The present invention relates to a pole grip, in particular for walking sticks, trekking poles, downhill ski poles, cross-country ski poles and Nordic walking poles, having a grip body and having a device for the adjustable fastening of a hand-retaining device in particular in the form of a hand strap or of a glove.
Such a device may be configured, for example, such that a hand strap is fastened on the pole grip via a screw or via a wedge, and the screw or the wedge provides a straightforward option for adapting the length of the hand strap, as far as possible without using any tools, to the user's requirements. Such mechanical devices should be as reliable as possible, and should not allow any undesirable adjustment of the length of the strap during use. In addition, it should allow adjustment without any complicated manipulation and, in order to keep costs low, it should be of extremely straightforward design. On the other hand, such fastening mechanisms, and this is very important in particular in downhill skiing, should be capable of performing this releasable arresting function over the widest possible temperature range.
Such a design is known, for example, from German Utility Model DE 681 01 226 U1. In the latter document, a strap is fastened in an adjustable manner on the pole by the strap band being guided around two pins in the fastening region of the pole. Adjustment is carried out via a tiltable element which is arranged on the head of the pole grip and in which these two pins are arranged. If this tilting element is swung upward out of a recess in the pole grip, then the length of the hand strap can be adjusted. If the tilting element is swung at least partially downward again into the pole grip, then the length of the hand strap is fixed.
There are also solutions in which, with the aid of a slotted region of the strap band, adjustability is achieved when the hand strap is moved upward whereas, when the hand strap is directed downward, the length of the hand strap is fixed. Such options are described, for example, in DE 19632718, DE 29906612 U1, and similarly EP 1118362.
The problem with these known solutions, inter alia, is the fact that, although straightforward adjustment is provided, secure fixing is very difficult if not impossible. In other words, these known solutions often have the disadvantage that during use, for example if the hand strap is accidentally pulled upward, they allow the length of the hand strap to be adjusted at an undesirable point in time.
This is where the invention comes in. The object of the invention is thus to provide an alternative pole grip to those in the prior art. The concern here in particular is to improve a pole grip for walking sticks, trekking poles, downhill ski poles, cross-country ski poles and Nordic walking poles, this pole grip having a grip body and a device for the adjustable fastening of a hand-retaining device in particular in the form of a hand strap or of a glove.
This object is achieved in that, for fastening on the pole grip, the hand-retaining device has, at least in a fastening region, a fastening element in the form of a band, of a belt or of a woven-fabric strand, and in that the device has an eccentric element which can be rotated and/or pivoted about an axial member, which eccentric element, in the fastening region, has a surface of which the radius, in relation to the axial member, increases in the arresting direction of rotation, in which case, by virtue of the eccentric element being rotated or pivoted in the arresting direction of rotation, the fastening element guided, in the fastening region, between this surface of the eccentric element and a stationary abutment is clamped between the eccentric element and abutment. The radius of the surface of the eccentric element here can increase continuously and, as it were, smoothly; however, it may also increase at least in sections, or in ribbed or stepped fashion.
An essential part of the invention is thus the use of an eccentric element for fixing the fastening element. This extremely straightforward design element proves to be surprisingly efficient for the releasable fixing of a fastening element in the form of a band, or of a belt or of a woven-fabric strand, since, on the one hand, it can be released without an excessive amount of force being applied in order adjust the length of the hand-retaining device on the pole grip, and since, on the other hand, it preferably makes it possible for the length of the hand-retaining device actually to be fixed, essentially irrespective of the position of the hand-retaining device. An eccentric element can be integrated to good effect in the pole grip and is very reliable, and the orientation of the eccentric element may preferably be selected such that, when the hand-retaining device is subjected to pulling, the eccentric element is pulled into its fixed position, that is to say, when the hand-retaining device is subjected to pulling, the fastening mechanism is fastened to an even more pronounced extent. As an alternative, however, it is also possible, in the manner of a safety-activation means, for the eccentric element to be arranged precisely the other way around, in which case, if the hand-retaining device is subjected to accidental pulling, for example in the event of a fall, it is possible for the hand strap, for example, to be released.
A first preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the axial member of the eccentric element is arranged essentially perpendicularly to the pulling direction of the fastening element and in particular preferably essentially perpendicularly to the pole axis. If the eccentric element is arranged in this way, then the forces occurring on the hand-retaining device can be optimally absorbed by the eccentric element, and it is possible, at the same time, to release the eccentric element without any great amount of force being applied, in order to alter the distance between the hand-retaining device and the pole grip.
