Adjustable, shock-absorbing hiking pole handle

Abstract

The innovation presented here is based on the following observation: conventional hiking pole handles are poorly suited to descents, which are often perceived as long and tiring. With a handle with adjustable inclination and shock absorption, the hiker's hand and forearm are in the same axis, which makes the position more comfortable and the supports more precise and effective: fatigue, muscle and joint pain are therefore less. The operating principle of this handle is quite simple: the handle (1) can pivot around an axis (2), and the base of the handle slides along a curved and beveled rail on both sides (4). A spring-loaded stop system (3) allows the inclination of the handle to be adjusted to adapt it to the slope of the terrain. Finally, the presence of rubber inserts provides the shock absorption function of the handle. Abstract figure: figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Adjustable inclination and shock-absorbing hiking pole handle

[0001] Interest of the innovation and description:

[0002] Area of ​​innovation: mountain equipment, hiking.

[0003] The adjustable and shock-absorbing inclination handle aims to improve the comfort and precision of the support provided by the pole to the hiker during descents in the mountains. As seen in [Fig.l], with an inclinable and shock-absorbing handle, the hiker's forearm and hand remain in the same axis (2): this gives all movements more precision for the choice of the support zone of the tip of the pole (3) on the ground (4) and comfort: the wrist is not "twisted" (1). On the other hand, the presence of rubber inserts in strategic places (see [Fig.2]) promotes the absorption of the shock of the tip of the pole against the ground, with each step of the hiker, further improving comfort. During descents in the mountains, these two aspects (more precision and comfort) therefore provide, over time, an undeniable advantage.

[0004] Proposed system and materials:

[0005] The operation is simple: as shown in [Fig.2] (profile view), the handle (1) pivots around an axis (2), and the base of the handle is guided by a curved and beveled rail on both sides (4). The assembly (handle, axis, rail) is held in a plastic shell (5), and the pole (6) is inserted at the base of this same plastic shell. A spring-stop system (3) is placed on either side of the handle and allows the handle to be held at the inclination chosen by the hiker (depending on the slope of the terrain): [Fig.2]: profile view and front sectional view. Shock-absorbing rubber inserts (hatched in the diagram) are placed: around the axis, under the rail, and at the top of the pole

[0006] The handle is made of two-material plastic (standard). The rail, the axle and the spring stops are made of metal. The shell is made of rigid plastic (e.g., Grilamid).

[0007] Conclusion

[0008] The adjustable, shock-absorbing hiking pole handle provides users with many advantages: - precision of the support point on the ground - comfort of gripping the pole when descending - reduction of fatigue linked to the use of the pole (during often long and difficult descents) - preservation of joints (knees, back, etc.) thanks to the functions mentioned above (better support in particular) These advantages may interest many users: in particular: seniors, ultra-trailers, etc.

[0009] Profitable production and marketing can therefore be envisaged given the large number of potential users and the relative simplicity of the proposed system.

Claims

Claims

1. : The hiking pole handle with adjustable inclination, and shock-absorbing, characterized in that: it consists of a handle (1) pivoting around an axis (2), guided and held at its base by a curved metal rail, beveled on both sides (4). The base of the handle is itself notched in a shape complementary to the beveled rail (4), so that the base of the handle is constantly guided and held by the rail, throughout its movement. The rail (4), the axis (2) and the pole (6) are fixed in the plastic shell (5). A spring-stop system (3) allows the adjustment of the different positions for the inclination of the handle. Rubber inserts provide the shock-absorbing function of the handle.

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