Buffer for nordic walking poles

Abstract

An arrangement for a walking pole comprising a buffer attachable to an end of the walking pole, the buffer being elastic, the buffer having a rolling surface, the buffer further having a locking mechanism, a grip element, the grip element being attachable to the buffer via the locking mechanism, the grip element being adjustable to different positions by the locking mechanism.

Description

[0001] BUFFER FOR NORDIC WALKING POLES

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Generally, the present invention relates to Nordic walking poles thereof. Particularly, however not exclusively, the present invention pertains to an arrangement for a buffer for Nordic walking poles.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Nordic walking is a popular form of exercise that uses specific walking poles to increase the effectiveness of the exercise. The poles help create motion that engages the core and upper body muscles in addition to leg movement. The poles can be used in various ground types from paved roads to muddy or icy roads.

[0006] Nordic walking poles are used in various ground types with spikes or studs to help increase grip against the ground. The spikes or studs are usually made of hard material such as steel, which can cause impact and loud noise when the poles are used on hard ground such as asphalt. The impact can cause discomfort to the hands of the user and the noise can render the whole exercise unpleasant.

[0007] Prior art teaches for example solutions where Nordic walking poles comprise a spring mechanism to allow inward or outward movement of a spike within the pole. However, such solutions often have only two possible setups wherein the spike is either in or out. Prior art also teaches solutions that utilize buffers, often made of hard rubber, to help coordinate the movement of the poles against the ground, increase grip and smoothen the movement. However, when used together with spikes, the buffer is often rigidly positioned, and it might not be possible for the user to alter the position or orientation of the buffer.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The objective of the embodiments of the present invention is to at least alleviate one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks evident in the prior art arrangements particularly in the context of Nordic walking pole ar- rangements. The objective is generally achieved with an arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0010] An advantage of the present disclosure is that it allows for enhanced grip against the ground. The buffer of the arrangement of the present disclosure also dampens impact and reduces noise created by the walking pole hitting the ground, for example, when the walking pole is used on paved roads or trails. The buffer can also be used in sand or sandy routes as the buffer adjusts to a variety of ground types. The buffer also withstands both cold and warm temperatures. Additionally, as the buffer is elastic it can be inserted by hand on most Nordic walking poles regardless of the manufacturer.

[0011] Another advantage is that the arrangement of the present disclosure has a grip element that is inserted to a locking position in a locking mechanism of the buffer. The grip element creates stability and grip even in challenging conditions such as when the ground is covered in, for example, ice, snow, or slush. Additionally, the grip element may be placed to different positions manually by a user, allowing the user to control how much of the grip element hits the ground or if it comes in contact with the ground at all.

[0012] Further, the arrangement also comprises a rolling surface, which may serve as a restrictive element, preventing the grip element from inserting too deeply into certain materials, such as soft ice, beyond what is exposed beneath the rolling surface.

[0013] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention an arrangement for a walking pole comprising

[0014] - a buffer attachable to an end of the walking pole, o the buffer being elastic, o the buffer having a rolling surface, o the buffer further having a locking mechanism,

[0015] - a grip element, o the grip element being attachable to the buffer via the locking mechanism, o the grip element being adjustable to different positions by the locking mechanism. According to an exemplary embodiment, the rolling surface of the buffer may cover the whole bottom surface area of the buffer. The rolling surface of the buffer may have markings to indicate wear of the rolling surface.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, the buffer may have fluorescent and / or reflective properties.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement may have more than one grip element. Each grip element may be placed in different or the same locking positions of the locking mechanism of the arrangement.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism of the buffer has at least one locking position.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement for a walking pole where the locking mechanism of the buffer has at least two locking positions which enable the grip element to be positioned at different positions.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism of the buffer has locking positions arranged diagonally, horizontally and / or vertically inside the buffer.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement for a walking pole where the arrangement has at least two grip elements.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement for a walking pole where the grip element comprises hardened steel wire.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement for a walking pole where the grip element comprises a spike arrangement.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement for a walking pole where the spike arrangement comprises a two-pronged spike.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement for a walking pole where the grip element is set at an incline angle by the locking mech- anism, which angle may be the angle between the ground surface level and the longitudinal direction of the walking pole.

[0026] As briefly reviewed hereinbefore, the utility of the different aspects of the present invention arises from a plurality of issues depending on each particular embodiment.

[0027] The arrangement of the present disclosure is discussed herein particularly in relation to Nordic walking pole. However, the arrangement is suitable and encompasses also Fitness walking poles, walking sticks, trekking poles, Exerstrider poles (a specific brand but sometimes used generically), pole walking sticks, trail running poles, running poles, ultra-running poles, collapsible running poles, foldable running poles, trekking poles, hiking poles, walking poles, hiking sticks, staffs (singular: staff), mountain poles and telescoping poles.

[0028] The expression “a number of’ may herein refer to any positive integer starting from one (1). The expression “a plurality of’ may refer to any positive integer starting from two (2), respectively.

