Releasable magnetic ski pole strap system

Abstract

A releasable magnetic pole strap system is disclosed. An embodiment relates to a releasable magnetic pole strap system including a pole including a proximal end having a distal surface and a pole attachment device connected to the distal surface of the proximal end. The system further includes a strap including a strap attachment device configured to be releasably attached to the pole attachment device. The distal surface of the proximal end of the pole is at least partially covered by the pole attachment device. Each of the pole attachment device and the strap attachment device includes either a magnet or a non-magnetic ferrous material. At least one of the pole attachment device or the strap attachment device includes a magnet.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 150,964, filed February 18, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 183,448, filed May 3, 2021, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0002] (Government sponsored) none

[0003] The embodiments are in the field of ski poles. More specifically, the embodiments disclosed herein relate to ski poles that include releasable magnetic straps that allow for easy, convenient and secure attachment to gloves. [Background technology]

[0004] Ski pole straps serve a variety of functions, including preventing the skier from losing their poles in the event of a fall, and ski pole planting is part of proper ski turn form, and when ski poles are worn properly, they allow the force to be directed downwards on the straps when using the poles to increase speed on flat terrain.

[0005] To wear them properly, the right pole strap should be placed on the right hand and the left pole strap on the left hand. Each hand can be threaded through each strap in two ways, but only one of them is correct. The straps are usually attached to the pole with a screw that goes through the top of the pole and a grommet on the strap.

[0006] Attempts have been made to make releasable ski pole straps. In one attempt, Leki at the website www.leki.com uses a trigger release mechanism. This allows a skier to release the pole if their pole gets caught on a tree branch while actively skiing in the woods to avoid a condition called "skier's thumb", which is a hyperextension injury and injury to the ulnar collateral ligament. There are also passive pole strap release systems that use friction to hold the strap in place unless there is a serious fall. In the Magfit company, magnets are used to secure the skier's hand to the pole. With this device, there does not appear to be a way for the skier to apply downward pressure from the base of the thumb to poll on flat surfaces, as the present invention provides below. If the Magfit device had a very strong magnetic connection, it might make poling on flat terrain easier, but then some kind of active release button would seem to be necessary. A weak magnetic connection would not be able to generate the force required for poling on flat terrain from the base of the thumb, forcing the skier to rely solely on the hand gripping the pole handle. Neither goal is achieved with the Magfit device.

[0007] Because there are four ways to wear the first ski pole strap and two ways to wear the second ski pole strap (resulting in eight possibilities), but only one correct combination, skiers often have difficulty putting on and taking off their respective poles when getting on and off a chairlift (or other transport mechanism for carrying them to the mountain), since ski gloves and mittens tend to be bulky. It is therefore clearly desirable that the straps be easily and reversibly detachable from the poles while still attached to the gloves. It is also desirable that there is no wrong way to attach the ski pole straps to the ski poles. Furthermore, it is desirable that the ski poles are passively released during a severe fall to prevent hyperextension injuries, changes in the direction of the skier that could lead to collisions with trees, and / or skier's thumb (ulnar collateral ligament rupture), but remain on the skier during less severe falls.

[0008] It is therefore desirable to provide a releasable magnetic ski pole strap system that can overcome the above mentioned drawbacks and allows for easier, more convenient and stronger releasable connection of the strap to the ski pole.

[0009] The advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the invention. Summary of the Invention

[0010] An embodiment relates to a releasable magnetic pole strap system including a pole including a proximal end having a distal surface and a pole attachment device connected to the distal surface of the proximal end. The system further includes a strap including a strap attachment device configured to be releasably attached to the pole attachment device. The distal surface of the proximal end of the pole is at least partially covered by the pole attachment device. Each of the pole attachment device and the strap attachment device includes either a magnet or a non-magnetic ferrous material. At least one of the pole attachment device or the strap attachment device includes a magnet.

[0011] An embodiment also relates to a releasable magnetic pole strap system including a pole attachment device configured to be connected to a distal surface of a proximal end of a pole. The system further includes a strap including a strap attachment device configured to be releasably attached to the pole attachment device. The distal surface of the proximal end of the pole is at least partially covered by the pole attachment device. Each of the pole attachment device and the strap attachment device includes either a magnet or a non-magnetic ferrous material. At least one of the pole attachment device or the strap attachment device includes a magnet.

