Mountaineering ice axe

Abstract

The invention relates to a mountaineering ice axe (1) comprising a head (2) and a shaft (4), the head extending from the shaft, the head comprising an anchoring blade (20) mounted on the shaft, the head also comprising an accessory (30) movably mounted on said anchoring blade of the ice axe head, 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. Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Mountaineering ice axe TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to an ice axe for mountaineering. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

[0004] Typically, a mountaineering ice axe consists of a head and a shaft. The head of the ice axe includes, on the front part of the axe, an elongated blade designed to penetrate ice to ensure effective anchoring in ice or hard snow. On the rear part of the head, opposite the blade, the mountaineering ice axe includes either an adze or a hammer. The adze is used, in particular, to dig into snow or remove portions of ice that would hinder the safe positioning of the elongated blade. The hammer is used, in particular, to drive pitons into rock.

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

[0006] Ice axes are also known in which the adze and hammer can be removed and interchanged. Thus, depending on the need, the user can choose to equip their ice axe with either the adze or the hammer. This solution is advantageous because it allows the climber to carry only one ice axe. However, such a solution requires the use of a specific tool to remove the adze from the head of the ice axe and replace it with the hammer (and vice versa). This therefore implies that 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 operation (since the adze or hammer cannot be mounted without these screws, this part of the ice axe becomes unusable). Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention then proposes an ice axe for mountaineering having both a hook 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 a hook, and a second position, in which said accessory forms a hammer.

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

[0010] In addition, the mountaineering ice axe according to the invention is lightweight, which makes 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:

[0012] - the accessory is mounted to rotate freely on the anchor blade;

[0013] - the head includes a locking system adapted to lock the accessory in the first position or in the second position;

[0014] - said accessory comprises 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 come 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 come against another edge of a second notch formed in the locking part to lock the accessory in the second position;

[0015] - the stop portion includes a lateral wall forming an angle with a surface of the base of the stop portion, the side wall being adapted to, on the one hand, come against the edge of the first notch formed in the locking part to lock the accessory in the first position and, on the other hand, come against the other edge of the second notch formed in the locking part to lock the accessory in the second position;

[0016] - the locking system includes a shoulder from which the portion extends of stop, said shoulder being adapted to come against a bearing surface of the locking part;

[0017] - the head comprising a connecting part mounted on the handle, the connecting part includes an elastic deformation means enabling the accessory to be unlocked and locked in the first or second position when pressure is applied to the locking system;

[0018] - said accessory comprises 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, the plate includes at least one support block adapted to come into contact with the handle of the mountaineering ice axe when the accessory is in the second position;

[0019] - the handle includes a longitudinal slot formed with regard to said accessory;

[0020] - the longitudinal slot receives part of the anchor blade, the support block being adapted to bear against said part of the anchor blade; and

[0021] - the accessory includes a metallic material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] 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.

[0023] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 represents a schematic overall perspective view of a mountaineering ice axe according to the invention,

[0024] [Fig.2] Fig.2 represents a partial schematic perspective view of the mountaineering ice axe of Fig.1 with the accessory positioned in a first position,

[0025] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] represents a partial schematic rear view of the mountaineering ice axe of the [Fig.2],

[0026] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows a partial schematic perspective view of the mountaineering ice axe of [Fig.1] with the accessory positioned in a second position,

[0027] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows a partial schematic perspective view of a part of the mountaineering ice axe according to the invention with the accessory positioned in the first position,

[0028] [Fig.6] Fig.6 represents, from another viewpoint, the part of the mountaineering ice axe of Fig.5,

[0029] [Fig.7] Fig.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,

[0030] [Fig-8] Figure [Fig.8] represents a schematic view of a locking system included in the mountaineering ice axe according to the invention,

[0031] [Fig. 9] Fig. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the mountaineering ice axe when the locking system is not cooperating with the accessory,

[0032] [Fig. 10] Fig. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the mountaineering ice axe when the locking system is cooperating with the accessory so as to lock it in the first or second position, and

[0033] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] represents a partial schematic perspective view of the accessory positioned in the second position.

[0034] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference numerals throughout the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] 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 specific tools. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a mountaineering ice axe that is easy to use and relatively lightweight (so that it can be easily transported during an expedition).

[0036] 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".

[0037] As can be seen in [Fig.1], the mountaineering ice axe 1 comprises a head 2 and a handle 4. A longitudinal direction L is defined here along which the mountaineering ice axe 1 extends globally and a transverse direction T orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L.

[0038] The head 2 of the mountaineering ice axe 1 includes a connecting part 10, an anchor blade 20 and an accessory 30.

