EP2213192B1 - Sport stick - Google Patents

Abstract

The pole (10) has a locking device (16) manually adjusted between dismantling and locking conditions. The locking device includes a lug (28) that is inwardly projected toward inner circumference of a clamping piece. An internal tube (14) includes a recess (30), and the lug is engaged in the recess in a locking state. An internal lug includes a lug that is outwardly projected at outer circumference of the internal tube. The locking device includes another recess that engages with the latter lug in the locking state, where the latter lug is formed by a lever arm.

Description

The invention relates to a sports cane, comprising a handle for gripping and holding the sports stick with one hand, a remote from the handle end of the stick for contact with a floor, extending between the handle and the stick end tube assembly with an outer tube and an inner tube, wherein the inner Pipe in the outer tube by a variable amount can be inserted to adjust the length of the sports stock, and a locking device which is manually adjustable between a release state, which allows a shift between the inner tube and outer tube, and a locking state, which is a shift between blocked inside tube and outer tube, wherein the locking device comprises a clamp which surrounds the outer tube and / or the inner tube and which is adjusted in the locked state to a smaller diameter to exert a clamping force on the inner tube and / or the outer tube ,

Such adjustable-length sports poles are known, for example, for use as ski poles and have the advantage that their user can adjust the length of the sports poles in a few steps according to body size or according to a desired type of use. For example, there is the possibility of shortening the ski poles for transport to save space to a minimum length and to set them for use to a desired length. Length-adjustable ski poles are also particularly advantageous for use on ski tours, the ski poles for the ascent are set relatively long and adjusted for the subsequent downhill to a shorter length.

The EP 0 822 346 B1 discloses a generic ski pole with a quick release, in which the clamp is adjustable via an operating lever, wherein the operating lever has an eccentric to the pivot axis of the lever cams, which can slide on a cam surface of the clamp so that when pivoting the operating lever, a clamping force in the direction of Reduction of the diameter of the clamp is exercised. By this clamping force, an end portion of the outer tube is compressed and clamps the inner tube inserted in the outer tube to block a relative displacement between inner tube and outer tube.

For the advantage of a length adjustment, however, the disadvantage of a lower stability is to be accepted in conventional sports poles. The frictional connection created by the clamp (frictional contact) between the outer tube and inner tube can give way, especially during prolonged use or in special weather conditions, so that when loading the sport poles (eg when the user rests on the sports stock or repels vigorously with the sports stock ) the frictional force between the inner tube and the outer tube is overcome and the sports stance is inadvertently shortened or the handle is twisted relative to the stalk end. Such undesirable adjustment of the sports stick is irritating to the user and sometimes even dangerous. The stability of the conventional sports pole is also impaired after prolonged use in that wear occurs at the contact point between the eccentric cam and the clamp due to the high frictional forces occurring there. Furthermore, the operating lever is often to operate only with relatively high force, since in addition to the clamping force and the frictional force between the cam and clamp must be overcome.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a sports floor of the type mentioned, on the one hand allows easy and comfortable adjustment of the pole length and on the other hand in the locked state a higher stability against unintentional adjustment or twisting of inner and outer tube provides.

To solve this problem, the invention proposes according to a first aspect to develop a generic sports stock such that the locking device has a projection which projects inwardly on the inner circumference of the clamp, and that the inner tube has at least one recess into which the projection engages in the locked state, or that the inner tube has a projection which projects outwardly on the outer circumference of the tube, and that the locking device has at least one recess, in which engages the projection in the locked state.

