Foldable disassemblable stick

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a foldable stick comprising at least three hollow tubes (121) connected by plug-in connections and an elastic tension link (2), the connections comprising a connector (14, 15) with a through-hole for allowing the elastic tension link (2) to pass through, the tubes cooperating at one end with the connector (14, 15), the elastic link (2) having a first end fixed to a first connector of a first tube, the elastic link (2) passing through the first connector (14) of at least one intermediate tube (121), and the elastic link (2) having a second end fixed to a second connector (15) of a second tube, wherein the stick is characterized in that the second connector (15) has an outer diameter dc strictly smaller than the inner diameter df of the narrowest part of an intermediate tube (121) into which the first connector is screwed.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: DETACHABLE FOLDING STICK TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

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

[0003] Existing folding poles consist of several tubes connected by push-fit joints, allowing them to switch between a folded and assembled state. External clamping mechanisms and form-locking devices are commonly used to ensure stability and safety. An internal elastic tensioning cord connects the individual tubes, facilitating the assembly and folding of the pole. This elastic tensioning cord is taut when the pole is unfolded and released to allow for disassembly; this tension is typically achieved with a spring or an elastic cord.

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

[0005] One proposed solution involves a two-part connector at one end of the elastic cord. Once unscrewed, the connector can be removed by separating the two parts, freeing the elastic cord which can then pass through the other tubes and thus free them. However, this solution is unsatisfactory because removing the connector also releases the spring, complicating reassembly. It is difficult to properly tension the spring, and removing the elastic cord requires pulling it to reattach it.

[0006] Another solution is known, consisting of a connector with a radial slot that allows the elastic link to be released. The drawback of this solution is that the cable must be pulled to detach and reattach it. Furthermore, this solution also releases the spring, which is then difficult to replace. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

[0010] In one example, the elastic link consists of a cable with a spring. The second connector is attached to the cable by the spring, and the spring has an outer diameter less than or equal to that of the connector. The spring keeps the cable under tension when the pole is assembled, and by pulling on the cable and spring, the tubes can be separated to bend the pole.

[0011] In a second example, the elastic link is an elastic cord. The elastic cord simplifies the assembly of the pole.

[0012] In one variant, each connector is screwed onto the end of a tube. The tightening of the screws allows adjustment of the elastic band tension by tightening or loosening the connectors.

[0013] In a second variant, each connector is clipped onto the end of a tube. This clipping method is quicker to assemble.

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

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

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

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

[0018] Advantageously, the connector includes a sleeve in its through hole. This sleeve protects the tension cable and prevents premature wear.

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

[0020] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for disassembling a folding stick with at least one of the preceding characteristics, comprising the following steps: - Disconnection of the second connector, - Disconnection of the first connector from the intermediate tube adjacent to the second tube, - extraction of the cable from the second tube and the intermediate tube adjacent to the second tube.

[0021] Thanks to the process, it is possible to disassemble the two lower tubes of the pole if needed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0040] Spring 3 keeps cable 2a under tension, and when you want to separate the tubes 120, 121, and 122, you pull on cable 2a, which compresses spring 3 and gives cable 2a enough length to bend the pole. It is also possible to use an elastic cord 2b.

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

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

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

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

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

[0046] Figure 9 shows that when the elastic link 2 is an elastic cord 2b, the spring 3 is removed, but the elastic cord remains attached to the second connector 15 by the knot 21.

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

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

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

Claims

9 DEMANDS [Claim 1] A folding stick (1) comprising at least three hollow tubes (120, 121, 122) connected by plug-in connections and a tension elastic link (2), the connections comprising a connector (14, 15) with a through hole (141, 152) for passing the tension elastic link (2), the tubes (120, 121, 122) cooperating at one end with the connector (14, 15), the elastic link (2) having a first end fixed to a first connector (14) of a first tube (120), passing through the first connector (14) of at least one intermediate tube (121), and a second end fixed to a second connector (15) of a second tube (122), the stick (1) is characterized in that the second connector (15) has an outside diameter strictly less than the inside diameter df of the narrowest part of a tube intermediate (121) in which the first connector (14) is aimed. [Claim 2] Folding stick (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic link (2) is made up of a cable (2a) with a spring (3) and that the second connector (15) is the connector connected to the cable (2a) by the spring (3) and that the spring (3) has an outside diameter dr less than or equal to that of said connector (15). [Claim 3] Folding stick (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic link (2) is an elastic cord (2b). [Claim 4] Folding stick (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each connector is screwed onto the end of a tube. [Claim 5] Folding stick (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each connector is clipped onto the end of a tube. [Claim 6] Folding stick (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a foot (11) on the second tube (122). [Claim 7] Folding stick (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection between the tubes (120, 121, 122) is made by means of a ferrule (13, 16) fixed to one side of the tube (120, 121, 122) and comprising the threaded part (130, 150). [Claim 8] Folding baton (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each connector is screwed onto the end of a ferrule. [Claim 9] Folding stick (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that each connector is clipped onto the end of a ferrule. [Claim 10] Folding stick (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each connector (14, 15) comprises a sheath (20) in its through hole (141, 152). [Claim 11] Folding stick (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a walking stick, running stick, ski stick or avalanche search probe. [Claim 12] A method for disassembling a folding stick (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - Disconnection of the second connector (15), - detachment of the first connector (14) from the intermediate tube (121) adjacent to the second tube (122), - extraction of the cable (2) from the second tube (122) and from the intermediate tube (121) adjacent to the second tube (122). [Claim 13] Dismantling method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it includes a step of replacing the second tube (122) or the intermediate tube (121) adjacent to the second tube (122) after the extraction of the cable (2).

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