed of a set of tubes, said set having at least one outer tube which is mounted to slide telescopically around an inner tube over a longitudinal stroke, said inner tube comprising an inner orifice opening radially from its periphery, said inner orifice being equipped with a member fixed in longitudinal translation to the inner tube, said member being housed in translation along a radial extension direction in said inner orifice by being elastically constrained between a retracted position in the inner tube and a protruding position from the periphery of said inner tube, the outer tube comprising at least one outer orifice which is disposed in the longitudinal alignment of the inner orifice during the telescopic sliding of the tubes,said external orifice being arranged to house the projecting organ of the internal orifice in order to lock said telescopic sliding in a position in which the organ is extended in the radially facing orifices, the organ having two portions equipped with a spreading means along an expansion direction which is arranged to constrain the expansion of said organ housed in the external orifice.

[0011] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, made with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0012] [Fig-1] represents an accessory for sports activity according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0013] [Fig.2a] and

[0014] [Fig.2b] represent in partial longitudinal section the assembly of two adjacent tubes of the accessory of [Fig.1], centered on the sliding locking member of the inner tube deployed out of the outer tube;

[0015] [Fig.3] represents in partial radial section the sliding locking member protruding from the orifices of the tubes of the accessory of figures 1, 2a and 2b;

[0016] [Fig.4] represents, in perspective side view, the assembly of the sliding locking member in a sleeve intended to be assembled in the inner tube of the preceding figures;

[0017] [Fig.5] represents, in perspective side view, the sliding locking device of the previous figures;

[0018] [Fig.6a] and

[0019] [Fig.6b] represent, along longitudinal section planes respectively radial ([Fig.6a]) and tangential ([Fig.6b]), the sliding locking element protrudes and expands in the respective orifices of the tubes in the previous figures.

[0020] In relation to these figures, a sports activity accessory is described below, having a rod 1 formed of a set of tubes 2a, 2b, 2c.

[0021] In the embodiment shown, the accessory forms a pole for practicing a sporting activity such as walking or running. The pole can notably be used for Nordic walking or trekking, to allow the walker to propel themselves by using their arms to push off the ground, or for running in natural environments, particularly trail running, to assist the runner when progressing on uneven terrain.

[0022] The tubes 2a, 2b, 2c have a substantially cylindrical geometry. They can, for example, be formed of metal, in particular aluminum, or of carbon-based composite material, or even of glass fibers, flax, hemp, or of aramid or polyethylene type polymers with very high molar mass.

[0023] In the description, the terms for positioning in space are defined with respect to the geometry of the stick. In particular: - the term "longitudinal" is defined in relation to a direction DL along the extension axis of the stick; - the term "radial" is defined in relation to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; - the term "tangential" is defined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and radial directions; - the terms "upper" and "lower" are defined in relation to the position of use of the stick, and according to the longitudinal direction; - the terms "up" and "down" are defined with respect to the radial direction; - The terms "interior" and "exterior" refer to a layout radial respectively close and far from the longitudinal axis of the stick.

[0024] The shaft 1 comprises an upper tube 2a equipped with a gripping handle 3, by which the user grasps and holds the stick during a sporting activity. The handle 3 may, for example, be made of polymer material and have a lower recess into which the upper part of the upper tube 2a is fixed.

[0025] Advantageously, the handle 3 has dimensions and an external geometry that are suitable for a good hand grip for handling the baton. The handle 3 can also be equipped with an element for attaching the baton to a user's hand (not shown), in particular in the form of a wrist strap or a gauntlet, to prevent the baton from falling and / or being lost. stick when the user temporarily releases said handle, said element being able to be permanently attached or detachably attached to said handle.

[0026] The lower tube 2b carries a member 4 intended to bear against the ground when the stick is in use. To this end, the member 4 comprises a body 5 under which is fixed a ground support point 6, said point being able to be made in particular of metallic material, for example based on steel and / or tungsten carbide.

[0027] The body 5 can for example be made of an injected thermoplastic material, optionally fiber-reinforced, and includes a lower end in which a hole is formed to allow the force or screw mounting of the ground support tip 6.

[0028] The tube assembly 2a, 2b, 2c comprises at least one outer tube 2c which is mounted to slide telescopically around an inner tube 2b over a longitudinal stroke. In the embodiment shown, the sliding stroke allows the height of the rod 1 to be adjusted. Alternatively, the sliding mechanism may allow the tubes 2c, 2b to be assembled to form at least a portion of the rod 1, particularly in relation to a foldable rod 1.

[0029] The rod 1 shown includes a third intermediate telescopic tube 2c which forms such an outer tube, and whose lower end is provided for this purpose with an opening 8 to allow its telescopic sliding around a lower tube 2b provided with a ground support member 4.