According to the invention is thus held in the locked state, the connection between the inner tube and outer tube not only by the clamping force of the locking device but additionally secured by the engagement of the at least one projection in the at least one recess. In other words, a positive connection between one of the two tubes and the locking device is created when closing the clamp in addition to the non-positive connection (friction effect by clamping engagement). Due to the additional engagement between the projection and the recess, an undesired rotation and / or an undesired displacement between inner tube and outer tube in the locked state can be reliably prevented depending on the design of these elements. Thus, the sport pole is given a high stability even under difficult external conditions and also after prolonged use.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the inner tube has a plurality of along the tube longitudinal direction distributed and preferably equally spaced recesses, wherein the projection of the locking device in the locked state selectively engages in one of the recesses, or that the inner tube a plurality of distributed along the pipe longitudinal direction and preferably equidistantly spaced projections, wherein a recess of the locking device in the locked state is selectively engaged with one of the projections. A trained according to this embodiment sports stock can be optionally set in different Feststellzustände in which the sports stock has different lengths. Thus, the length of the ski pole can be adjusted to different body sizes or different types of use (ascent and descent in the case of ski tours). By locking the sports stock in fixed positions corresponding to the arrangement of the recesses or the projections, a user can find a certain length adjustment after a change in length better.

In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one recess as a ring recess completely circumscribe the inner tube, for example in the form of an annular groove. The advantage of such an embodiment is that to adjust the locking device in the locked state no correct rotational positioning between the inner tube and outer tube must be found as an engagement of the projection in any position along the circumference of the annular recess is possible. In return, this embodiment dispenses with a positive rotation between protrusion and recess.

On the other hand, when the width of the recess measured in the circumferential direction of the sports stick is substantially equal to the width of the projection measured in the circumferential direction of the sports pole, the engagement of the projection in the recess in the locking state reliably prevents relative rotation between the inner tube and the outer tube. "Essentially the same" means that the projection has slightly smaller dimensions, such that the projection fits into the recess or is received with a small clearance in the recess. The width of recess or projection in Circumferential direction is also less than the total circumference of the inner tube or the clamp and preferably corresponds to only a small portion of the circumference.

Alternatively or additionally, the length of the recess measured in the tube longitudinal axis direction can be substantially equal to the length of the projection measured in the tube longitudinal axis direction, so that the engagement of the projection in the recess blocks a displacement between inner tube and outer tube in the direction of shortening or lengthening the ski pole becomes. "Essentially the same" here also means that the projection has slightly smaller dimensions, such that the projection fits into the recess or is received with a small clearance in the recess.

For a particularly secure hold is proposed that the projection and the recess have substantially complementary shapes, so that the projection sits well in the recess both in the circumferential direction and in the tube longitudinal direction and prevents rotation or displacement between inner tube and outer tube backlash becomes.

Preferably, the projection and the recess are formed substantially rectangular in a cross section extending through the projection or the recess and through the pipe center axis. The forces acting on the pole in the twisting direction or in the shortening extension direction then press the corresponding side surface of the projection substantially perpendicular to the corresponding side surface of the recess, so that even in the loading case substantially no force component in the direction of sliding out of the projection from the recess acts , If according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, said cross section of the projection and the recess are substantially arcuate, this effect does not arise, but offers instead However, an arcuate cross-section of the projection and recess has the advantage that the projection can find its associated recess quite easily even with slight misalignment and thus a locking of the sports stock is facilitated in the locked state.

In a further preferred embodiment, provision is made for the projection to be formed by a web extending essentially perpendicular to the tube longitudinal axis direction and substantially tangentially to the inner tube, which engages in a locking position of the inner tube during the adjustment of the locking device into a recess of the inner tube Is formed substantially perpendicular to the tube longitudinal axis direction and substantially tangentially to the inner tube extending notch in the inner tube. Such a web and the associated notch are particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture and provide a secure grip against both rotation and against longitudinal displacement between the inner tube and outer tube.

Also particularly inexpensive to produce and of simple construction is an integrally formed on the inner circumference of the clamp projection according to a further variant of the invention. Such a projection may e.g. be produced by injection molding together with the clamp.

Alternatively, the projection may be formed by a lever arm, which moves in the adjustment of the locking device between the release state and the locked state to produce the clamping force of the clamp. In this way, the lever arm can benefit from a favorable double function both as a moving element of the locking device and as an inventive projection.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the projection is not firmly connected to the locking device or the inner tube, but held movably thereto and biased at least in the locked state by an elastic means to the recess. If the lead engages in the recess and is held therein by the elastic means, the fixation between the outer tube and inner tube is also sufficiently stable in this embodiment, to prevent inadvertent adjustment of the length of the sports floor in normal use. At the same time, however, a safety release of the locking device can be provided at a very high force by the protrusion is displaced against the force of the elastic means of the recess, so that the sports stock is pushed together, for example in a fall. By appropriate design of the elastic force of the elastic means, a defined holding force or release force can be provided with which particular safety standards can be taken into account.

