BATON PLIABLE DEMONTABLE

Abstract

FOLDABLE DETACHABLE STICK One aspect of the invention relates to a folding stick comprising at least three hollow tubes (121) connected by plug-in connections and an elastic tension band (2). The connections include a connector (14, 15) with a through hole for the elastic tension band (2). The tubes cooperate at one end with the connector (14, 15). The elastic band (2) has a first end fixed to a first connector of a first tube, passing through an intermediate connector (14) of at least one intermediate tube (121), and a second end fixed to a second connector (15) of a second tube. The stick is characterized in that the second connector (15) has an outside diameter dc strictly smaller than the inside diameter df of the narrowest part of an intermediate tube (121). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Folding, detachable pole TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of folding poles or folding canes such as, for example, those used for hiking, Nordic walking, skiing or avalanche search probes.

[0002] The present invention relates in particular to those comprising several parts connected by an elastic link allowing them to be kept together both in the folded position and in the assembled position for use. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Existing folding poles consist of several tubes connected by plug-in fittings, allowing them to switch between a folded and an assembled state. External clamping mechanisms and form-locking devices are commonly used to ensure stability and safety. An internal elastic tension link connects the various tubes, facilitating the assembly and folding of the pole. This elastic tension link is under tension when the pole is unfolded and released to allow disassembly; this tension is generally achieved by means of a spring or an elastic cord.

[0004] However, the elastic tension linking the different parts prevents the replacement of a tube, rendering it irreparable. Therefore, various methods have been proposed to allow disassembly. Indeed, during use, the two lower tubes (the one in contact with the ground and the one directly above it) are under the most stress and can break or bend, thus rendering the pole unusable.

[0005] One proposed solution involves having a two-part connector at one end of the elastic band. Once unscrewed, the connector can be removed by separating the two parts, thus freeing the elastic band, which can then pass through the other tubes and free them. However, this solution is not satisfactory because removing the connector also releases the spring, complicating reassembly, as it is difficult to properly tension the spring, and removing the elastic band requires pulling it to reattach it.

[0006] Another solution is also known, consisting of a connector with a radial slot that allows the elastic link to be released. The disadvantage of this solution is that it is necessary to pull on the cable to detach and reattach it. In addition, this solution also releases the spring, which is then difficult to replace. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention offers a solution to the problems mentioned above, by allowing easy disassembly and reassembly without having to tension the spring or elastic cord to allow the replacement of a tube.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a folding stick comprising at least three hollow tubes connected by pluggable connections and an elastic tension link, the connections include a connector with a through hole to allow the elastic tension link to pass through, the tubes cooperating at one end with the connector, the elastic link has a first end fixed to a first connector of a first tube, passing through an intermediate connector of at least one intermediate tube and a second end fixed to a second connector of a second tube, the stick is characterized in that the second connector has an outside diameter strictly less than the inside diameter df of the narrowest part of an intermediate tube adjacent to the second tube in which an intermediate tube is screwed.

[0009] Thanks to the second connector with an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the intermediate connector of the adjacent intermediate tube, said second connector can pass through said intermediate tube and thus allow the dismantling and change of the second tube and / or adjacent intermediate tube.

[0010] According to a first embodiment, the elastic link consists of a cable with a spring, the second connector is the connector attached to the cable by the spring, and the spring has an outer diameter less than or equal to that of said connector. The spring keeps the cable under tension when the pole is assembled and, by pulling on the cable and the spring, separates the tubes to bend the pole.

[0011] According to a second embodiment, the elastic link is an elastic cord. The elastic cord simplifies the assembly of the pole.

[0012] According to a first embodiment, each connector is screwed onto the end of a tube. The screwing allows the tension of the elastic link to be adjusted by tightening or loosening the connectors.

[0013] According to a second embodiment, each connector is clipped onto the end of a tube. Clipping makes assembly quicker.

[0014] Advantageously, the stick includes a foot on the second tube.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the connection between the tubes is made by means of a ferrule. The ferrule ensures that the connector is fitted onto the next tube. The ferrule may be glued to one of the tubes.

[0016] Advantageously, each connector is screwed onto the end of a ferrule. The other end of the ferrule is fixed to a tube.

[0017] Advantageously, each connector is clipped onto the end of a ferrule. The other end of the ferrule is fixed to a tube.

[0018] Advantageously, the connector includes a sheath in its through hole. This sheath protects the tension cable and prevents it from wearing out prematurely.

[0019] Advantageously, the stick is a walking stick, a ski stick, or an avalanche search probe.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for dismantling a folding stick with at least one of the preceding characteristics, comprising the following steps: • disconnecting the second connector, • disconnecting the intermediate connector adjacent to the second tube, • extracting the cable from the second tube and the intermediate tube adjacent to the second tube.