[0030] On [Fig.1], the intermediate tube 2c further includes an upper end which is equipped with a circumferential clamping collar 7 to allow height adjustment of the handle 3 by relative sliding of the upper tube 2a with respect to said intermediate tube.

[0031] Alternatively, the upper tube 2a can form an outer tube mounted in relative sliding around an inner intermediate tube 2c, following a configuration identical to that connecting the intermediate tube 2c and lower tube 2b.

[0032] The inner tube 2b includes an inner orifice 9 opening radially in its periphery, being equipped with a member 10 which is fixed in longitudinal translation to said inner tube, said member being housed in translation along a radial extension direction DR in said inner orifice, being elastically constrained between a retracted position in the inner tube 2b and a protruding position from the periphery of said inner tube.

[0033] Similarly, the outer tube 2c includes at least one outer orifice 11 which is arranged in the longitudinal alignment of the inner orifice 9 during the telescopic sliding of the tubes, said outer orifice being arranged to house the member 10 projecting from the inner orifice 9 in order to lock said telescopic sliding in a adjustment position in which the component 10 is extended in the orifices 9, 11 in radial alignment.

[0034] In the embodiment shown, the inner orifice 9 is formed near the edge of the inner tube 2b which is adjacent to the outer tube 2c, i.e. the upper edge of said inner tube.

[0035] Furthermore, the outer tube 2c includes a single external opening 11 formed near its lower edge, to allow the tubes 2b and 2c to be locked in a sliding position only in the maximum deployed position of the inner tube. Thus, in this embodiment, the inner tube 2b can only be deployed in one position and is arranged to be fully retracted into the outer tube 2c to allow for minimum height adjustment of the rod 1 to facilitate storage of the pole.

[0036] In an alternative not shown, the outer tube 2c may have a plurality of external orifices 11 which are aligned longitudinally, in particular by being spaced two by two with a constant pitch, to define each one an adjustment height of the rod 1.

[0037] In relation to figures 2a, 2b, 3 and 4, the stick includes a cylindrical sleeve 12 which is fixed in the upper end of the inner tube 2b, said sleeve having a housing 13 in which the member 10 is mounted.

[0038] Advantageously, the sleeve 12 is extended by a corolla 14 which is arranged in longitudinal projection from the upper end of the inner tube 2b, said corolla being arranged in longitudinal translation in the outer tube 2c during the telescopic sliding of the tubes 2b, 2c, in order to provide guidance for said sliding.

[0039] In particular, the outer tube 2c has longitudinal grooves 16 that are angularly equidistant on its inner wall, the corolla 14 having ribs 15 arranged in said grooves to angularly index the telescopic sliding of the tubes 2b, 2c, in particular to prevent any relative rotation of said tubes around the longitudinal direction DL during said sliding.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, an elastic means 17 exerts a radial extension force on the member 10 through the ports 9, 11. To do this, a helical spring 17 is mounted in radial support between a lower wall of the housing 13 and an upper wall formed in the member 10. In particular, the spring 17 comprises a lower end which is disposed around a radial lug 18 formed in the housing 13 and an upper end which is disposed in a housing 19 formed under the member 10, in order to limit the deflections of said spring during its radial displacements.

[0041] Furthermore, the member 10 has a base 20 which is arranged to come to rest under the inner orifice 9 to define the protruding position, the housing 19 for receiving the spring 17 extending radially under said base.

[0042] The organ 10 further has two portions 21 equipped with a means 22 for spreading along an expansion direction DT which is arranged to constrain the expansion of said organ housed in the external orifice 11.

[0043] This arrangement makes it possible to limit the functional play between the organ 10 and the external orifice 11, and therefore the relative displacements of the tubes 2b, 2c in their adjustment position.

[0044] In the embodiment shown, the spacing means is arranged to exert a force between the portions along a direction DT which is perpendicular to the radial direction DR of extension of the member 10 through the orifices 9, 11.

[0045] Advantageously, the DT expansion direction of the member 10 extends tangentially, which prevents any relative rotation of said tubes around the longitudinal direction DL in their adjustment position.

[0046] In the figures, the organ 10 is formed of two separate parts 10a, said parts each forming a portion 21. In particular, the organ 10 is formed of two lateral parts 10a which are symmetrical along a plane PI containing the radial direction DR of extension of the organ 10 in the orifices 9, 11 and the longitudinal direction DL.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the spacing means 22 is elastic, and is in the form of a helical spring mounted to support between the portions 21.

[0048] In variants not shown, the member 10 may be formed of a single piece, having two portions 21 arranged to move apart tangentially by partial elastic deformation of said member. Similarly, the separating means 22 may be formed of a piece arranged to be inserted between the portions 21 after the member 10 has been projected into the orifices 9, 11, in order to constrain their separation to ensure the expansion of said member in the external orifice 11. According to another embodiment, the separating means 22 may include at least one magnet.