The eccentric element can be basically of any form where its radius, in relation to the axial member, increases in the arresting direction of rotation at least in sections. It is thus possible to use, for example, an eccentrically mounted ball or an eccentrically mounted cylinder, or also crosses between these two types of element or the like. Use of an eccentrically mounted cylinder is preferred in particular since this makes it possible to achieve optimum interaction with a strip-like or band-like hand-retaining device, located in the fastening region, against an abutment over the width of the cylinder.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the eccentric element has a lever or swing-action handle which can be manipulated from the outside and by means of which the eccentric element can be rotated or pivoted in order to clamp the hand-retaining device. As an alternative, however, it is also possible to provide, for example on the eccentric element, a ribbing arrangement or even (step-up) transmission means, which are accessible from the outside of the pole grip. It is typically possible here for the swing-action handle, for the purpose of releasing the fastening of the hand-retaining device to be swung upward and, for the purpose of clamping the fastening of the hand-retaining device, to be swung over forward or rearward in which case the lever is arranged essentially horizontally in the arresting position. The swing-action handle is thus least obtrusive in the fixed position on the pole grip and is barely noticeable during use of the pole. This can be achieved, in particular, by the lever or the swing-action handle being arranged on the top side of the pole grip, and preferably in the arresting position being integrated at least partially, or in particular more or less entirely, within the outer contour of the grip body. At least the tip should be exposed, in order to be freely accessible for release purposes (this, for example, also being the case with gloves).
A further preferred embodiment is distinguished by particularly practical integration in the pole grip, namely by, from the hand side, the grip body having, at the top end, a recess which, in the direction of the top side of the pole grip, has a through-opening in which the eccentric element is mounted in particular preferably by way of an axial pin guided in the grip body on both sides. The eccentric element rather than being arranged entirely in this opening, preferably projects into the recess. It is also possible to arrange the eccentric element in the recess and to allow only the swing-action handle to pass through the opening. The abutment is preferably formed in the recess in the manner of a crosspiece or pin which is arranged beneath the eccentric element, is supported in the grip body on both sides and is arranged in particular preferably parallel to the axial member of the eccentric element. It is also possible for two or even more such abutments to be present. The entire arresting device is thus integrated more or less completely within the pole grip as long as the swing-action lever is in its arresting position, that is to say essentially horizontal. It is also possible to arrange the swing-action lever on the front edge, in which case it is also conceivable for a swung-in position to be vertical.
The recess has, for example, a height in the range of 12-15 mm, and a width of 10-15 mm, but may also be configured to be smaller, for example in the case of cross-country ski poles or Nordic walking poles, which in some cases are of somewhat narrower design.
As has already been mentioned above, the hand-retaining device, for the purpose of clamping between the eccentric element and the abutment, has at least one portion (fastening element) in the form of a band, of a belt or of a woven-fabric strand. This portion is preferably flexible. It may be, for example, a plastic strip, although it is preferably a flexible portion of a band or belt, and, in the case of a hand strap, this entire strap can also form the hand-retaining device. Use is preferably made of materials for hand straps such as, for example, woven-fabric bands, preferably made of plastic. This portion, starting from the hand-retaining device, is initially guided through between the eccentric element and abutment, is then guided downward around the abutment and is subsequently guided out of the recess. A free end remains and it is possible for the length at which the hand-retaining device is attached to the pole grip to be adjusted via this free end. The free end can pass out of the pole grip either in the downward direction or else in the upward direction.
Corresponding to a further preferred embodiment, the hand-retaining device is a strap with its top end fastened in a fixed or releasable fashion, in the manner of a safety-activation means, on the grip body, in particular preferably on the base of the recess. This strap is guided around the hand and has a region guided into the recess of the pole grip, in which case the free end projects out of the pole grip in the downward direction. Analogously, it is, of course, possible to fasten the fastened end of the hand strap at the bottom of the recess and to guide it in an equivalent manner from bottom to top through the fastening device, in which case the free end projects out of the recess of the pole grip in the upward direction. It is also possible, if the strap is fastened on the top side to fasten the fastened end of the hand strap on the swing-action lever, for example, from beneath. Movement of the strap in the upward direction, in this case, can release the eccentric element and thus render the strap adjustable. Equally, the eccentric element can be fixed by moving the top portion of the hand strap.
As already mentioned, the hand-retaining device may be a hand strap or else a glove or a strap-like device which can be fastened on the hand, the latter two options having, essentially between the thumb and forefinger, at least one band which is guided into the recess of the pole grip and via which, correspondingly, the hand-retaining device can be fixed in an adjustable manner on the pole grip.
Further preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.
The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
The exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures should serve to illustrate, and support, the idea of the invention, but should not be used to limit the scope of the idea of the invention as formulated in the claims.
a) and b) illustrate different sections of a first exemplary embodiment of a pole grip according to the invention. The pole grip 1 comprises a grip body 3, which is usually produced from a plastic material by injection molding. As seen from beneath, the grip body 3 has a recess or a cavity 5 into which the pole, which is formed, for example, from an aluminum shaft, can be pushed and fastened.