A structurally simple and reliable implementation of the aforementioned embodiment with a resiliently biased projection uses a recess which in the locking device or in the inner tube (depending on which of the elements has the projection) is formed, wherein a projection forming the fitting and the elastic means are inserted into the recess and wherein the elastic means is disposed between the fitting and a bottom of the recess. The elastic means can then be supported on the one hand at the bottom of the recess and on the other hand on the fitting to bias the fitting and thus the projection out of the recess and to the recess.

If the elastic means is an elastomer element (eg a piece of rubber), a reliable function of the elastic means is ensured even in continuous use and under difficult weather conditions. Such an elastomer element is also inexpensive to produce. The fitting may be a dowel pin which is approximately tangent to the inner tube and is seated together with its elastic means in a recess formed as a tangential groove.

The sports rack according to the invention may further comprise in another embodiment, a rotation, which prevents at least in the release state, a relative rotation between the inner tube and outer tube to the tube longitudinal axis. Particularly in the case in which the locking device according to the invention can not be brought into the locked state in any rotational position of the inner tube relative to the outer tube or with respect to the clamp, an anti-twist device according to the invention proves to be surprisingly user-friendly, since unintentional twisting of the tubes in the Dissolution state can be prevented and thus the search for a correct rotational positioning between inner tube and outer tube before the detection of the locking device is not required.

A structurally simple variant of the anti-twist device according to the invention provides that an element of inner tube and clamp has an extending in Rohrlängsachserichtung Verdrehsicherungsausnehmung and the other element of inner tube and clamp extending in Rohrlängsachserichtung Verdrehsicherungsrippe, wherein engages at least in the release state Verdrehsicherungsrippe in Verdrehsicherungsausnehmung , In the release state then slides the anti-rotation rib in the elongate Verdrehsicherungsausnehmung so that a displacement between the inner tube and outer tube in the longitudinal direction is possible, however, an unintentional rotation between the two tubes can be prevented.

Alternatively, or in addition to the elongate Verdrehsicherungsausnehmung or anti-rotation rib, in a further variant of the invention, the inner tube having a deviating from a circular cylindrical outer surface and outer tube having an outer surface of the inner tube at least partially adapted inner surface, in such a way that the outer surface and the inner surface form the anti-rotation device. Such anti-rotation by using non-circular tube cross-sections is easy to manufacture and provides larger Design freedom for the design of the outer shape of the stick.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the locking device comprises a lever system with a manually pivotable operating lever. Such a locking device allows for easy operation and a simple indication of whether the locking device is in the release state or in the locked state. Preferably, the operating lever is pivotable about an axis parallel to the tube longitudinal axis, so that the pivot axis of the operating lever runs parallel to the inner or outer tube to save space. The locking device then has a compact design.

The above object of the invention is further achieved according to a second aspect of the invention by a sports rack comprising a handle for gripping and holding the sports rack with one hand, a handle end remote from the handle end for contact with a floor, extending between handle and stick end A tube assembly having an outer tube and an inner tube, wherein the inner tube is insertable into the outer tube by a variable amount to adjust the length of the sports stick, and a locking device, which is manually adjustable between a release state, the displacement between the inner tube and outer tube, and a locking state that blocks a displacement between inner tube and outer tube, wherein the locking device comprises a clamp which surrounds the outer tube and / or the inner tube and which is adjusted to a smaller diameter in the locked state a Klemmkr aft on the inner tube and / or exert the outer tube, wherein for adjusting the diameter of the clamp, a distance between the ends of two clamp wings of the clamp is changeable, wherein the locking device further comprises an attacking at the ends of the clamp wing lever system with a manually pivoting control lever and wherein the lever system comprises a toggle assembly having a first lever, a second lever, and three hinge points, the first one Lever is articulated to a first hinge point on one of the two clamp wings, the second lever is hinged to a second hinge point on the other clamp wing and the first lever and the second lever are hinged together at a third hinge point.

