Patent Application
20150128665
The present invention relates to ski poles and, more particularly, to a locking device for ski poles.
Currently, at ski resorts, when a person goes inside leaving their ski and poles outside, the skis may be locked, but the poles do not have a way to lock. People will walk by and steal just the ski poles. Other locking devices do not have the poles attached to the locking device and therefore must be carried separately. This device is attached to the ski poles so the locking device cannot be left behind or forgotten.
As can be seen, there is a need for a device that attaches ski poles to skis and to any permanent object with the ability to lock the ski poles.
In one aspect of the present invention, a ski pole locking device comprises: a pole ring comprising a first moveable arm and a second moveable arm, wherein the first moveable arm comprises a catching mechanism, wherein the second moveable arm comprises a catching mechanism cavity, wherein the pole ring comprises a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein the closed configuration comprises the catching mechanism engaged with the catching mechanism cavity, wherein the open configuration comprises the catching mechanism separated from the catching mechanism cavity; and a lock ring comprising a closed ring configuration.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method of preparing a ski pole for securing comprises: spreading a pole ring of a ski pole locking device comprising the pole ring which comprises a first moveable arm and a second moveable arm, wherein the first moveable arm comprises a catching mechanism, wherein the second moveable arm comprises a catching mechanism cavity, wherein the pole slot comprises a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein the closed configuration comprises the catching mechanism engaged with the catching mechanism cavity, wherein the open configuration comprises the catching mechanism separated from the catching mechanism cavity, and a lock ring comprising a closed ring configuration, around a ski pole; and snapping the catching mechanism and catching mechanism cavity in place into a closed configuration once the pole slot of the ski pole locking device is fully around the ski pole, wherein the locking device cannot be further opened or removed.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention may provide a ski pole locking device may include a pole ring comprising a first moveable arm and a second moveable arm, wherein the first moveable arm comprises a catching mechanism, wherein the second moveable arm comprises a catching mechanism cavity, wherein the pole ring comprises a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein the closed configuration comprises the catching mechanism engaged with the catching mechanism cavity, wherein the open configuration comprises the catching mechanism separated from the catching mechanism cavity; and a lock ring comprising a closed ring configuration. The ski pole locking device may be engaged on a ski pole while the pole ring is in the closed configuration around the ski pole. Once locked on the ski pole the locking device cannot be removed.
As is illustrated in
A method of using the ski pole locking device may include the following: attaching the ski pole locking device to a ski pole by opening the pole ring around the ski pole and then closing the pole ring of the ski pole locking device. Once attached to the ski pole, the locking device cannot be removed. While not in use, the ski pole locking device may remain near the bottom of the ski pole near the basket. When ready to use, an individual may slide the ski pole locking device up the ski pole to a desired height. A ski lock cable may be placed through the hole of the lock ring. An individual may then secure the ski lock cable to the individual's skis and any permanent object. Again, after use, the individual may unlock the ski poles and let the ski pole locking device fall down towards the basket of the ski pole until ready to be used again.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