At its top end, the pole grip 1 has a recess 4 which is designed from the hand side 6a in the first instance, as it were, as a blind hole. The hand strap 2 is fastened in this recess 4, which typically has a height in the range of 12-15 mm, and a width of 10-15 mm. For fastening purposes, the recess, in the direction of the top side of the pole grip has an opening in which an eccentric element 11 is mounted. This is essentially a plastic cylinder (a cylinder made of metal is also conceivable) which is mounted eccentrically, that is to say, rather than being mounted along its center-of-gravity axis, it is mounted in an offset manner in relation to the same. In the case of the exemplary embodiment according to
The axial member 12 is mounted in the pole grip 3, as can be seen in particular in
Directly beneath the eccentric element 11, a pin 14 is arranged coaxially in relation to the axial member 12. This pin 14 forms the abutment or the surface on which the strap is fixed. It is also the case that the pin 14, as can be seen in
In this exemplary embodiment, a hand strap 2 has its fastened end 8 screwed or riveted to the top wall of the recess 4. The hand strap is guided around the hand, and the other end is then guided, in the region 9, into the recess 4 and is guided between the pin 14 and the eccentric element 11. Subsequently, the strap is guided downwardly around the pin 14 and guided out of the recess 4 again. A free end 7 of the hand strap forms as a result.
It should be pointed out, in this context, that it is not absolutely necessary for the free end to be guided out of the pole grip 3 in the direction of the hand side 6a again. It is likewise readily possible for the free end 7 to be guided out of the pole grip in the forward direction, through a hole provided for this purpose, toward the front side 6b. It is also possible to allow the free end 7 to pass out of the pole grip 1 in the upward direction or even to guide the free end downward through the grip body 3, in which case it only passes out of the pole grip at the bottom, for example at the bottom edge, and therefore does not get in the way at all here.
In the case of each of these embodiments, when the fastening device is released, the strap 2 can be shortened by virtue of the free end 7 being subjected to pulling.
It is also possible to configure the fastening on the pole grip in the region 8 as a safety-activation means. In other words, the fastening may be configured such that, in the case of a force above a defined level, it releases the strap at its fastening. This can be achieved in a variety of different ways, for example by the strap being attached, in its region 8, in the first instance to a plastic element which is fitted into a corresponding recess in the pole grip and can be released from this recess via material deformation in the event of pronounced pulling. The activation force here may even be defined, in some cases, via the material of the plastic element. However, more complex mechanisms, which may be adjustable via springs or the like, are also possible.
The actual fastening takes place, as already explained, by the clamping between the eccentric element 11 and pin 12.
If the hand strap 2 is then adjusted, the swing-action handle 13 is gripped at the front, from beneath, and pulled upward and/or rotated in the counterclockwise direction. In this case, the eccentric element 11 rotates about the axial member 12. Whereas, in the fixing position, the large radius b was oriented in the direction of the pin 14, this rotation then causes the radius to become gradually shorter, as a result of the eccentricity, until, for example, the position illustrated by the arrow a is reached. In this position, the swing-action handle 13 is oriented almost entirely in the upward direction, and the interspace between the eccentric element 11 and the pin 14, then, has been widened such that the band located therebetweeen is released to the full extent and either the hand strap 2 can be shortened, by being pulled at the free end 7, or lengthened, by being pulled at the region 9.
Once the length of the strap has been changed, the strap can be fixed in the new position by virtue of the swing-action handle 13 being swung down in the clockwise direction (arresting direction of rotation F). Since the radius gradually increases during rotation, the clamping between the eccentric element 11 and the abutment 14 is defined, as desired, in accordance with the force on the swing-action handle 13.
Using the eccentric element 11 thus has, inter alia, the advantage that the arresting force can be defined in adaptation to requirements. Moreover, tolerances in the range of the thickness of the band guided between the eccentric element and abutment 14 do not have any great effect, as is the case with other fastening mechanisms. Such tolerances can readily be absorbed, and if, for example, a band region which is somewhat thicker is pushed between 11 and 14, then the lever 13 has to be swung down to a somewhat lesser extent in the clockwise direction F, and if for example, a band region of the strap which is somewhat thinner is pushed therebetween, then the lever 13 is simply swung down somewhat further in the clockwise direction. In order for the latter to be possible, rather than a stop being provided for the swing-action handle 13, preferably on the pole grip the groove in the grip body 3 is provided with sufficient clearance for movement to allow the swing-action handle 13 to be used for arresting purposes even in the case of a thin band or in the case of the eccentric element 11 being worn.
This gives the advantage, on the one hand, that relatively large tolerances are possible in respect of the thickness of the strap material and, on the other hand, that even regions which may already be partially damaged, or have been subjected to pronounced compression as a result of intensive use, can readily be fastened. The latter in particular often poses problems in the case of the conventional fastening mechanisms.
Moreover, the wear caused by the fastening mechanism is kept to a minimum as a result of the surface pressure of the strap material between the pin 14 and the cylinder surface of the eccentric element 11.
In the case of an exemplary embodiment according to
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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0199/05 | Feb 2005 | CH | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/CH2006/000069 | 2/6/2006 | WO | 00 | 6/28/2007 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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WO2006/084403 | 8/17/2006 | WO | A |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20080036191 A1 | Feb 2008 | US |