Ski Pole Hook Assembly for Secure Lift Rail Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securing ski poles during a ski lift ride, such as holding or strapping, cause discomfort and risk gear loss or damage.

Innovation Solution

A ski pole hook assembly with a clamp and hook design that securely attaches to a ski pole and can be hooked onto a ski lift safety railing, allowing easy attachment and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If skiers hold onto poles with hands or strap to wrists, then poles are secured during lift ride, but user experiences discomfort and reduced dexterity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepole securityVSAvoiduser comfort and dexterity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the pole-securing function from the user's body by introducing an independent hook assembly that attaches to the pole and engages with the lift railing, eliminating the need for users to hold or strap to their wrists

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hook assembly serves as an intermediary device between the ski pole and the lift railing, providing a secure connection point that transfers the burden of pole support from the user to the railing structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If no secure attachment mechanism is used, then user maintains freedom of movement, but pole may be dropped and lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser freedomVSAvoidpole retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hook assembly is designed to be self-securing through its ratchet mechanism, which automatically engages and locks the pole in place without requiring continuous user intervention or attention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The hook assembly acts as a mediator that provides secure pole retention while requiring minimal user interaction, allowing users to maintain freedom of movement while the device handles pole security autonomously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a secure hook mechanism is implemented, then pole loss is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepole retentionVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp and hook are combined into a single integrated assembly that functions as one unit, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining secure retention capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts only the essential securing function needed for pole retention, eliminating unnecessary complex mechanisms and focusing on a simple, effective ratchet-based locking system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12508495B1Ski pole hook

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 PETRO-ROY MARK

AI summary

A ski pole hook assembly is provided. The assembly includes a clamp having an arcuate clamp body and a hook having an arcuate hook body. The arcuate clamp body has a first free end and a second free end, with an open space between the first free end and the second free end. The hook has a free hook end and an attached end defining a space, with a gap between the free hook end and the attached end. The attached end is attached to the clamp body between the first free end and the second free end.