[0039] The connecting portion 10 is positioned between the anchoring blade 20 and the accessory 30. The connecting portion 10 is fitted into the handle 4, which is in the form of a hollow tube. In practice, the connecting portion 10 is, for example, mounted onto the handle 4 by snapping it into place. Alternatively, the connecting portion 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 portion 10 is preferably non-circular, for example oval or elliptical, so as to ensure that the head 2 is prevented from rotating relative to the handle 4. The connecting portion 10 comprises, for example, a polymer material or a metallic material. The connecting portion 10 comprises, for example, an aluminum alloy.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The anchor blade 20 forms a first 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 comprises a metallic material, for example high-strength steel.

[0042] As can be seen more particularly in [Fig. 2], the anchoring blade 20 comprises a first portion 22 provided with openings (not visible in the figures) adapted to cooperate with corresponding openings in the connecting portion 10 so as to allow 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, by means of this rivet. Generally, the anchoring blade 20 is fitted onto the handle 4.

[0043] As can be seen in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the anchor blade 20 comprises a second part 24 adapted to provide anchorage 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 ice axe 1 to be anchored in ice or hard snow.

[0044] As shown in Figures 11, 7, 9, and 11, the 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.

[0045] It is then adapted to be moved between a first position (represented for example in [Fig.2]) in which the accessory 30 forms the peen 30a, and a second position (visible in particular in [Fig.1]) in which the accessory 30 forms the hammer 30b. This is for example a translational or rotational movement.

[0046] 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 to 7) parallel to the transverse direction T. Thus, the accessory 30 is adapted to be rotated about this axis A between a first position (represented, for example, in [Fig. 2]) in which the accessory 30 forms the plowshare 30a, and a second position (visible in particular in [Fig. 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 plowshare system and a hammer system. In other words, thanks to the rotational movement of the accessory 30, the plowshare 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.

[0047] More specifically here, the accessory 30 is in the form of a plate 32 with a curved end 33. The plate 32 also comprises 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 the accessory 30 that faces the handle 4 of the ice axe 1 when the accessory 30 functions as a hammer 30b. In the case of the adze 30a, the inner surface 32b of the plate 32 is the part of the plate 32 oriented towards the handle 4 of the climbing ice axe 1.

[0048] In the first position, the curved end 33 enables, in particular, the functions of the peen 30a (namely, that it enables, in particular, digging in ice or hard snow, for example). In the second position, the outer surface 32a forms a surface of the hammer, enabling, for example, the driving of pitons.

[0049] Here, the plate 32 comprises a metallic material. This is, for example, steel, aluminum or titanium.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3 and 5 to 7, the plate 32 comprises a locking portion 34 and a mounting portion 35 extending from the inner surface 32b. The locking portion 34 and the mounting portion 35 enable, 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.

[0051] As shown in [Fig. 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 of 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, here 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.

[0052] In practice, the axis A around which the rotation of the accessory 30 relative to the anchoring blade 20 takes place passes through the center of the orifices 22a, 34a, 35a - visible in [Fig. 1 1]). However, it should be noted here that the anchoring blade 20 cooperates in a fixed manner with the handle 4 (therefore no movement is permitted here for the anchoring blade 20).

[0053] Here, the locking portion 34 is in the form of a cylinder segment extending from the inner surface 32b of the plate 32. As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 7], the cylinder segment forming the locking portion 34 is truncated here, parallel to the axis of the cylinder (extending parallel to axis A). The truncated portion is positioned at the level of the inner surface 32b of the plate 32.

[0054] As can be seen in [Fig.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.

[0055] Advantageously, according to the invention, the locking portion 34 comprises a first notch 36 and a second notch 37 (visible, for example, in [Fig. 5]). 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] The locking system 40 includes, for example, a metallic material. Preferably, this is steel, titanium, or aluminum.

[0058] More specifically, the locking system 40 is presented here in the form of a generally oblong part provided with an actuating head 42, a body 44 and a lug 48. Alternatively, this part may have an overall cylindrical shape.

[0059] The locking system 40, for example, 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the body 44 here has a generally elliptical cross-section. It could, of course, have a cylindrical cross-section or any other shape with the characteristics described below.

[0062] The body 44 here includes a notch 45 forming a transverse groove in this body 44. This notch 45 allows in particular the rotation of the locking part 34 when the peen is transformed into a hammer and vice versa (as explained below) without causing interference or friction between the locking part 34 and the locking system 40. This notch 45 includes in particular 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).

[0063] 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 come 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 stop 46 is also adapted to come against an edge 37a ([Fig.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.

[0064] More specifically here, the cooperation takes place between a lateral 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 (failure 30a) or against the edge 37a of the second notch 37 to lock the accessory 30 in the second position (hammer 30b).

[0065] Preferably here, the side wall 46a of the stop portion 46 forms a non-right angle α with the side wall 45a of the notch 45 (visible in [Fig. 8]). In other words, the side 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 thus hinder the proper functioning of the climbing ice axe according to the invention by preventing the accessory from locking in the first or second position).

[0066] This angle a is preferably less than 45 degrees (°), for example between 10 and 20°. Even more preferably, this angle a is on the order of 12°.

[0067] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figures 5 and 8 to 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.