[0012] Additional embodiments and additional features according to the embodiments for the releasable magnetic pole strap system are described below and incorporated into this section. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] The above summary and the following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For purposes of illustration only, there are shown in the drawings specific embodiments. It is understood, however, that the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings. The detailed description will refer to the following drawings, where like numbers refer to like items, and in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a magnet attached to the top of a pole with a flat head screw. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 shows a strap for attaching a strap attachment device (eg, a magnet) to the strap. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows a pair of magnets (i.e., a pole attachment device paired with a strap attachment device). [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a strap including a strap attachment device (eg, a magnet). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the mating surfaces of the magnets shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows the mating surface of the magnet shown in FIG. 5 covered with a protective element comprising a scratch-resistant material. [Figure 7] A diagram showing a glove including a glove magnet or non-magnetic ferrous material affixed to the glove configured to act as a parking spot for the magnet of the strap attachment device (the diagram shows the parking spot without a magnet). [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates the globe shown in FIG. 7 showing the magnet of the strap attachment device in its parking spot. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 shows a glove using the strap shown in FIG. 4, with the strap attached around the wrist portion of the glove. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows the glove shown in FIG. 9 with the strap attached to a clip on the glove. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates a strap in the form of a gear tie, showing a magnet attached with a rivet placed through a loop made at one end of the gear tie. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 shows a strap for a pole that includes a magnet located at (or near) the distal end of the strap. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates the strap washer / magnet combination. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 illustrates a webbing connection clip for attaching the strap to the glove. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates a strap connected to the webbing connection clip shown in FIG. 14 (the other side of the webbing connection clip is connected to a tightening wrist strap on the glove). [Figure 16] FIG. 1 illustrates a strap including two proximal ends connected to a webbing connection clip (opposite ends of which are connected to a tightening wrist strap on a glove). [Figure 17] FIG. 1 shows a magnet attached to the top of a pole with epoxy. [Figure 18]FIG. 1 shows two magnets attached to the top of a pole. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 shows an iron plate attached to the top surface of a ski. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a pole releasably attached to the iron plate shown in FIG. 19 via a magnet in the pole attachment device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] It should be understood that the drawings and description of the present invention may be simplified to show elements relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, and that for clarity, other elements found in a typical releasable ski pole strap system have been omitted. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other elements may be desirable and / or required to implement the present invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art and do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, descriptions of such elements are not provided herein. It should also be understood that the drawings contained herein merely provide diagrammatic representations of the presently preferred structures of the present invention, and that structures within the scope of the present invention may include structures that differ from those shown in the drawings. Referring now to the drawings, in which like structures are labeled with like reference numerals, the drawings are not intended to be limiting.

[0015] Before considering at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts described herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction or the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0016] It is further understood that any one of the described features may be used individually or in combination with other features. Other invented devices, systems, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the drawings and detailed description herein. All such additional devices, systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be protected by the appended claims.

[0017] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "strap" is interchangeable with the terms tether, cable, string, tie, cord / cording, webbing, rope, band, and / or any combination thereof, and may be coiled or non-coiled.

[0018] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "glove" is interchangeable with the term "mitten."

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a magnet 15 (having a mating surface 16 ) attached to the top of a pole 10 with a flat head screw 17 .

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a strap 50 for attaching a strap attachment device (eg, a magnet) to the strap 50. As shown in FIG.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a pair of magnets 15, 55 (ie, a pole attachment device paired with a strap attachment device).

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a strap 50 that includes a strap attachment device (eg, magnet 55).

[0023] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the mating surface 56 of the magnet 55 shown in FIG.

[0024] FIG. 6 shows the mating surface of the magnet shown in FIG. 5 covered with a protective element 59 comprising a scratch-resistant material.

[0025] 7 illustrates a glove 70 including a glove magnet 72 (or non-magnetic ferrous material) affixed to the glove 70, configured to act as a parking spot for the strap attachment device magnet 55. The illustration shows the parking spot without the magnet 55.

[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates the glove 70 shown in FIG. 7 with the magnet 55 of the strap attachment device in its parking spot and the thumb passing over the distal portion of the strap 50. As shown in FIG.

[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a glove 70 using the strap 50 shown in FIG. 4, with the strap 50 attached around the wrist portion of the glove 70.

[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates the glove 70 shown in FIG. 9 with the strap 50 attached to the clip 71 of the glove 70.

[0029] 11 illustrates a strap 1150 in the form of a gear tie. It shows a magnet 55 attached with a rivet 57 placed through a loop 58 made in one end of the gear tie.

[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates a strap 18 for a pole that includes a magnet 1215 located at (or near) the distal end of the strap 18.

[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates a washer / magnet combination 1350 of the strap 50.

[0032] FIG. 14 shows a webbing connection clip 74 for attaching the strap 50 to the glove 70.

[0033] 15 illustrates the strap 50 connected to the webbing connection clip 74 shown in FIG. 14 (the other side of the webbing connection clip 74 is connected to a fastening wrist strap 73 on the glove 70). The fastening wrist strap 73 may or may not be provided with the glove 70 initially.