[0029] The term “exemplary” refers herein to an example or example-like feature, not the sole or only preferable option.

[0030] Different embodiments of the present invention are also disclosed in the attached dependent claims.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention are reviewed more closely with reference to the attached drawings, wherein

[0033] Fig. 1 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the buffer detached from a walking pole in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig. 2 depicts a frontal view of the grip element in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0035] Figs. 3a-c depict a side view of an embodiment of the arrangement with a grip element placed in a locking mechanism of a buffer in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 4 depicts a diagonal bottom view of an embodiment of the arrangement in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0037] An arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) comprises a buffer (104), a rolling surface (106), a locking mechanism (108) and a grip element (110). The rolling surface (106) and the locking mechanism (108) are part of the buffer (104), where the rolling surface (106) comes in contact with the ground and the locking mechanism (108) forms a hollow part in the buffer (104) allowing insertion of the grip element (110). The buffer (104) is arranged to a lower end of the walking pole (102) via a recess or a hollow end in the upper end of the buffer (104). Furthermore, the buffer (104) is elastic which allows for flexible movement and may dampen impact and reduce noise created when the walking pole (102) hits the ground. The elasticity of the buffer (104) allows manual attachment and detachment of the buffer (104) to the walking pole (102). The grip element (110) is attached to the buffer (102) via the locking mechanism (108). The grip element (110) is adjustable by the locking mechanism (108) to suit different types of ground and needs of the user.

[0038] The arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) has a buffer (104) that comprises a rolling surface (106) and a locking mechanism (108). The buffer (104) is elastic and can be stretched with hands. The buffer (104) can be attached to the walking pole (102) by manually stretching the opening of a recess or a hollow end of the buffer (104) and inserting the buffer (104) around the lower end of the walking pole (102). As the buffer (104) is inserted to the lower end of the walking pole (102) and let go, the part of the buffer (104) that was stretched aims to return to the original shape and thus creates compression against the walking pole (102) keeping the buffer (104) in place. The buffer (104) has a rolling surface (106) that comes in contact with the ground and is responsible for dampening impact, reducing noise, and increasing grip against the ground. The rolling surface (106) of the buffer (104) is round in shape with crevices to increase grip against the ground as shown in fig. 1. The locking mechanism (108) of the buffer (104) has at least one locking position that allows the insertion of a grip element (HO). The locking positions in the locking mechanism (108) are holes that secure the grip element (110) against the buffer (104).

[0039] The arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) has a grip element (110) that is inserted into a locking mechanism (108) of a buffer (104). Fig. 2 depicts a preferred embodiment of the grip element (110) that is a semicircle with two open ends facing the ground. The upper end of the grip element (110) is bended forming outward curves before the two open ends join in the middle of the upper end of the grip element (110). However, the above is an example of a preferred embodiment and other forms of the grip element (110) are also possible. The grip element (110) should, however, be easily attachable and detachable by hand. Furthermore, the elasticity of the buffer (104) may allow the grip element (110) to move elastically when the buffer (104) and the grip element (110) move according to the contours of the walking surface which may provide dampening effect and spring-like elasticity.

[0040] Preferably, the grip element (110) can be adjusted to at least three different vertically aligned positions or locking positions in the locking mechanism (108) as shown in figs. 3a-c. In the first position, the grip element (110) is placed in the upper part of the locking mechanism (108) so that the grip element (110) does not touch the ground. When the grip element (110) is placed in the upper part of the locking mechanism (108) it may also be aligned so that the open ends of the grip element (110) face upwards. Thus, the only grip and support against the ground will be provided by the rolling surface (106) of the buffer (104). In the second position, the grip element (110) extends outside the rolling surface (106) of the buffer (104) by 1-10 millimeters. Fig. 4 shows a diagonal bottom view of the arrangement (100) with the grip element (110) placed in the second position. In the third position, the grip element (110) extends outside the rolling surface (106) more than in the second position, such as 3-10 millimeters. Alternative configurations of locking positions are also possible wherein the at least one or more locking position may provide set heights for the grip element (110) in relation to the ground surface but the grip element (110) may be rotated in relation to the one or more locking positions so that the grip element faces away from the ground and does not contact the ground when it is rotated away from the ground. Adjusting the grip element (110) may be beneficial for example in accordance with the terrain on which the arrangement (100) and the walking pole (102) is used on. For example, when the terrain is mainly asphalt with sanding and little or no snow thereon, an advantageous length of the grip element (110) may be approximately 3 to 5 millimeters because this allows the grip element (100) to extend in between the sanding to the ground when the rolling surface (106) is pushed on the sanding. Using longer grip element (106) on this type of terrain might be disadvantageous since it may be produce more recoil and noise from the ground when the longer grip element (110) comes into contact with the ground surface. However, in terrains with soft ground, such as forest trails or woodchip running trails, the rolling surface (106) alone may not alone provide an optimal grip walking pole (102). Similarly, a short grip element (110) may also not be optimal because it does not sink deep into the surface. Therefore, in such terrains, a longer length of the grip element (HO), such as 8 to 10 millimeters, may be beneficial since this allows the grip element (110) to penetrate deeper in the terrain surface therefore providing more friction. Beneficially, such different lengths of the grip element (110) are achieved by the different positions to which the grip element (110) may be set.