According to the invention the clamping force of the clamp is thus applied by movement of a toggle lever assembly. The movement of a toggle lever, particularly in the region near the fully extended position of the knee, allows a relatively low input force to be translated into a relatively high output force at the distal ends of the bellcrank, with virtually no frictional losses and virtually no wear due to frictionally contacting components such as in the known in the art quick-release caps with eccentric cam (eg EP 0 822 346 B1 ). The sports stock according to the invention is thus particularly easy to use, low-friction yet safe and generates even after prolonged use or in difficult environmental conditions, a high clamping force, and essentially without wear, since only low friction forces occur in the bearings of the hinge points.

Preferably, the second lever is an operating lever and has a finger grip portion for gripping and moving the lever with fingers. The second lever thus has a double function both as an operating lever and as an element of the toggle lever arrangement, so that the locking device can be realized with a minimum number of components.

The sports rack with the toggle lever lever system according to the invention may be embodied as an embodiment of the sports rack of the first aspect of the invention and combined with one or more of the features mentioned above in relation to the first aspect in order to achieve the described advantages and effects.

In a particularly preferred combination of the two aspects of the invention it is provided that the first lever or the second lever has a projection or forms a projection which protrudes inwardly, and that the inner tube has at least one recess into which the projection engages in the locked state , Thus, the first and second lever advantageous dual function both as a projection or projection support as well as an element of the toggle assembly come, so that a positive securing of the sports stock in the locked state and a toggle lever assembly can be realized with a small number of components.

Preferably, the toggle lever assembly according to the invention will be arranged so that the locking device undergoes a dead center in the adjustment between release state and locking state in which all three hinge points of the toggle lever assembly are arranged on a straight line (i.e., the knee of the toggle lever is fully extended). As a result, the effect is achieved that the toggle lever assembly is automatically held by the clamping force of the clamp in the locked state. More specifically, when adjusting the locking device from the release state in the locked state, first a force required to move the toggle lever assembly to the dead center. After passing through the dead center, under the influence of the clamping force of the clamp and with slight reexpansion of the clamp, the toggle assembly will automatically continue to move to the locked state until further movement of the toggle assembly by a suitable stop, e.g. by stopping the operating lever on the outer circumference of the clamp, is stopped. An additional backup of the locking device in the locked state can thus be omitted.

It has proven to be advantageous in terms of the force curve during the actuation of the locking device to set up the toggle lever assembly such that either the second pivot point at the dead center is arranged between the first hinge point and the third hinge point or the first hinge point between the second hinge point and the third hinge point is arranged. In order to further avoid stresses on the hinge points in the transverse direction to the axis of the hinge points and thus to improve the stability and life of the locking device, it is proposed in a further embodiment that the first lever and / or the second lever is fork-shaped, with a recess which a passage of the other lever in the adjustment between release state and locking state allowed.

The embodiments of a sports pole according to the invention described above have been described with respect to an outer tube, an inner tube and a locking device between outer tube and inner tube. Variants of the sports stick according to the invention may further comprise two or more such locking devices, namely in particular when the running between the handle and the end of the pipe assembly of three or more, telescopically telescoping tubes is constructed. Considering in such an arrangement, any pair of two nested tubes, the larger diameter tube forms an outer tube in the sense of this description and the smaller diameter tube forms an inner tube in the sense of this description, so that the above details of embodiments of the invention Sportstocks in this regard, can also be transferred to each of a plurality of locking devices in a sports floor with at least three telescoping tubes.

