Sporting activity accessory having a haft formed of a set of tubes

Abstract

The invention relates to a sporting activity accessory having a haft (1) formed of a set of tubes (2b, 2c, 2d) mounted so as to be longitudinally slidable and a return member for returning the tubes to a retracted configuration, wherein at least one pair of adjacent tubes (2c, 2d) is provided with an anti-slide locking device (11) that comprises a projecting lug (12), wherein the set of tubes (2b, 2c, 2d) comprises an upper tube (2b) in which the outer tube (2c) is slidably mounted, and wherein the lug (12) in the projecting locking position is arranged axially on the outer tube (2c) such that, once the outer tube has been retracted, the lug interferes with the lower edge (25) of the upper tube, wherein the interference is arranged so as to cause, under the effect of the return member, the lug to depress into the retracted position in order to release the inner tube (2d) so that it can slide inside the outer tube (2c).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] ACCESSORY FOR SPORTS ACTIVITY WITH A STEM

[0003] FORMED FROM A SET OF TUBES

[0004] The invention relates to an accessory for sporting activity having a rod formed from a set of tubes which are mounted to slide longitudinally between a use configuration, in which said tubes are deployed one after the other, and a storage configuration, in which each inner tube is retracted into the adjacent upper tube.

[0005] It applies in particular to a pole for sporting activity, such as a running pole, particularly for trail running, in order to help the runner when progressing on uneven terrain and / or with uneven ground, or a walking pole, for example of the Nordic or trekking type, allowing the walker to propel himself using his arms to support himself on the ground.

[0006] Traditionally, this type of stick comprises a shaft with an upper end part equipped with a grip handle and a lower end part equipped with a ground support member, for example in the form of a metal tip.

[0007] To maintain the tubes in the use configuration, the use of “Push-Pin” type devices is known which comprise a lug engaged in radial translation in an internal orifice of an inner tube by means of an elastic constraint means between a stable projecting position of said inner tube and a constrained position set back from the periphery of said inner tube, the adjacent outer tube having an external orifice which is longitudinally aligned with said internal orifice and in which the lug in the projecting position can be received to lock the sliding in the deployed configuration. To be able to store the accessory, each of the lugs must be manually pushed against the constraint means in order to allow the tubes to retract into each other.

[0008] However, during the practice of sporting activities such as those described above, it is necessary to provide a stick whose set of tubes can be retracted quickly, simply and intuitively, which manual operation of the various lugs does not allow.

[0009] In an attempt to resolve this problem, document FR-2 947 154 discloses, in particular, the use of a member for returning the tubes to their retracted configuration which can be released by manual actuation, the outer tubes being provided with a ring for pushing in the locking lug in order to allow the tubes to retract into each other.

[0010] This arrangement is not entirely satisfactory, in that it requires modification of the tubes by equipping them with an actuating ring, which is contrary to the ease of manufacture and reliability of use of the accessory.

[0011] The invention aims to improve the prior art by proposing in particular an accessory for sporting activity comprising a rod formed from a set of telescopic tubes which can be locked and unlocked quickly and reliably, and this by means of a simple manufacturing design.

[0012] To this end, the invention proposes an accessory for sporting activity having a rod formed from a set of tubes mounted to slide longitudinally between a use configuration in which said tubes are deployed one after the other and a storage configuration in which each lower tube is retracted into the adjacent upper tube, said accessory comprising a member for returning the tubes to the retracted configuration, said set of tubes comprising at least one pair of adjacent tubes - respectively outer and inner - which is equipped with a device for locking their sliding in the deployed configuration against said return member,said locking device comprising a lug engaged in radial translation in an internal orifice of the inner tube by means of an elastic constraint means between a stable projecting position of said inner tube and a constrained position set back from the periphery of said inner tube, the adjacent outer tube having an external orifice which is aligned longitudinally with said internal orifice and in which the lug in the projecting position can be received to lock the sliding in the deployed configuration, the set of tubes further comprising an upper tube in which the outer tube of the pair of tubes is mounted in longitudinal sliding, the lug in the projecting locking position being arranged axially on the outer tube so that, at the end of the retraction stroke of said outer tube in the upper tube, said lug comes into interference with the lower edge of said upper tube,said interference being arranged to induce, under the effect of the return member, a depression of said lug in the retracted position in order to release the sliding of the inner tube in said outer tube.