[0034] 16 illustrates a strap 1650 that includes two proximal ends connected to a webbing connection clip 74, the other side of which is connected to a fastening wrist strap 73 on the glove. The fastening wrist strap 73 may or may not be provided with the glove 70 initially.

[0035] FIG. 17 shows a magnet attached to the top of a pole 10 with epoxy resin.

[0036] FIG. 18 shows two magnets attached to the top of the pole 10.

[0037] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an iron plate 90 attached to the upper surface of a ski.

[0038] FIG. 20 shows a pole releasably attached to the iron plate 90 shown in FIG. 19 via the magnet 15 of the pole attachment device.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, a strong mating (e.g., neodymium) magnet (which may be disk-shaped, ring-shaped, or another shape) reversibly connects the strap 50 (which is semi-permanently attached to the ski glove or ski mitten) to the ski pole (in one embodiment, a magnet 15 is attached to the top of the pole 10). One magnet 15 may be attached to the top of the pole 10 with a countersunk head screw 17 as shown in Figure 1 and / or strong double-sided adhesive tape or epoxy (or other strong adhesive).

[0040] The neodymium disc magnet 15 that may be attached to the top of the pole 10 may be K&J Magnetics part number RX436DCSPC-BLK (1.25 inch diameter, 20.49 lbs pull force). A second neodymium disc magnet 55 that may be attached to an 11 inch Pastall strap 50 (see Figures 2 and 4) that may be attached to a glove or mitten, for example, may be K&J Magnetics part number RX034DCSPC-BLK (1 inch diameter, 9.56 lbs pull force). These magnetic discs may be rubber coated to protect them from the elements and cracking since neodymium is somewhat brittle, and are countersunk so that the mating surfaces are not blocked by the mounting hardware. A pair of magnets is shown in Figure 3.

[0041] These disk magnets have countersunk holes on both sides so that they can be attached to their respective elements in either magnetic orientation. This allows the magnetic orientation to be selected so that the magnets will stick to each other. It should be clear that magnets with a known magnetic orientation may only have countersunk holes on one side.

[0042] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the magnetic attraction between the magnets can be altered by using magnets of different strengths or by placing a material between the magnets to physically separate the magnets. Indeed, one of the magnets can be replaced with a non-magnetic ferrous disk, such as a steel washer. The magnetic attraction between the magnets can range from, for example, 2 pounds to 75 pounds.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the disk magnet attached to the pole is made with a #10 countersunk head screw and an adhesive such as double-sided adhesive tape or epoxy (or other strong adhesive). The screw attached to the pole for attaching the strap attached to the pole may be suitable as long as it is long enough to countersink the magnet. The strap attached to the pole may be removed if no longer needed. The other disk magnet is attached to the strap. The parts used to perform this latter operation include a Master Mechanics rivet with a 3 / 16 inch diameter and ½ inch grip range, a rivet washer, and a plastic end of the strap with a hole drilled to fit the rivet diameter. These parts are shown assembled in FIG. 4.

[0044] It should be noted that the expanded distal end of the rivet fits completely within the countersunk hole in the mating surface 56 of the magnet 55, as shown in FIG. 5. This ensures a tight fit of the two magnets 15, 55. A protective element 59 may then be optionally placed on the mating surface 56 of the magnet 55 attached to the strap 50, as shown in FIG. 6. If necessary, such an element may also be used to purposely reduce the magnetic force. In this exemplary embodiment, a 1-inch diameter loop disk from DFYOUHome is used for this purpose. This provides protection and minimizes the possibility of scratches if the magnet is attracted to a ferrous surface such as a car door or handle. The light and thin part of the strap made of a strong fiber (which may be nylon) has been removed, as it plays no role in this configuration. In an alternative embodiment, the fiber may be used as a mechanism of attachment to the rivet or countersunk bolt. Referring to FIG. 7, to place the strap on a glove 70 or mitten, the proximal end of the strap 50 is placed around the glove 70 and the adjustment slider (i.e., cinch 53, see FIG. 8) is locked towards the glove 70 to make room for the thumb, which is optionally placed through the distal portion of the strap 50. With the thumb so positioned, the magnet sits in the groove between the thumb and index finger when not attached to the pole. There is no need to remove the strap from the glove or mitten. As shown, the proximal disk dangles slightly in the palm. If that is not desired, the user can "park" the neodymium disk magnet on a (e.g., thin) iron element 72, which can be similar to a tie tack or lapel pin, or another (e.g., disk) magnet. The iron element 72 is shown in FIG. 7 without the magnet 55 on it and in FIG. 8 with the magnet 55 parked on it. There are alternative ways in which the magnet 55 can be parked. For example, the magnet may be protected with a loop VELCRO® (or equivalent hook and loop product) so that the magnet can be parked on a hook VELCRO® that is glued and / or sewn into the glove.