Figur 1a

eine Längsschnittansicht eines Teils einen Skistocks gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Figur 1b

eine Querschnittsansicht des in Figur 1a gezeigten Skistocks im Bereich einer Schelle im Feststellzustand;

Figur 1c

eine Ansicht entsprechend Figur 1b, jedoch für den Lösezustand der Schelle;

Figuren 2a bis 2c

einen Sportstock nach einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in drei Ansichten entsprechend den Ansichten der Figuren 1a bis 1c;

Figuren 3a bis 3c

einen Sportstock nach einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in drei Ansichten entsprechend den Ansichten der Figuren 1a bis 1c;

Figuren 4a bis 4c

einen Sportstock nach einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in drei Ansichten entsprechend den Ansichten der Figuren 1a bis 1c;

Figuren 5a bis 5c

einen Sportstock nach einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung im Längsschnitt, in geschnittener perspektivischer Ansicht sowie im Querschnitt gemäß Schnittlinie IV-IV in Figur 5a; und

Figuren 6a und 6b

Gesamtansichten eines Sportstocks nach dem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung in einer Draufsicht sowie einer Längsschnittansicht.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1a

a longitudinal sectional view of a part of a ski pole according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1b

a cross-sectional view of in FIG. 1a Skistocks shown in the area of a clamp in the locked state;

Figure 1c

a view accordingly FIG. 1b , however, for the release state of the clamp;

FIGS. 2a to 2c

a sports floor according to a second embodiment of the invention in three views according to the views of FIGS. 1a to 1c ;

FIGS. 3a to 3c

a sports floor according to a third embodiment of the invention in three views according to the views of FIGS. 1a to 1c ;

FIGS. 4a to 4c

a sports floor according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in three views according to the views of FIGS. 1a to 1c ;

FIGS. 5a to 5c

a sports stick according to a fifth embodiment of the invention in longitudinal section, in a sectional perspective view and in cross section along section line IV-IV in FIG. 5a ; and

Figures 6a and 6b

Overall views of a sports floor according to the fourth embodiment of the invention in a plan view and a longitudinal sectional view.

One in the FIGS. 1a to 1c Skistock generally designated 10 includes a substantially circular cylindrical outer tube 12 and a substantially circular cylindrical inner tube 14 slidably inserted into the outer tube 12. The dimensions of the tubes 12, 14 are matched to one another such that the inner tube 14 is substantially free of play slidably inserted into the outer tube 12 and from this can be pulled out.

The ski pole further comprises a handle attached to the upper end of the outer tube 12 (not shown in the figures) and a rod end (also not shown in the figures) located at the lower end of the inner tube 4. Handles and stick ends may be formed in the conventionally known manner. Thus, the handle can be ergonomically shaped for secure gripping and be formed of a suitable rubber-like material. At the end of the stick, a point can be formed, as well as a snow plate, which prevents the stick from sinking too far into the snow. Alternatively, the inner tube and outer tube could be reversed so that the handle is attached to the inner tube 14 and the stem end is provided on the outer tube 12.

In order to lock a displacement position between the inner tube 14 and the outer tube 12, the ski pole 10 has a clamp 16, which comprises a fastening portion 18 and a clamping portion 20. At the attachment portion 18, the clamp 16 is attached to the outer tube 12. In the present embodiment, for this purpose, the attachment portion 18 has a pipe section, which is pulled over the lower end of the outer tube 12 and secured to the outer tube 12, for example by a shrinking process.

The clamping portion 20 is also tubular to almost completely enclose the inner tube 14, with the exception of a slot 26 which longitudinally (parallel to the tube axis R) the clamping portion 20 is severed. Due to the slit 26, the diameter of the clamp 16 in the clamping section 20 can be changed by bending two clamp vanes 22, 24 towards or away from each other under elastic deformation. The clamp wings 22, 24 of the clamp thus go into one another in one piece. Alternatively, a hinge may also be arranged between the clamp wings 22, 24.

According to the invention, the clamp wing 22 has on its inner circumference a web 28 which is substantially rectilinear, perpendicular to the tube central axis R and tangent to the inner tube 14 so that it protrudes as a projection far into the interior of the imaginary inner peripheral circle of the clamping portion 20. In the in FIG. 1a shown, the tube axis R containing cross-section through the web 28, the web 28 has an arc shape.