[0041] The positioning of the grip element (110) can be changed manually by removing the grip element (110) from the locking mechanism (108) and inserting the grip element (110) to a different position or a locking position in the locking mechanism (108) or moving the grip element (110) inside or in relation to the locking mechanism (108) by hand. In an alternative embodiment, the locking positions of the locking mechanism (108) may also be horizontally aligned, diagonal, or comprise a mix of diagonal, horizontal and vertical alignments of locking positions. The grip element (110) may be set at an incline angle of, for example, approximately 105 degrees, which angle may be the angle between the ground surface level and the longitudinal direction of the walking pole (102). However, the aforementioned incline angle between the ground and the longitudinal direction of the walking pole (102) is just an example and other degrees of angle may be used as well.

[0042] The buffer (104) of the arrangement (100) has a rolling surface (106) that is in contact with the ground and may help the walking pole (102) have grip against the ground to keep the user steady. The rolling surface (106) has crevices that are used to increase grip against the ground. Additionally, the rolling surface (106) may have markings to indicate wear of the rolling surface (106).

[0043] The buffer (104), including the rolling surface (106), can be painted in a bright, fluorescent, or reflective paint. Alternatively, the buffer (104) may consist of materials that may enable the buffer (104) to be bright or have fluorescent or reflective properties. The buffer (104) may also be covered in material that makes the buffer (104) bright, fluorescent, or reflective.

[0044] In an embodiment, the rolling surface (106) may cover the entire surface area of the buffer (104). In another embodiment, the rolling surface (106) may cover only a part of the surface area of the buffer (104). As the rolling surface (104) wears over time, the user can adjust the buffer (104) so that an unworn part of the rolling surface (104) comes in contact with the ground.

[0045] The arrangement (100) may have one or more grip elements (HO). The grip elements (110) may be used simultaneously in the same locking position of the locking mechanism (108) or then placed in different locking positions. The grip element (110) may be positioned in different orientations, for example, the grip element (110) may be perpendicular or in an angle relative to the ground. The grip element (110) may also be positioned so that it points upwards away from the ground.

[0046] The grip element (110) may comprise spike, stud, or a combination thereof. Such grip element (110) may comprise ceramic, hard metal, or hardened metal. The grip element (110) may comprise hardened steel wire. The grip element (110) may also be used to measure wear. The grip element (110) may be arranged in pairs, such as a two-pronged spike as illustrated. Alternatively, the grip element (110) may comprise a singular element attached to two sides of the buffer (104).

[0047] The scope of the invention is determined by the attached claims together with the equivalents thereof. The skilled persons will again appreciate the fact that the disclosed embodiments were constructed for illustrative purposes only, and the innovative fulcrum reviewed herein will cover further embodiments, embodiment combinations, variations and equivalents that better suit each particular use case of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) comprising- a buffer (104) attachable to an end of the walking pole (102), o the buffer (104) being elastic, o the buffer (104) having a rolling surface (106), o the buffer (104) further having a locking mechanism (108),- a grip element (110), o the grip element (110) being attachable to the buffer (104) via the locking mechanism (108), o the grip element (110) being adjustable to different positions by the locking mechanism (108).

2. The arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) according to claim 1, wherein the rolling surface (106) of the buffer (104) covers the whole bottom surface area of the buffer (104).

3. The arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) of any preceding claim, wherein the rolling surface (106) of the buffer (104) has markings to indicate wear of the rolling surface (106).

4. The arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) of any preceding claim, wherein the buffer (104) comprises fluorescent and / or reflective material.

5. The arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) of any preceding claim, wherein the locking mechanism (108) of the buffer (104) has at least one locking position.

6. The arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) of any preceding claim, wherein the locking mechanism (108) of the buffer (104) has at least two locking positions which enable the grip element (110) to be locked in at least two different positions inside the buffer.

7. The arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) of any preceding claim, wherein the locking mechanism (108) has locking positions arranged diagonally, horizontally and / or vertically inside the buffer (104).

8. The arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) of any preceding claim, wherein the arrangement (100) has at least two grip elements (HO).

9. The arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) of any preceding claim, wherein the grip element (110) comprises hardened steel wire.

10. The arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) of any preceding claim, wherein the grip element (110) comprises a spike arrangement.

11. The arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) of claim 10, wherein the spike arrangement comprises a two-pronged spike.

12. The arrangement (100) for a walking pole (102) of any preceding claim, wherein the grip element (110) is set at an incline angle by the locking mechanism (108) which angle may be the angle between the ground surface level and the longitudinal direction of the walking pole (102).

Images