[0049] In relation to figures 5 and 6a, each part 10a has lower walls 23 whose geometry is arranged to ensure the centering of the organ 10 in the internal orifice 9 by radial extension of said organ.

[0050] As shown in [Fig.6a], the lower centering walls 23 have a conicity which is oriented in the direction DR of extension of the organ 10, and the periphery of the internal orifice 9 has planar edges 24 on which respectively one of said walls comes to support centering by extension of said organ.

[0051] The component 10 also has high walls 25 whose geometry is arranged to bear without play in the external orifice 11 by expansion of said component, in order to limit the risks of unintentional relative movements between tubes 2b, 2c in their adjustment position.

[0052] As shown in Figures 5 and 6b, the upper support walls 25 have a conicity which is oriented along the direction DT of expansion of the organ 10, and the periphery of the external orifice 11 has edges 26 of geometry complementary to that of said upper walls.

[0053] In particular, each of the portions 21 has two lower centering walls 23 and two upper support walls 25, said lower - respectively upper - walls being symmetrical along a plane P2 containing the extension directions DR and expansion directions DT of the organ 10.

Claims

Demands

1. Accessory for sporting activity having a rod (1) formed of a set of tubes (2a, 2b, 2c), said set having at least one outer tube (2c) which is mounted in telescopic sliding around an inner tube (2b) over a longitudinal stroke, said inner tube having an inner orifice (9) opening radially from its periphery, said inner orifice being equipped with a member (10) fixed in longitudinal translation to the inner tube (2b), said member being housed in translation along a radial extension direction (DR) in said inner orifice being elastically constrained between a retracted position in the inner tube (2b) and a protruding position from the periphery of said inner tube, the outer tube (2c) having at least one outer orifice (11) which is disposed in the longitudinal alignment of the inner orifice (9) during the telescopic sliding of the tubes (2b, 2c),said external orifice being arranged to house the organ (10) projecting from the internal orifice (9) in order to lock said telescopic sliding in a position in which the organ (10) is extended in the radially facing orifices (9, 11), said accessory being characterized in that the organ (10) is formed of two separate parts (10a) which each form a portion (21), said portions (21) being equipped with a spreading means (22) along an expansion direction (DT) which is arranged to constrain the expansion of said organ housed in the external orifice (11).

2. Accessory for sporting activity according to claim 1, characterized in that the organ (10) is formed of two lateral pieces (10a) which are symmetrical along a plane (PI) containing the radial direction (DR) of extension and the longitudinal direction (DL).

3. Accessory for sporting activity according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the spacing means (22) is elastic.

4. Accessory for sporting activity according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the spreading means (22) is arranged to exert a force between the portions (21) in a direction (DT) which is perpendicular to the radial direction (DR) of extension of the organ (10) through the orifices (9, 11).

5. Accessory for sporting activity according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the component (10) has lower walls (23) whose geometry is arranged to ensure the centering of said organ in the internal orifice (9) by extension of said organ.

6. Accessory for sporting activity according to claim 5, characterized in that the lower centering walls (23) have a conicity oriented in the direction (DR) of extension of the organ (10), the periphery of the inner orifice (9) having flat edges (24) on which respectively one of said walls comes to support centering by extension of the organ (10).

7. Accessory for sporting activity according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that each of the portions (21) has two lower centering walls (23), said walls being symmetrical along a plane (P2) containing the expansion (DT) and extension (DR) directions of the organ (10).

8. Accessory for sporting activity according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the member (10) has high walls (25) whose geometry is arranged to come into contact without play in the external orifice (11) by expansion of said member.

9. Accessory for sporting activity according to claim 8, characterized in that the upper support walls (25) have a conicity oriented along the direction (DT) of expansion of the organ (10), the periphery of the external orifice (11) having edges (26) of geometry complementary to those of said walls.

10. Accessory for sporting activity according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that each of the portions (21) has two high support walls (25), said walls being symmetrical along a plane (P2) containing the directions of expansion (DT) and extension (DR) of the organ (10).

11. Accessory for sporting activity according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a cylindrical sleeve (12) which is fixed in the inner tube (2b), said sleeve having a housing (13) in which the member (10) is mounted, said sleeve (12) being extended by a corolla (14) which is arranged in longitudinal projection of the inner tube (2b), said corolla being arranged in longitudinal translation in the outer tube (2c) during the telescopic sliding of the tubes (2b, 2c).

12. Accessory according to claim 11, characterized in that the outer tube (2c) has internal longitudinal grooves (16), the corolla (14) comprising ribs (15) arranged in said grooves to angularly index the telescopic sliding of the tubes (2b, 2c).

13. Accessory for sporting activity according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises an upper tube (2a) equipped with a gripping handle (3) and a lower tube (2c) carrying a ground support element (4) so ​​as to form a walking or running stick.

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