[0045] Some individuals may find that their thumb slips through the distal opening of the strap. This can be prevented by pinning the distal portion of the strap to the glove. The pin can be of a structure similar to a lapel pin or tie tack and need not be ferrous for this purpose.

[0046] Some individuals may prefer to place their thumbs not through the distal opening. In that case, the magnetic disk will dangle further and will be more likely to accidentally jump onto a nearby ferrous surface. In such cases, the use of a "parking spot" when not using the pole may become more important, as shown in FIG. 9. Other users may prefer to attach the strap 50 not around the wrist portion of the glove 70 or mitten, but to an element attached to the glove or mitten, such as a strap or clip 71, as shown in FIG. 10. This would also create dangling and provide a reason to use a "parking spot". It will be clear to those skilled in the art that a "parking spot" made of ferrous metal, hook Velcro® or magnets can be built into the glove or mitten during its manufacture. This suggests the possibility of creating a combination product consisting of 1) a glove 70 with a built-in "parking spot", 2) a tethered disk magnet 55, and 3) a preferably larger magnet 15 that is attached to the top of the ski pole by attaching it to the appropriate magnetic orientation with screws and / or adhesives. The combination product may also be sold as a kit that a skier can use to modify their existing poles and gloves, preferably after removing the straps that come with the poles, as they are no longer needed and may get in the way or become entangled.

[0047] When a proximal magnet is placed near a magnet on a pole, whether it is parked or not, it will jump to the pole magnet without the need for user intervention because the attractive force of the pole magnet is significantly greater than the attractive force of the "parking spot".

[0048] An alternative embodiment of the invention is to attach the glove magnet to the thumb only. This can be accomplished using a reusable tie strap such as an 8 inch long "one tie". A loop is formed for placement on the thumb and the magnet is attached to the end of the one tie. The magnet is attached with a cap nut and countersunk bolt, but could also be riveted or otherwise attached. The loop is first placed loosely on the thumb and then tightened as desired by the user. If the loop accidentally falls off the thumb, a tether (in this case a mini bungee) can be used to secure the one tie to the mitten or a pin can be used to prevent the loop from falling off.

[0049] Another embodiment can be achieved by connecting the hand magnet 55 to the glove 70 or mitten using a rubber-coated semi-rigid metal wire (as strap 1150), such as a Nite-Ize gear tie (i.e., strap 1150). The magnet 55 can be attached with a rivet 57 placed through a loop 58 made at one end of the gear tie 1150, as shown in FIG. 11. The loop 58 is secured in place by a mini cable tie.

[0050] The proximal end of strap 1150 can be easily attached to hardware or straps on a glove or mitten by threading it through an attachment site and twisting it back on itself.

[0051] Neodymium magnets are very strong and will "jump" to nearby ferrous surfaces, so it may be desirable to provide an iron cap to dampen the magnetic force, or a soft, thick, sock-like structure to place over the magnet when not in use.

[0052] In yet another embodiment, the engagement of the magnets may be on the globe 70 rather than on the pole 10. In this case, as shown in Figure 12, the strap 18 would be attached to the pole with the magnet 1215 on the end of the strap 18 furthest from the pole. The magnet 1215 may then be engaged with a magnet or other ferrous surface that is permanently (or semi-permanently) attached to the globe 70. A possible drawback to this embodiment is that the hanging magnet 1215 may "jump" onto a chairlift or other ferrous surface, and to prevent this, ferrous or magnetic parking spots would be used on the pole.

[0053] It will be clear to one skilled in the art that variations of this device and method can be used. For example, the magnetic connection can be replaced with a mechanical connection that is passively activated and released when a certain tension force (which may be adjustable with a tension screw / release mechanism) is exceeded. In that configuration, the user must force the pin through the resistance of, for example, a spring that holds the pin with the wide end in place until the desired force is exceeded. Additional mechanisms can be used to easily remove the pin, such as by loosening the tension screw. For example, the tension screw can be replaced with a lever that has two (or more) positions, including a set position and a release position.

[0054] Additionally, the embodiments herein are described using straps having a cylindrical cross-section, however, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, straps of other configurations, shapes and sizes may alternatively be employed, and other mechanisms for attaching the straps to the magnets may be used.