[0021] Thanks to the process, it is possible to disassemble the two tubes at the bottom of the stick if necessary.

[0022] Advantageously, the dismantling process includes a step of replacing the first and / or second tube after the cable has been extracted.

[0023] Thanks to the process, it is possible to change one of the two tubes at the bottom of the stick if necessary, in case of breakage or wear of one of the tubes.

[0024] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] The figures are presented by way of example and in no way limit the invention.

[0026] [Fig. 1] is a walking stick,

[0027] [Fig.2] is a cross-section of the two lower tubes of a prior art rod,

[0028] [Fig.3] shows a top view of the second tube,

[0029] [Fig.4] is a cross-section of the two lower tubes of a stick according to the invention in the assembled position,

[0030] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the two lower tubes of a stick according to the invention in the disassembled position,

[0031] [Fig.6] is a top view of the second tube,

[0032] [Fig.7] shows the connection of the second tube according to the invention

[0033] [Fig.8] is a variant of a clip-on connector,

[0034] [Fig.9] is an example with an elastic cord

[0035] [Fig. 10] is sleeved tubes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing on different figures has a unique reference.

[0037] Throughout this description, the top of the stick comprising a handle intended to be grasped by the user will be called "top" or "upper," and the bottom of the stick comprising a foot intended to be placed on the ground will be called "bottom" or "lower."

[0038] A folding pole 1 comprises a handle 10 at the top and a foot 11 at the bottom, connected by a shaft 12, as can be seen [Fig. 1]. This shaft 12 is composed of several tubes: a first tube 120, connected to the handle 10, which is fitted into an intermediate tube 121, and a second tube 122, connected to the foot 1. The tubes are connected to each other by an elastic tension band 2. The elastic band 2 is fixed at both ends by a knot 21: one end to the first tube 120 and the other end to the second tube 122. This elastic band 2 may consist of a cable 2a associated with a spring 3 or an elastic cord 2b. In the illustrated example, there is only one intermediate tube 121, but there could be more, up to three intermediate tubes, as in an avalanche probe, for example.

[0039] The fitting of the tubes in the prior art is illustrated in [Fig.2]. The connection between the various tubes 120, 121, 122 is made by means of identical connectors 14. The connectors 14 include a through hole 141. Two tubes 121h and 121b are fitted together either directly or via a ferrule 13. In this example, the ferrule 13 is fixed to tube 121b, protrudes from it, and the protruding portion 131 is fitted into the adjacent tube 121h. A connector 14 is screwed into the upper part of the ferrule 13 in a threaded portion 130 and has a rounded end 140 to facilitate the fitting of the ferrule 13 into the adjacent tube 121h. The cable 2a passes through the connector 14 via the through hole 141 and is surrounded by a sheath 20 for protection.In this example, the connection of the second tube 122 placed at the bottom differs from that of an intermediate tube 121 in that a spring 3 is placed under the connector 14 between an upper eyelet 5 and a lower eyelet 4, the cable 2a passing through the spring 3 and the eyelets 4 and 5 and ending with a knot 21. The knot 21 helps to hold the cable 2a and the spring 3 in place. The upper eyelet 5 is fitted into the connector 14 in a recess provided for this purpose.

[0040] Spring 3 keeps cable 2a under tension, and when tubes 120, 121, and 122 are to be separated, cable 2a is pulled, compressing spring 3 and extending cable 2a sufficiently to bend the pole. An elastic cord 2b can also be used.

[0041] It is understood that in the prior art, because of the elastic link 2, it is not possible to dismantle the tubes and in particular the two lower tubes.

[0042] The stick according to the invention is illustrated [Fig. 4]. It differs from that of the prior art in that the lower connection between an intermediate tube 121 and the second tube 122 comprises a second connector 15 and a different ferrule 16 of those in [Fig.2]. The first connector of the first tube is identical to the intermediate connectors 14, so it will be given the same reference.

[0043] The ferrule 16 covers the entire height of the second connector 15 and has a rounded upper portion 160, similar to the rounded end 140 of the connector 14, and a tapped hole 161. The second connector 15 is cylindrical and threaded along its entire height; it includes a through hole 152 for the cable 2a to pass through. The outside diameter of the thread 150 of the second connector 15 is smaller than the inside diameter df of the narrowest part (here, the tapped portion 130) of the ferrule 13. In the example illustrated in Figures 4 to 7, the second connector 15 includes notches 151 for screwing and unscrewing the second connector 15. The spring 3 is traversed by the cable 2a and held in place by two eyelets 6 and 7 and the knot 21 of the cable 2a. The upper eyelet 6 rests on the underside of the second connector 15 and the lower eyelet 7 on the node 21. The spring is placed between the two eyelets 6 and 7.The spring 3 has an outside diameter dr less than the inside diameter df at the narrowest part of the ferrule 13 of the intermediate tube 121. In the same way the eyelets 6 and 7 have an outside diameter do less than the inside diameter df at the narrowest part of the ferrule 13 of the intermediate tube 121.