[0013] Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description, made with reference to the attached figures, in which: [Fig.1a], [Fig.1b], [Fig.1c], and

[0014] [Fig.ld] represent an accessory for sporting activity according to an embodiment of the invention, the tubes of the rod of which are respectively in deployed configuration (figure 1a) and retracted (figure 1b), figure 1c representing said accessory in exploded view, figure 1d being a sectional view of figure 1c along the longitudinal plane AA;

[0015] [Fig.2a] and

[0016] [Fig.2b] represent in partial longitudinal section the assembly of the adjacent outer tube in the upper final tube of the accessory of the preceding figures, centered on the sliding locking device of said tubes in deployed configuration, the locking lug being in a respectively stable position projecting from the aligned orifices of said tubes (figure 2a) and constrained back from the periphery of the inner tube (figure 2b);

[0017] [Fig.3a] and

[0018] [Fig.3b] represent in partial longitudinal section the upper final end of the gripping handle associated with the upper final tube of the accessory of the preceding figures, the outer tube adjacent to said final tube being in the deployed configuration (figure 3a) and retracted configuration (figure 3b) respectively relative to said final tube;

[0019] [Fig.4] represents, in perspective view from above, the upper end of an inner tube of the accessory of the preceding figures, said inner end being equipped with a device for locking said inner tube in the deployed configuration relative to an adjacent outer tube (not shown);

[0020] [Fig.5] represents, in radial section, the relative arrangement of two adjacent outer and inner tubes of the preceding figures;

[0021] [Fig.6] represents, in perspective view from above, a locking device in deployed configuration of two adjacent tubes of the previous figures;

[0022] [Fig.7a],

[0023] [Fig.7b], and

[0024] [Fig.7c] represent, in partial longitudinal section, and without representation of the return member in storage configuration, three unlocking stages by means of an upper tube of the device connecting an inner tube and an outer tube;

[0025] [Fig.8a] and

[0026] [Fig.8b] represent, according to different views, the locking lug of the previous figures mounted on its elastic constraint means, figure 8c showing an alternative embodiment of said constraint means.

[0027] In relation to these figures, an accessory for sporting activity is described below having a rod 1 formed from a set of tubes 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, the accessory forms a pole for practicing a sporting activity such as walking or running. The pole can in particular be used for Nordic walking or trekking, in order to allow the walker to propel himself using his arms to support himself on the ground, or for practicing running in a natural environment, in particular trail running, in order to help the runner when progressing on uneven terrain and / or with uneven terrain.

[0029] In the embodiment shown, the tubes 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d have a substantially cylindrical geometry. They may, for example, be formed from metal, in particular aluminum, or from a carbon-based composite material, or from glass, linen, hemp fibers, or from aramid or polyethylene-type polymers with a very high molar mass.

[0030] Advantageously, the various components of the accessory are chosen to have a reduced mass, in order to obtain an accessory with a reduced overall mass, in particular less than 280 grams, and more particularly of the order of 140 grams. This arrangement makes it possible to improve the comfort of the user when handling or wearing the accessory, in particular during the practice of a long-term sporting activity.

[0031] In the description, the terms of positioning in space are defined in relation to the geometry of the stick. In particular:

[0032] - the term “longitudinal” is defined in relation to a direction following the extension axis of the stick (vertical in figures 1a to 1d);

[0033] - the term “radial” is defined in relation to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction;

[0034] - the terms “upper” and “lower” are defined in relation to the position of use of the stick, and in the longitudinal direction;

[0035] - the terms "inner" and "outer" refer to a radial arrangement respectively close to and far from the longitudinal axis of the stick.