[0068] 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 makes it possible in particular to maintain an elastic deformation means 50 (described below) in pressure against the locking system 40.

[0069] Here, the lug 48 has a cylindrical shape but any other shape allowing the elastic deformation means 50 to be retained can be used.

[0070] Alternatively, this lug could be omitted (the elastic deformation means would then be maintained solely by bearing on the connecting part).

[0071] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the connecting part 10 also includes the elastic deformation means 50 cooperating with the locking system 40 so as to allow locking and unlocking of accessory 30 during its movement between the first position and the second position (and vice versa).

[0072] 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.

[0073] This is, for example, a compression spring with an axis parallel to the transverse direction T. Here, the spring's rest position corresponds to the state of the spring when the accessory 30 is locked in the first or second position. The spring exhibits, for example, a thrust force equivalent to approximately 300 grams. The spring has a length of less than 2 centimeters (cm), preferably on the order of one centimeter.

[0074] More specifically, when the accessory 30 is locked in the first or second position, the spring remains compressed to ensure easy operation of the locking system ([Fig. 10]). When the accessory is rotated (to transform the peen 30a into a hammer 30b and vice versa), the spring is further compressed to allow the accessory 30 to move.

[0075] 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).

[0076] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figures 2, 7, and 11, the 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 adapted to bear against the handle 4 of the ice axe 1 when the accessory 30 is in the second position. This then reinforces the hammer 30b thus formed on the climbing ice axe 1 and makes this hammer function effective.

[0077] In practice, the free end 39a of the support block 39 is shaped to fit the shape of the handle 4 of the climbing ice axe 1. This allows for a 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 handle of the climbing ice axe.

[0078] Here, the accessory 30 includes two support pads 39. This makes it possible to further reinforce the hammer 30b itself, by distributing the forces from the shocks suffered on the hammer 30b even more.

[0079] The handle 4 is presented here in the form of 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 shape of the handle can of course be straight, particularly depending on the intended use.

[0080] The handle 4 comprises a metallic material. Preferably, it is a lightweight metallic material, such as aluminium, so as to facilitate the use and transport of the mountaineering ice axe 1.

[0081] The length of the handle depends, for example, on the user's height. This length is, for example, between 40 and 80 cm. With regard to its oblong cross-section, the dimension along the minor axis is, for example, between 15 and 25 millimeters (mm), while the dimension along the major axis is, for example, between 25 and 35 mm.

[0082] Optionally, the handle may include, at its free end, a spike 5 (visible in [Fig. 1]). This spike 5 allows, for example, the user to lean on the ice axe 1 and use it as a walking stick (by planting it, for example, in snow or ice).

[0083] Advantageously, according to the invention, the handle 4 comprises 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.

[0084] 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 formed from 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] A user presses (thus exerting a pressure P in the transverse direction T) on the actuating head 42 of the locking system 40 ([Fig. 9]). This pressure P causes the body 44 of the locking system 40 to move in the transverse direction T. The displaced body 44 of the locking system 40 pushes the spring 50 is positioned to release the interaction between the stop portion 46 and the locking portion 34 in either the first or second position. In other words, the transverse movement of the locking system 40 allows the accessory 30 to rotate (and thus move between the first and second positions).

[0087] In the first position (shown, for example, in [Fig. 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. When the pressure is released by the user, the spring 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 ([Fig. 10]). The actuating head 42 then protrudes from the connecting part 10. The ice axe 1 here functions as an adze.

[0088] 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 again displaced transversely to allow the accessory 30 to rotate.

[0089] In the second position (partially visible in [Fig. 7]), the 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 portion 10. The 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.

[0090] It should be noted here that in practice, the support pads may slightly rest on the handle but the majority of the forces remain distributed on the anchoring blade.

[0091] Finally, and advantageously, the mountaineering ice axe according to the invention has both the functions of an adze and a hammer without requiring disassembly. The use of this ice axe is very easy because a simple press by the user allows the adze to be transformed into a hammer and vice versa by rotation. Furthermore, the locking system is designed, in shape, arrangement, and dimensions, to allow effective locking in either position. The accessory itself, providing the adze or hammer function, is also specifically designed to ensure effectiveness in each position. functions of a hammer and a hammer, and also the strength and durability of the mountaineering ice axe.

[0092] In an alternative embodiment 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 in order to compensate for any manufacturing or wear play that would prevent the accessory from locking properly in the first or second position, the edge of the first notch and the edge of the second notch have an inclined surface forming a non-right angle with the bearing surface of the locking portion. In other words, the stop portion cooperates with the inclined edge of either the first or second notch so as to lock the accessory in the first or second position.

Claims

Demands

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) having 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 the second position.

5. Mountaineering ice axe (1) according to claim 4, wherein the stop portion (46) comprises a side wall (46a) forming an angle (a) with a base surface of the stop portion (46), the side wall (46a) being adapted to, on the one hand, come abutting 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 abutting 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 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.