[0044] It is possible to replace the ferrules with simple thicker tubes whose outside has been machined to a height corresponding to the part protruding from the ferrule or, as can be seen in Fig. 10, with sleeved tubes whose part is enlarged by stamping.

[0045] Figure 5 shows the disassembly of the two lower tubes. First, the second connector 15 is unscrewed, which releases the second tube 122 with the ferrule 16. Then, the intermediate connector 14 is unscrewed from the intermediate tube 121 adjacent to the second tube 122. Since the second connector 15 has a diameter smaller than the diameter df of the narrowest part, here the threaded hole 130 of the ferrule 13 of the intermediate tube 121, it can pass through, thus allowing the extraction of the cable 2a from both the second tube 122 and the intermediate tube 121 adjacent to the second tube 122. The second tube 122 and the intermediate tube 121 adjacent to the second tube 122 are thus freed and can be replaced if necessary.

[0046] It can be seen in [Fig.9] that when the elastic link 2 is an elastic cord 2b, the spring 3 is removed, but the elastic cord remains attached to the second connector 15 by the knot 21.

[0047] The advantage of the stick according to the invention is that reassembly is facilitated, since it is enough to screw the connectors back on which will allow the cable to be easily retensioned without having to manually retension the spring.

[0048] As illustrated [Fig. 8], instead of being screwed, the connectors 14 can be clipped onto the tube 121 or onto the ferrule 16 by means of a protrusion 142 of said connector which cooperates with a recess 17 provided for this purpose inside the tube or ferrule. The tubes 121 or 122 can also be sleeved as shown [Fig. 10]. This reduces the number of parts required.

[0049] Only certain combinations have been described, but all of the following combinations are also possible: • tubes with connectors screwed into ferrules and a cable with a spring, • tubes with connectors clipped into ferrules and a cable with a spring, • tubes with connectors screwed into ferrules and an elastic cord, • tubes with connectors clipped into ferrules and an elastic cord, • sleeved tubes with connectors screwed into said tubes and a cable with a spring, • sleeved tubes with connectors clipped into said tubes and a cable with a spring, • sleeved tubes with connectors screwed into said tubes and an elastic cord, • sleeved tubes with connectors clipped into said tubes and an elastic cord, • machined tubes with connectors screwed into said tubes and a cable with a spring, • machined tubes with connectors clipped into said tubes and a cable with a spring, • machined tubes with connectors screwed into said tubes and an elastic cord, • machined tubes with connectors clipped into said tubes and an elastic cord.

Claims

Demands

1. Folding stick (1) comprising at least three hollow tubes (120, 121, 122) connected by plug-in connections and a tension elastic link (2), the connections comprising a connector (14, 15) with a through hole (141, 152) for passing the tension elastic link (2), the tubes (120, 121, 122) cooperating at one end with the connector (14, 15), the elastic link (2) having a first end fixed to a first connector (14) of a first tube (120), passing through an intermediate connector (14) of at least one intermediate tube (121) and a second end fixed to a second connector (15) of a second tube (122), the stick (1) is characterized in that the second connector (15) has an outside diameter strictly less than the inside diameter df of the narrowest part of an intermediate tube (121) in which is targeted an intermediate connector (14).

2. Folding stick (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic link (2) is made up of a cable (2a) with a spring (3) and that the second connector (15) is the connector connected to the cable (2a) by the spring (3) and that the spring (3) has an outside diameter dr less than or equal to that of said connector (15).

3. Folding stick (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic link (2) is an elastic cord (2b).

4. Folding stick (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each connector is screwed onto the end of a tube.

5. Folding stick (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each connector is clipped onto the end of a tube.

6. Folding stick (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a foot (11) on the second tube (122).

7. Folding stick (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection between the tubes (120, 121, 122) is made by means of a ferrule (13, 16) fixed to one side of the tube (120, 121, 122) and comprising the threaded part (130, 150).

8. Folding baton (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each connector is screwed onto the end of a ferrule.

9. Folding stick (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that each connector is clipped onto the end of a ferrule.

10. Folding stick (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each connector (14, 15) comprises a sheath (20) in its through hole (141, 152).

11. Folding stick (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a walking stick, running stick, ski stick or avalanche search probe.

12. Method of dismantling a folding stick (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - detachment of the second connector (15), - detachment of the intermediate connector (14) from the intermediate tube (121) adjacent to the second tube (122), - extraction of the cable (2) from the second tube (122) and from the intermediate tube (121) adjacent to the second tube (122).

13. Dismantling method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it includes a step of replacing the second tube (122) or the intermediate tube (121) adjacent to the second tube (122) after the extraction of the cable (2).

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