[0055] The embodiments herein provide a releasable mechanism for attaching a ski pole strap to a ski pole. The pole will release in a hard fall and stay on the skier in a light fall. There is no wrong way to put on the pole, nor is there a right or left pole, nor is the strap required to be placed in a particular direction. The strap allows the skier to apply a downward force from the base of the thumb, which allows the skier to accelerate in a traditional manner that is familiar to the skier on flat or slightly uphill terrain. If magnets are used, the strap attaches to the pole essentially instantly when the magnets are brought close to each other, and is easily separated by a manual push by the skier, without the need to press a release button. This is particularly useful when the skier is getting on or off a chairlift, and is a valuable safety feature in the event of a hard fall, especially if the pole gets caught on a tree branch or other object. This prevents hyperextension injuries that can cause rotator cuff tears and skier's thumb. When the mated magnet is on the pole, a "parking spot" can optionally be provided to store the proximal magnet on the glove and prevent it from dangling. An advantage of having a magnet on the pole is that it can be parked securely on the chairlift, typically above the skier, provided there is a suitable flat ferrous surface to attach the magnet to. Yet another advantage is that one or more gloves can be removed from the hands and stored on the pole while riding the chairlift, as many skiers prefer to use their cell phones while riding the chairlift.

[0056] An alternative embodiment for attaching the strap to the magnet is described herein. A strap as shown in FIG. 2 is used. The washer / magnet combination 1350 of the strap 50 includes a pair of parallel 1 inch diameter washers 60 attached to the top of a 1 inch diameter countersunk coated neodymium magnet 55 with a rivet and appropriate 3 / 16# inside diameter washers, where two of the 3 / 16# inside diameter washers are used to space the parallel 1 inch washers 60 approximately 1 / 4 inch apart and the other two are used to position the rivet so that the extension of the pop rivet is contained within the bottom countersink. The filament 51 is placed in the space 61 between the washers 60. The completed washer / magnet combination 1350 is shown in FIG. 13. The filament 51 is then passed through a short rubber tube 52 and then attached around a spacer that is placed between the washers and in the space 61 between the washers 60 (see FIG. 15) so that the strap will not fall off after the filament 51 is stretched to pass between the washers 60. A bolt, rivet or other fastener can pass through the center of the washer / magnet combination 1350 to hold the elements therein fastened together. The completed strap / magnet combination is shown in FIG. 15. The advantage of this configuration is that the strap 50 can swing freely around the magnet 55 so that the user can fit their fingers into the finger recesses commonly found on ski pole handles without having to reposition the magnet attached to the strap.

[0057] Another embodiment relates to a parking spot for magnets. We have found that the Stay Gent strip is a Velcro®-style material that adheres well to gloves at room or low temperatures and is backed with a fabric adhesive that can be cleanly removed with heat. The magnets are attached (e.g., using two 3 / 4 inch uncoated neodymium magnets for this purpose, under the adhesive of the loop Velcro), and then a hook Velcro decorative patch (which may include a logo) can be optionally applied to the loop Velcro that adheres to the glove.

[0058] Some additional improvements are now described. A webbing connection clip 74 as shown in FIG. 14 can be used to attach the strap 50 to the glove 70 if the ski glove has a wrist strap 73 (either provided initially with the glove or as an add-on to the glove). A wrist strap cinch or other fastener (not shown) is typically provided on or attached to the wrist strap 73 to tighten the wrist portion of the glove. A wrist strap that is part of the glove or mitten as shown in FIG. 16 allows the skier to attach the strap 50 to the clip 74 without having to wear a separate wrist strap 73 around the glove as shown in FIG. 15, and provides an attachment point for gloves that do not initially have a clip 71 (see FIG. 10), such as a mitten as shown in FIG. 15. Additionally, there is a "Stay Gent strip," a Velcro®-type backed fabric adhesive that remains attached to the glove at low or neutral temperatures and can be cleaned off with the application of heat, after which the residue can be washed off with acetone or other glue remover. The Stay Gent strips have both a Velcro® style hook fastening surface and a Velcro® style loop fastening surface. The inventors have discovered that these strips can be used to attach magnets (we used two 3 / 4 inch neodymium magnets) to gloves or mittens by placing the magnet in the center of the loop strip and then gluing, and then attaching a hook backed adhesive Velcro style patch or logo to the Stay Gent strip.

[0059] It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that an iron-on patch could be used in place of the Velcro® style Stay Gent hook patch / logo combination.