[0036] The rod 1 comprises an upper end tube 2a equipped with a grip handle 3, by which the user grasps and holds the stick during the practice of a sporting activity. The handle 3 may for example be formed from a polymer material, and has a lower recess in which the upper part of the upper end tube 2a is fixed.

[0037] Advantageously, the handle 3 has a dimension and an external geometry which are adapted for a good manual grip for handling the stick. The handle 3 may also be equipped with an element for attaching the stick to the hand of a user (not shown), in particular in the form of a wrist strap or a gauntlet, to prevent the dropping and / or loss of said stick when the user temporarily releases said handle, said element being able to be permanently or detachably attached to said handle.

[0038] Alternatively, the upper end tube 2a may in itself form a gripping handle 3, and may for this purpose be provided, at its outer periphery, with a sleeve for gripping by the user, said sleeve being made of a suitable material, in particular natural or synthetic leather, or even elastomer foam, to improve gripping comfort for the user, in particular by limiting the risks of said tube 2a slipping in the hand of said user, for example under the effect of perspiration. In particular, the gripping handle 3 is made of cork or foam, for example imitating cork.

[0039] The rod 1 further comprises a lower end tube 2d which carries a member 4 intended to come to bear on the ground when using the stick. To do this, the member 4 comprises a body 5 under which is fixed a point 6 for bearing on the ground, said point being able in particular to be made of metallic material, for example based on steel and / or tungsten carbide.

[0040] The body 5 may for example be made of an injected thermoplastic material, possibly reinforced with fibers, and comprises a lower end in which a hole is formed to allow the ground support point 6 to be force-mounted or screwed 7. To reduce the size of the accessory when it is not in use, and thus facilitate its transport by the user during the practice of his sporting activity, in particular in a pocket or a compartment provided for this purpose on a bag or belt worn by said user, the tubes 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are slidably mounted between a use configuration, in which said tubes are deployed one after the other, and a storage configuration, in which each lower tube 2b, 2c, 2d is retracted into the adjacent upper tube 2a, 2b, 2c.

[0041] In particular, the tubes 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d each have a longitudinal dimension adapted so that the accessory has a longitudinal dimension of the order of 120 centimeters in the deployed configuration of use, in order to be able to be used with optimal comfort by an adult user of average height, and a longitudinal dimension as compact as possible, in particular of the order of 40 centimeters, in the retracted configuration of storage, in order to be able to limit its longitudinal size as much as possible and facilitate its storage in a pocket or a compartment by the user, in particular without interrupting their sporting activity.

[0042] The accessory comprises a member 8 for returning the tubes 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d to the retracted configuration. In the figures, this member comprises an elastic link 8 which extends longitudinally inside the tubes 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d between an upper zone and a lower zone of the rod 1, said link being arranged to be tensioned in the deployed configuration, in order to allow the retraction of said tubes by elastic retraction of said link to its stable position.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the elastic link 8 comprises a wound upper end 8a which is mounted in a housing 9 provided for this purpose in the upper part of the handle 3, as well as a lower end (not shown) which is fixed to the lower final tube 2d, in particular to the body 5 of the ground support member 4. In particular, the handle 3 comprises a cap 10 fixed by screwing onto its upper end to close the housing 9 for access to the end 8a of the return member 8, said housing being accessible by unscrewing said cap.

[0044] The set of tubes further comprises at least one pair of adjacent tubes 2a, 2b; 2b, 2c; 2c, 2d - respectively outer 2a, 2b, 2c and inner 2b, 2c, 2d - which is equipped with a device 11 for locking their sliding in the deployed configuration against the return member 8.

[0045] The locking device 11 comprises a lug 12 engaged in radial translation in an internal orifice 13 of the inner tube 2c, 2d, by means of an elastic constraint means 15 between a stable projecting position of said lower tube and a constrained position set back from the periphery of said inner tube.