On the outer circumference of the inner tube 14, a plurality of notches 30 are formed in sections of each other, which extend as straight grooves perpendicular to the tube axis R and substantially tangential to the inner tube 14. In cross-section according to FIG. 1a the notches 30 on the web 28 adapted arc shape.

The change in the diameter of the clamping portion 20 is effected by a toggle mechanism 32. The toggle mechanism 32 includes a first lever 34 which is pivotally mounted on the clamp wing 22 via a first hinge point 36, and a second lever 38, which at a second hinge point 40 on the clamp wing 24th is pivotally mounted. The first lever 34 and the second lever 38 are pivotally connected to each other at a third pivot point 42.

The second lever 38 also has an actuating lever 44 formed integrally thereon, which can be gripped and manually pivoted by the user to actuate the toggle lever.

FIGS. 1a and 1b show a locked state of the toggle lever 32 in which the operating lever 44 abuts the outer periphery of the clamping portion 20 and the inner diameter of the clamping portion is reduced to exert a clamping force on the inner tube 14. The actuating lever has a shape adapted to the outer surface of the clamp 16, so that it places as much space around the clamp as possible in the locked state. The inner tube 14 is in the locked state with respect positioned on the clamping portion 20 so that the ridge 28 fits into one of the notches 30. Only when this positive engagement is made, the clamp 16 can bring into the locked state.

Figure 1c shows a release state of the clamp 16 in which the toggle 32 has been moved so that the clamp wings 22, 24 are moved away from each other (ie, the gap 26 is increased and the diameter of the clamping portion 20 is increased). The clamp 16 is shaped so that the clamp wings 22, 24 are at least approximately spread apart in the relaxed state, that, as in Figure 1c shown, the web 28 is released from engagement with the notch, so that the inner tube 14 can be moved relative to the outer tube 12 (optionally against slight resistance or detent (click) at each notch 30). From the comparison of Figures 1b and 1c it can be seen that with respect to a line h through the first hinge point 36 and the third hinge point 42, the second hinge point 40 is located in the release state on one side of the line h and in the locked state on the other side of the line h. During the movement of the lever between the release state and the locked state, the second pivot point 40 thus passes through a dead center in which the first pivot point 36, second pivot point 40 and third pivot point 42 are arranged together on the line h, wherein the second pivot point 40 between the first pivot point 36 and third hinge point 42 is located.

Since the second pivot point 40 always describes a circular path around the third pivot point 42, then the distance between the first pivot point 36 and the second pivot point 40, and thus the distance between the clamp wings 22 and 24 is minimal at the dead center. Accordingly, the clamping force at the dead center is greatest. This leads to a self-locking of the toggle lever assembly in the locked state, because the counterforce generated by the inner tube 14 on the second lever 38 and the actuating lever 44 acts in the movement section from the release state to the dead center in one direction an opening of the clamp 16, ie in the direction of the release state, while this counterforce in the range of movement between dead center and locking state in the direction of a closure of the actuating lever 44, that acts in the direction of Feststellzustands. After exceeding the dead center thus the operating lever 44 automatically snaps into the locked state and remains biased in the locked state.

The second lever 38 is forked formed with a one-armed lever portion on the actuating lever 44 and a two-armed lever portion in the vicinity of the second pivot point 40. In the Figures 1b and 1c in each case only the upper arm of the two-armed lever section can be seen. The first lever 34 passes in the region of the second pivot point 40 between the two arms of the two-armed lever portion of the second lever 38, so that the first lever 34 and second lever 38 do not interfere with each other in their movement. In order to increase the stability, the clip wings 22 and 24 are also forked in order to realize the first hinge point 36 and the second hinge point 40 respectively by an axis mounted on both sides, ie an axis which is mounted at both opposite ends. Thus, a more stable toggle mechanism can be provided over a single-sided axle.