[0060] For the embodiment of FIG. 15, the following describes how the proximal end of the strap and magnet combination is made and then attached to the glove. The end of the loop is cut and the cinch 53 is removed. The plastic element 48 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 15 is left on top and secures the filament 51 to the remainder of the strap 50. The rubber tube 52 surrounds the filament 51 (see FIG. 15) and holds it snugly around the spacer located between the washers in the space 61 so that the strap 50 does not fall off. Note that rope end clips 54 such as HJ Zip Clip Rope Buckle Cord End Stoppers can be used. These end clips 54 serve two purposes: 1) to prevent the end of the strap rope from breaking, and 2) to prevent the proximal end of the strap from slipping through the webbing clip. The end clips 54 are attached to the ends of the cut straps and are attached to the top side of the webbing connection clip 74 (shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16). The strap may then be attached to a wrist strap 73 on the glove 70 below the webbing connection clip 74 .

[0061] Since the filament 51 (FIG. 2) may not be as strong as the strap 50, a more preferred alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 16 in which the strap 1650 itself (instead of the filament 51) is used to attach around a spacer placed between the washers 60 in the space 61. The filament 51, the rubber tube 52, and the plastic element 48 are omitted as they are not required in the embodiment of FIG. 16. The strap 1650 is cut so that the end snaps 54 can be placed on the ends of the two cut strap elements. The end snaps 54 prevent the two cut strap elements from breaking and prevent the two cut strap elements from slipping off the webbing connector clip 74 because it is larger than the slit / opening on the corresponding side of the webbing connector clip 74. The proximal portion of the strap 1650 (i.e., the two cut strap elements) is threaded over the top side of the webbing connector clip 74 and locked to it. The distal portion of the strap 1650 (loop 1651) is disposed between the parallel washers 60 of the washer / magnet combination 1350 and surrounds the spacer disposed between the washers 60 in the space 61. A cinch 53 (see also FIG. 2) may be used to fix the position of the magnet at the end of the strap 1650. More specifically, the loop 1651 is disposed at the end of the strap 1650 facing the magnet (i.e., the washer / magnet combination 1350). The cinch 53 locks the end of the strap 1650 to fix the position of the magnet within the loop 1651. An optional cable tie 49 may also be used at or near the cinch 53 to prevent the cinch 53 from sliding once in a desired position.

[0062] In another alternative embodiment, if the glove 70 does not have its own fastening wrist strap 73 for attachment to the webbing connector clip 74, the skier may choose to attach the proximal end of the strap 1650 to other existing hardware on the glove 70 (e.g., fasteners, clips, etc.).

[0063] Another way to attach a magnet to a ski pole handle is to attach it with epoxy. Figure 17 shows a magnet attached to the top of a ski pole handle with epoxy (or alternatively another adhesive could be used). Of course, both countersunk screws and epoxy could be used to make a very secure attachment.

[0064] Also, the strength of the attachment between the magnet on the pole and the magnet on the strap can be adjusted by stacking multiple magnets. Figure 18 shows two disk magnets stacked, thus holding the glove to the pole with more force than a single magnet. More experienced and aggressive skiers may want the pole to only come off in the case of a very hard fall, so may choose to use a stronger attachment setup with multiple stacked magnets. Additional magnets can be stacked for semi-permanent or permanent fixation, either via magnetic force alone or using epoxy or other fastening mechanisms.

[0065] In any of the above embodiments, when skiing, and when the magnets 15, 55 are attached to each other, the skier can apply a force downward and perpendicular to the mating surfaces of the magnets 15, 55 for poling on flat or slightly uphill terrain.

[0066] As most skiers know, when the snow is very hard packed it can be difficult to stick the poles into the snow and store them when putting boots on and taking them off the skis. An added benefit of the magnets 15 on the top of the ski poles is that they provide a convenient alternative place to store the poles. This is achieved by placing a magnetic or iron plate 90 on each ski, as shown in FIG. 19. Holes in the plate 90 are not necessary. The poles can then be temporarily stored by attaching them upside down to the plate 90, as shown in FIG. 20.

[0067] An embodiment relates to a releasable magnetic pole strap system including a pole including a proximal end having a distal surface and a pole attachment device connected to the distal surface of the proximal end. The system further includes a strap including a strap attachment device configured to be releasably attached to the pole attachment device. The distal surface of the proximal end of the pole is at least partially covered by the pole attachment device. Each of the pole attachment device and the strap attachment device includes either a magnet or a non-magnetic ferrous material. At least one of the pole attachment device or the strap attachment device includes a magnet.

[0068] In one embodiment, the strap attachment device is configured to be releasably attached to the pole attachment device via any approach angle when approaching the pole attachment device.

[0069] In one embodiment, the strap attachment device is configured to be releasable from the pole attachment device through the use of a force applied between it and the pole attachment device, for example, greater than 2-75 pounds.

[0070] In one embodiment, the strap attachment device is configured to be releasable from the pole attachment device by application of a force that separates the strap attachment device from the pole attachment device in any direction away from the pole attachment device.