[0046] Furthermore, the adjacent outer tube 2b, 2c has an external orifice 14 which is longitudinally aligned with the internal orifice 13, and in which the lug 12 in the projecting position can be received to lock the sliding in the deployed configuration.

[0047] To enable maximum longitudinal deployment of the tubes 2b, 2c, 2d, the inner tube 2c, 2d - respectively outer 2b, 2c - comprises an internal orifice 13 - respectively external 14 - which is formed near its upper end - respectively lower.

[0048] The set of tubes 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d further comprises an upper tube 2a, 2b in which the outer tube 2b, 2c of the pair of tubes 2b, 2c; 2c, 2d is mounted to slide longitudinally, in particular between a deployed configuration for use and a retracted configuration for storing the accessory.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the rod 1 comprises at least three adjacent tubes 2b, 2c, 2d forming two pairs of outer tubes 2b, 2c and inner tubes 2c, 2d, which comprise the central tube 2c in common, as well as an outer tube 2b forming an upper tube. Thus, the common tube 2c comprises both:

[0050] - an external orifice 14 formed near its lower end to allow the locking of the adjacent lower tube 2d in the deployed configuration; and

[0051] - an internal orifice 13 formed near its upper end, to allow its own locking in the deployed configuration relative to the adjacent upper tube 2b.

[0052] In particular, an outer tube 2b of a pair of tubes 2b, 2c is mounted in telescopic sliding in the upper final tube 2a between a deployed configuration for use and a retracted configuration for storage, the accessory further comprising a locking device 11a for said sliding in the deployed configuration which can be unlocked manually.

[0053] This locking device 11a comprises a lug 12a engaged in radial translation in an internal orifice 13a of the outer tube 2b by means of an elastic constraint means 15a between a stable projecting position of said outer tube and a constrained position set back from the periphery of said outer tube, the upper final tube 2a having an external orifice 14a which is aligned longitudinally with said internal orifice and in which the lug 12a in the projecting position can be received to lock the sliding in the deployed configuration.

[0054] The upper lug 12a also has an outer wall 18a on which manual unlocking pressure can be applied. This wall 18a can in particular be arranged to facilitate the pressure on it of a user's finger, in particular by having a concave imprint, or by having a forward inclination in the sliding direction in the retracted configuration, as shown in the figures. Advantageously, the upper locking device 11a and the locking devices 11 of the pairs of tubes 2b, 2c; 2c, 2d have structures which are substantially identical, in order to facilitate the manufacture of the accessory.

[0055] In relation to the figures, the locking devices 11, 11a each comprise a cylindrical sleeve 16, 16a which is fixed in the inner tube 2c, 2d - or outer tube 2b -, said sleeve having a housing 17, 17a in which the lug 12, 12a is mounted by means of the elastic constraint means 15, 15a.

[0056] The sleeve 16, 16a has an outer wall on which circumferential grooves 19, 19a are formed, arranged to allow the said sleeve to be fitted by fitting into the upper end of the tube 2b, 2c, 2d.

[0057] The sleeve 16, 16a is also extended by a corolla 21, 21a which is arranged in longitudinal projection from the inner tube 2c, 2d - or from the outer tube 2b -, said corolla being arranged in longitudinal translation in the outer tube 2b, 2c - or upper end 2a - during the telescopic sliding of the tubes 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d.

[0058] Advantageously, the outer tube 2b, 2c - or upper tube 2a - has internal longitudinal grooves 22, 22a, the corolla 21, 21a comprising ribs 23, 23a which are arranged in said grooves to angularly index the telescopic sliding of the tubes 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, in order to prevent any relative rotation of the tubes 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d around the longitudinal axis of the rod 1.

[0059] Alternatively, the tubes 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d may have a radial section which is not circular, in particular oblong or with at least three lobes.