With reference to FIGS. 2a to 2c In the following, a second embodiment of the invention will be described. The elements of the second exemplary embodiment that are the same or correspondingly constructed in comparison with the first exemplary embodiment and that act with the same or corresponding effect are not explained again, and the description of the first exemplary embodiment is expressly referred to with regard to these elements.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment by the additional provision of a rotation, which also in the release state, a relative rotation between inner tube 12 and outer tube 14 prevented. The anti-rotation device includes a rotation preventing groove 46 formed in the longitudinal direction of the inner tube 14 on the outer circumference of the inner tube 14, and an anti-rotation rib 48 formed on the inner periphery of the clamping portion 20 of the bracket 16 so as to project toward the inner tube 14 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the inner tube 14. The shapes of the anti-rotation groove 46 and anti-rotation rib 48 are matched so that upon displacement between the inner tube 14 and outer tube 12, the anti-rotation rib 48 can slide in the anti-rotation groove 46 to permit a change in length of the ski pole 10 in the released state, but a relative rotation between inner tube 14 and outer tube 12 to prevent.

The anti-rotation device according to the invention of the second embodiment can ensure that the inner tube 14 is always set in the correct rotational position with respect to the clamp 16, so that the web 28 can penetrate into the notch 30. The user must therefore find only the correct length corresponding to the position of the notch 30 when changing the stick length, but not the correct rotational position. In this way, the operation of the ski pole is simplified.

With reference to FIGS. 3a to 3c a third embodiment of the invention will be described below. The elements of the third embodiment that are the same or correspondingly constructed as those of the first or second embodiment and the same or correspondingly effective are not explained again, and the description of the first or second embodiment is expressly referred to with regard to these elements.

In contrast to the second embodiment, the projection for the positive locking of a setting position between the inner tube 14 and the outer tube 12 is not in the third embodiment formed a solid projection on the inner circumference of the clamp wing, but the projection according to the invention is provided directly by the first lever 34 'of the bell crank 32'. As in FIGS. 3b and 3c can be clearly seen, the first lever 34 'is formed as a straight web, and the hinge points of the toggle lever 32' are arranged so that upon pivoting of the toggle lever 32 'from the release state in the locked state, a middle web portion 33 of the first lever 34' in a Notch 30 'of the inner tube 14 is immersed. In the release state, however, the first lever 34 'so far from the notch 30' swung back that the inner tube 14 can be moved freely through the clamp 16 'through.

Moreover, the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in terms of the shape of the protrusion and the notch 30 'in the cross-sectional view contained in the pipe axis R according to FIG FIG. 3a , It can be seen that in the third exemplary embodiment the first lever 34 'forming the projection is rectangular in cross-section. According to the rectangular cross-section of the first lever 34 ', the notch 30' in cross-section of FIG. 3a also a rectangular shape, which is adapted to the shape of the first lever 34 '.

By choosing a rectangular cross section of the projection and associated notches, the effect is achieved that a contact surface 49 on the first lever 34 'and a contact surface 50 in the notches 30' are both oriented perpendicular to the tube axis R, so that when these contact surfaces 49, 50 in the locked state to each other and a force in the direction of shortening of the rod 10 is exercised, these two contact surfaces 49, 50 are pressed perpendicular to each other substantially and sliding of both surfaces and thus slipping out of the projection can be prevented from the notch. Thus, such a shape of projection and notch provides additional stability in the locked state. For this advantage, however, must be taken into account that a slightly more accurate positioning of the inner tube 14 with respect to the clamp 16 'is necessary before the toggle can be pivoted to the locked state.

With reference to FIGS. 4a to 4c In the following, a fourth embodiment of the invention will be described. The elements of the fourth embodiment which are the same or correspondingly constructed as those of the first to third exemplary embodiments and the same or correspondingly effective are not explained again, and the description of the first to third exemplary embodiments is expressly referred to with regard to these elements.

The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that instead of a toggle mechanism, a per se known quick-release closure is used. The quick-release closure comprises a draw bolt 52 having at one end a head 54 with which it is coupled to the one clamp wing 22 ", and at its other end freely slidably guided through an opening 55 of the other clamp wing 24". The head 54 facing away from the end of the pull bolt 52 protrudes slightly beyond the opening 55 and carries a hinge point 58, on which an actuating lever pivotally 44 "is mounted.