[0071] In one embodiment, the strap attachment device is configured to be releasable from the pole attachment device without the use of a trigger, switch, or other mechanical device.

[0072] In one embodiment, the strap attachment device includes a magnet, the strap further includes a loop disposed on an end of the strap facing the magnet, a cinch that engages the end of the strap to fix the position of the magnet within the loop, a first washer, a second washer, a spacer disposed between the first washer and the second washer, and a fastener extending through the first washer, the spacer, and the second washer, the spacer being located between the first washer and the second washer. The first washer includes a first side and an opposite second side, the first side facing the magnet and the second side facing the second washer that is spaced apart from the first washer via the spacer to form a space between the first washer and the second washer. The loop is loosely secured to the spacer, surrounds the spacer, and is at least partially disposed within the space such that the strap can swing 360 degrees around the spacer via the loop, and the cinch holds the loop snugly around the spacer.

[0073] In one embodiment, the pole attachment device and the strap attachment device each include a magnet.

[0074] In one embodiment, the magnet is in the shape of a ring or disk. In one embodiment, the magnet has an outer diameter of, for example, 0.8 to 2.0 inches. In another embodiment, the magnet comprises neodymium. In a further embodiment, the magnet comprises at least two magnets stacked together.

[0075] In one embodiment, the distal face of the proximal end of the pole is completely covered by the pole attachment device.

[0076] In one embodiment, the pole attachment device includes a pole attachment device mating surface configured to mate with a strap attachment device mating surface of the strap attachment device. At least one of the pole attachment device mating surface or the strap attachment device mating surface may include an anti-scratch material applied thereon.

[0077] In one embodiment, the pole attachment device includes a pole attachment device mating surface configured to mate with a strap attachment device mating surface of a strap attachment device. As shown in FIG. 3, the pole attachment device mating surface includes a recess configured to accommodate at least a portion of the strap attachment device when the strap attachment device is attached to the pole attachment device, or the strap attachment device mating surface includes a recess configured to accommodate at least a portion of the pole attachment device when the strap attachment device is attached to the pole attachment device. In one example, the recess / recess in the surface of the magnet 15 is optional, and the magnet 55 will be partially located within the recess when the magnet is attached. This configuration can help and maintain the positioning of the magnets relative to each other during the step of attaching the two magnets to each other, and also help prevent the magnets from slipping relative to each other when force is applied during skiing or during a less severe (non-serious) fall.

[0078] In one embodiment, the pole further comprises a hand grip, The hand grip comprises a proximal end of the pole.

[0079] In one embodiment, the pole attachment device is connected to the distal face of the proximal end of the pole via a countersunk head screw.

[0080] In one embodiment, the system further includes a glove. The strap is configured to be attached to the glove such that a user of the system can hold the pole by wearing the glove while the strap attachment device is releasably attached to the pole attachment device. In one embodiment, the strap attachment device includes a magnet. The glove includes a glove magnet or a glove non-magnetic ferrous material secured to the glove configured to act as a parking spot for the magnet of the strap attachment device when the strap attachment device is not attached to the pole attachment device. In another embodiment, the strap is configured to be attached to the glove via another strap or clip secured to the glove.

[0081] In one embodiment, the pole comprises a ski pole. In one embodiment, the pole attachment device includes a magnet and the system further includes a ski having an iron plate secured thereto, such that the pole attachment device is configured to be releasably attached to the iron plate when the strap attachment device is not attached to the pole attachment device.

[0082] The embodiment also relates to a releasable magnetic pole strap system including a pole attachment device configured to be connected to a distal surface of a proximal end of a pole. The system further includes a strap including a strap attachment device configured to be releasably attached to the pole attachment device. The distal surface of the proximal end of the pole is at least partially covered by the pole attachment device. Each of the pole attachment device and the strap attachment device includes either a magnet or a non-magnetic ferrous material. At least one of the pole attachment device or the strap attachment device includes a magnet.

[0083] Although the embodiments are described above with reference to ski poles, the ski poles described in any of the above embodiments may alternatively be other types of poles, such as walking poles, hiking poles, walking sticks, umbrella poles, etc. Such alternatives are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention and may therefore take advantage of the configurations and embodiments described above.

[0084] The method steps in any of the embodiments described herein are not limited to being performed in any particular order. Also, a structure or system referred to in any of the method embodiments may utilize a structure or system referred to in any of the apparatus / system embodiments. Such a structure or system may be described in detail only with respect to an apparatus / system embodiment, but is applicable to any of the method embodiments.