[0060] Furthermore, the constraint means comprises an elastic blade 15, 15a on which the lug 12, 12a is mounted, said blade being constrained in the socket 16, 16a. In relation to Figure 6 and Figures 8a, 8b, the housing 17, 17a is bordered laterally by two stops 20, 20a against which the elastic blade 15, 15a bears on either side of said housing, in order to guarantee the stability of the mounting of the lug 12, 12a and of said blade in the socket 16, 16a.

[0061] Figure 8c shows a variant in which the lug 12, 12a is carried by an elastic blade 15, 15a which extends on either side in order to position said lug substantially in the middle part of the housing 17, 17a.

[0062] In the embodiment shown, the lug 12, 12a and the elastic blade 15, 15a are formed from the same piece, for example from a metallic material of the aluminum type, which is attached to the inside of the housing 17, 17a of the sleeve 16, 16a, the blade 15, 15a having a lower orifice 24, 24 for fixing in said housing.

[0063] When the user presses the upper lug 12a, it pushes into the housing 12, 12a to be able to unlock the sliding of the outer tube 2b in the upper tube 2a by returning the member 8.

[0064] To allow the successive retraction of the inner tubes 2c, 2d towards the storage configuration, the respective locking lugs 12 of the pairs of tubes 2b, 2c; 2c, 2d are each arranged axially on the outer tube 2b, 2c of the corresponding pair, so that, at the end of the retraction stroke of said outer tube into the adjacent upper tube 2a, 2b, said lug interferes with the lower edge 25 of the upper tube 2a, 2b, said interference being arranged to induce, under the effect of the return member 8, a depression of said lug into the retracted position, as shown in FIGS. 7a to 7c, in order to release the sliding of the inner tube 2c, 2d in said outer tube.

[0065] In particular, in the embodiment shown, the lower edge 25 of the upper tube 2a, 2b is cylindrical, and the lug 12, 12a has an outer wall 18 inclined forward in the sliding direction in the retracted configuration.

[0066] This arrangement allows for automatic unlocking of the tubes 2c, 2d in a simple and reliable manner, by only making modifications to the lug 12, 12a, which avoids the need to mount additional parts to the upper tube 2a, 2b.

[0067] In the embodiment shown, the upper lugs 12a and lower lugs 12 have an outer wall 18, 18a with an identical arrangement. Alternatively, the upper lug 12a may have an outer wall 18a with a different arrangement, in order to provide the user with a visual indication to locate said upper lug 12a, on which he must press to trigger the successive retraction of the tubes 2b, 2c, 2d in the storage configuration.

[0068] As shown in Figures 2a and 7a, the front edge of the outer wall 18 of the lug 12 in the projecting position is substantially in the extension of the periphery of the outer tube 2b, 2c. This ensures good contact between the lug 12 and the lower edge 25 of the adjacent upper tube 2a, 2b when the outer tube 2b, 2c is retracted.

[0069] In particular, the outer wall 18 of the lug 12 extends at a conical angle, relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod 1, which is greater than 15°, in order to guarantee a good locking / unlocking compromise of the tubes 2c, 2d.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Accessory for sporting activity having a rod (1) formed of a set of tubes (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) mounted in longitudinal sliding between a use configuration in which said tubes are deployed one after the other and a storage configuration in which each lower tube (2b, 2c, 2d) is retracted into the adjacent upper tube (2a, 2b, 2c), said accessory comprising a member (8) for returning the tubes (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) to the retracted configuration, said set of tubes comprising at least one pair of tubes (2b, 2c;2c, 2d) adjacent - respectively outer (2b, 2c) and inner (2c, 2d) - which is equipped with a device (11) for locking their sliding in the deployed configuration against said return member, said locking device comprising a lug (12) engaged in radial translation in an internal orifice (13) of the inner tube (2c, 2d) by means of an elastic constraint means (15) between a stable projecting position of said inner tube and a constrained position set back from the periphery of said inner tube, the adjacent outer tube (2b, 2c) having an external orifice (14) which is longitudinally aligned with said internal orifice and in which the lug (12) in the projecting position can be received to lock the sliding in the deployed configuration, the set of tubes (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) further comprising an upper tube (2a, 2b) in which the outer tube (2b, 2c) of the pair of tubes (2b, 2c;2c, 2d) is mounted in longitudinal sliding, said accessory being characterized in that the lug (12) in the projecting locking position is arranged axially on the outer tube (2b, 2c) so that, at the end of the retraction stroke of said outer tube in the upper tube (2a, 2b), said lug interferes with the lower edge (25) of said upper tube, said interference being arranged to induce, under the effect of the return member (8), a depression of said lug in the retracted position in order to release the sliding of the inner tube (2c, 2d) in said outer tube (2b, 2c).; 2. Accessory for sporting activity according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least three adjacent tubes (2b, 2c, 2d) forming two pairs (2b, 2c; 2c, 2d) of outer (2b, 2c) and inner (2c, 2d) tubes comprising the central tube (2c) in common and an outer tube (2b) forming an upper tube.

