Adjustable angle, shock-absorbing hiking pole handle

Abstract

The innovation presented here stems from the following observation: classic trekking pole handles are poorly suited to descents, which are often perceived as long and tiring. With an adjustable, shock-absorbing handle, the hiker's hand and forearm are aligned, resulting in a more comfortable position and more precise and efficient support: fatigue, muscle and joint pain are therefore reduced. 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 rail, beveled on both sides (4). A spring-loaded stop system (3) allows the handle's angle to be adjusted to adapt to the terrain's slope. Finally, rubber inserts provide the handle's shock absorption. (Shorthand diagram: Figure 2)

Description

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

[0001] Interest of the innovation and description:

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

[0003] The adjustable, shock-absorbing handle is designed to improve the comfort and precision of the support provided by the pole to the hiker during mountain descents. As shown in [Fig. 1], with an adjustable, shock-absorbing handle, the hiker's forearm and hand remain aligned (2): this gives all movements greater precision for choosing the support point of the pole tip (3) on the ground (4) and greater comfort: the wrist is not twisted (1). Furthermore, the presence of rubber inserts in strategic locations (see [Fig. 2]) helps to cushion the impact of the pole tip against the ground with each step, further improving comfort. During mountain descents, these two aspects (greater precision and comfort) therefore provide a clear advantage over time.

[0004] Proposed system and materials:

[0005] The operation is simple: as shown in [Fig. 2] (side view), the handle (1) pivots around an axis (2), and the base of the handle is guided by a curved rail beveled on both sides (4). The assembly (handle, axis, rail) is held in a plastic casing (5), and the pole (6) is inserted into the base of this same plastic casing. A system of spring stops (3) is positioned on either side of the handle and allows the handle to be held at the angle chosen by the hiker (depending on the slope of the terrain): [Fig. 2]: side view and front cross-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 bi-material plastic (standard). The rail, axle, and spring stops are made of metal. The casing is made of rigid plastic (e.g., Grilamid).

[0007] Conclusion

[0008] The adjustable, shock-absorbing hiking pole handle provides users with numerous advantages: - precision of the point of support on the ground - Comfort of the grip on the pole when descending - reduction of fatigue related to the use of poles (during descents that are often long and arduous) - preservation of joints (knees, back, etc.) thanks to the functions mentioned above (better support in particular) These advantages may be of interest to many users: in particular: seniors, ultra-trail runners...

[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

Demands

1. : The adjustable-angle, shock-absorbing trekking pole handle is characterized in that it consists of a handle (1) pivoting about 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 within the plastic casing (5). A spring-loaded stop system (3) allows adjustment of the handle's angle. Rubber inserts provide the shock-absorbing function of the handle.

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