[0085] Any feature of the embodiments described in this disclosure may be used in combination with the features of the other embodiments described herein, and such combinations are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0086] The contemplated modifications and variations specifically mentioned in this disclosure are deemed to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0087] More generally, it should be understood that the present disclosure and exemplary embodiments have been described above with reference to examples in the accompanying drawings, but are not limited thereto. Rather, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the disclosure herein. It should be noted that the terms and descriptions used herein are described by way of example only and are not meant to be limiting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims and their equivalents, and herein, unless otherwise indicated, all terms should be understood in their broadest possible sense.

Claims

1. Vertical axis, a proximal end having a hand grip and a distal surface; and a pole attachment arrangement at the distal face of the proximal end of the pole, the pole attachment arrangement including a magnet; A pole including a strap having a proximal end, a distal free end opposite the proximal end, and a strap attachment device disposed on the strap at or near the distal free end, the strap attachment device configured to be releasably attached to the pole attachment device, the strap attachment device comprising either a magnet or a non-magnetic ferrous material; 1. A releasable magnetic pole strap system comprising: the distal surface of the proximal end of the pole is at least partially covered by the pole attachment device; the pole and the strap attachment device are arranged such that the strap attachment device can be released from the pole attachment device in any direction away from the pole attachment device, including lateral directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the pole; Releasable magnetic pole strap system.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the strap attachment device is configured to be releasably attached to the pole attachment device via any approach angle when approaching the pole attachment device.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the strap attachment device is configured to be releasable from the pole attachment device by use of a force applied between it and the pole attachment device.

4. A system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the strap attachment device is configured to be releasable from the pole attachment device by the application of a force that separates the strap attachment device from the pole attachment device in any direction away from the pole attachment device.

5. The strap attachment device includes a magnet, and the strap is a filament disposed at the distal free end of the strap facing the magnet; a rubber tube surrounding the filament; A first washer; A second washer; and a spacer provided between the first washer and the second washer; a fastener extending through the first washer, the spacer, and the second washer, the spacer being located between the first washer and the second washer; 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first washer includes a first side and an opposite second side, the first side facing the magnet and the second side facing the second washer spaced apart from the first washer via the spacer to form a space between the first washer and the filament, the filament is loosely secured to the spacer, surrounds the spacer and is at least partially disposed within the space such that the strap can swing 360 degrees around the spacer via the filament, and the rubber tube holds the loop snugly around the spacer.

6. The strap attachment device includes a magnet, and the strap is a loop disposed at the distal free end of the strap facing the magnet; a cinch to fasten the end of the strap and fix the position of the magnet within the loop; A first washer; A second washer; and a spacer provided between the first washer and the second washer; a fastener extending through the first washer, the spacer, and the second washer, the spacer being located between the first washer and the second washer; 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first washer includes a first side and an opposite second side, the first side facing the magnet and the second side facing the second washer spaced from the first washer through the spacer to form a space between the first washer and the loop, the loop is loosely secured to the spacer, surrounds the spacer and is at least partially disposed within the space such that the strap can swing 360 degrees around the spacer through the loop, and the cinch holds the loop snugly around the spacer.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the strap attachment device includes a magnet.

8. The magnet is in the shape of a ring or a disk, the magnet comprises neodymium, or The magnet includes at least two magnets stacked together. A system according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. A system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the distal surface of the proximal end of the pole is completely covered by the pole mounting device.

10. The pole attachment device includes a pole attachment device mating surface configured to mate with a strap attachment device mating surface of the strap attachment device, and at least one of the pole attachment device mating surface or the strap attachment device mating surface includes an anti-scratch material applied thereto; or 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the pole attachment device includes a pole attachment device mating surface configured to mate with a strap attachment device mating surface of the strap attachment device, the pole attachment device mating surface including a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the strap attachment device when the strap attachment device is attached to the pole attachment device, or the strap attachment device mating surface including a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the pole attachment device when the strap attachment device is attached to the pole attachment device.

11. The system described in claim 1, further comprising a glove, wherein the strap is configured to be attached to the glove such that a user of the system can hold the pole by wearing the glove while the strap attachment device is releasably attached to the pole attachment device.

12. The system described in claim 11, wherein the strap attachment device includes a magnet and the glove includes a glove magnet or glove non-magnetic ferrous material affixed to the glove configured to act as a parking spot for the magnet of the strap attachment device when the strap attachment device is not attached to the pole attachment device.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the strap is configured to be attached to the glove via a webbing connector clip connected to a wrist strap secured to the glove.

14. The system described in claim 1, further comprising a ski having an iron plate secured thereto, whereby the pole mounting device is configured to be releasably attached to the iron plate when the strap mounting device is not attached to the pole mounting device.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the pole mounting device includes a magnet, and the magnet of the pole mounting device is larger in size and has stronger magnetic force than the magnet or non-magnetic ferrous material of the strap mounting device.

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