3. Accessory for sporting activity according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the return member comprises an elastic link (8) which extends inside the tubes (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) between an upper zone and a lower zone of the rod (1), said link being arranged to be tensioned in the deployed configuration.

4. Accessory for sporting activity according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lug (12) has an outer wall (18) inclined forwards in the sliding direction in the retracted configuration.

5. Accessory for sporting activity according to claim 4, characterized in that the front edge of the outer wall (18) of the lug (12) in the projecting position is substantially in the extension of the periphery of the outer tube (2b, 2c).

6. Accessory for sporting activity according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the outer wall (18) of the lug (12) extends at a conicity angle which is greater than 15°.

7. Accessory for sporting activity according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lower edge (25) of the upper tube (2a, 2b) is cylindrical.

8. Accessory for sporting activity according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises an upper final tube (2a) in which an outer tube (2b) of a pair of tubes (2b, 2c) is mounted in telescopic sliding, said accessory comprising a device (11a) for locking said sliding which can be unlocked manually.

9. Accessory for sporting activity according to claim 8, characterized in that the locking device (11a) comprises a lug (12a) engaged in radial translation in an internal orifice (13a) of the outer tube (2b) by means of a means (15a) of elastic constraint between a stable projecting position of said outer tube and a constrained position set back from the periphery of said outer tube, the upper final tube (2a) having an external orifice (14a) which is aligned longitudinally with said internal orifice and in which the lug (12a) in the projecting position can be received to lock the sliding in the deployed configuration.

10. Accessory for sporting activity according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the locking device (11, 11a) comprises a cylindrical sleeve (16, 16a) which is fixed in the inner tube (2b, 2c, 2d), said sleeve having a housing (17, 17a) in which the lug (12, 12a) is mounted by means of the elastic constraint means (15, 15a).

11. Accessory for sporting activity according to claim 10, characterized in that the constraint means comprises an elastic blade (15, 15a) on which the lug (12, 12a) is mounted, said blade being constrained in the socket (16, 16a).

12. Accessory for sporting activity according to claim 11, characterized in that the blade (15, 15a) is supported on either side of the housing (17, 17a).

13. Accessory for sporting activity according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the sleeve (16, 16a) is extended by a corolla (21, 21a) which is arranged in longitudinal projection from the inner tube (2b, 2c, 2d), said corolla being arranged in longitudinal translation in the outer tube (2a, 2b) during the telescopic sliding of the tubes (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d).

14. Accessory according to claim 13, characterized in that the outer tube (2a, 2b) has internal longitudinal grooves (22, 22a), the corolla (21, 21a) comprising ribs (23, 23a) arranged in said grooves to angularly index the telescopic sliding of the tubes (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d).

15. Accessory for sporting activity according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises an upper final tube (2a) equipped with a gripping handle (3) and a lower final tube (2d) carrying a ground support member (4) so ​​as to form a walking or running stick.

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