The operating lever 44 "is integrally formed with a cam 60 so that upon pivotal movement of the actuating lever 44" of the cam 60 pivots about the pivot point 58. A the operating lever 44 "facing side of the clamp wing 24" is formed as a bearing surface 62 for the cam 60. By pivoting the operating lever 44 "from the in Figure 4c shown release state in the direction of in FIG. 4b As shown locking state of the cam 60 slides on the contact surface 62, thereby forcing an increase in the distance between the clamp wing 24 "and the hinge point 58 and thus - by means of the draw bolt 52 - a reduction in the distance between the clamp wing 22" and clamp wing 24 " 16 "is stretched in the episode and exerts a clamping force on the inner tube 14. At the same time, the web 28 according to the invention dips into one of the notches 30 in order to provide a positive locking between the clamp 16 "and the inner tube 14.

With reference to FIGS. 5a to 5c Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the invention will be described. The elements of the fifth exemplary embodiment that are the same or correspondingly constructed as those of the first to fourth exemplary embodiments and the same or correspondingly effective will not be explained again, and the description of the first to fourth exemplary embodiments is expressly referred to with regard to these elements.

The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the projection according to the invention is not integrally attached to the clamp but is formed by a dowel pin 64 which is tangent to the inner tube 14 (orthogonal to the tube axis R) and together with an elastomeric element 66 in a Groove 68 is inserted, which on the inner circumference of the clamping portion 20 '"of the clamp 16"' is arranged. In the exemplary embodiment, the elastomer element 66 is also formed as a pin in approximately the same shape as the dowel pin 64 and is located in the groove 68 between the dowel pin 64 and a bottom of the groove 68 so that it the dowel 64 in a direction out of the groove 68th out and biased toward the inner tube 14.

With the inner tube 14 positioned so that a notch 30 of the inner tube 14 faces the groove 68, as shown in the figures, the dowel pin 64 engages the notch 30 and is held in this engaged position by the force of the elastomeric member 66, so that an adjustment of the pole length is blocked in normal use of the sports stick. However, for example, in the case of a fall, a force exceeding the normal load force acts on the ski pole, in particular a force that is greater than a force defined by the elastomer element 66 and possibly normalized release force, so the flanks of the notch 30 of the inner tube 14 push the dowel pin 64 against the force of the elastomeric member 66 in the groove 68 back and allow a displacement of the inner tube 14 relative to the outer tube 12 to shorten the ski pole.

Also, the clamp 16 "'is shaped so that the clamp 16"' in the release state aufspreitzt due to their inherent elasticity to the extent that the dowel pin 64 is disengaged from the notch 30, so that the inner tube 14 relative to the outer tube 12th can be moved (possibly against slight resistance or with detent character (click) at each notch 30).

When the inner tube 14 is fully withdrawn from the outer tube 12, the dowel pin 64 falling out of the groove 68 is prevented by the length of the dowel pin 64 being slightly larger than the length of the notch 30 measured in the same direction, so that the dowel pin 64 may be supported in its end portions, respectively at a step 69 of the clamp 16 "'formed between the groove 68 and the inner periphery of the clamp 16"'. In this state, the elastomeric element 66 may be fully relaxed or under low bias. By the steps 69 it is further ensured that when opening the clamp 16 '' in the release state of the dowel pin 64 is withdrawn from engagement of the notch 30.

Figures 6a and 6b show overall views of the ski pole according to the fifth embodiment of the invention, the illustration with the exception of the possibly different, marked area B equally apply to the ski poles of the first to fourth embodiments of the invention validity. It can be seen in Figures 6a and 6b the structure of the ski pole 10 from the outer tube 12, the inner tube 14, a disposed at an upper end of the outer tube 12 handle 70 and a arranged at a lower end of the inner tube 14 pole tip 72. By pressing the clamp 16 can be in that described above for the first to fifth embodiments of the invention Adjust a shift position between inner tube and outer tube 12 to adjust the overall length of the ski pole 10.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, the toggle mechanism described in the first to third embodiments can also be used irrespective of the aspect of the positive connection between the clamp and the inner tube (projection and recess), i. for exclusively non-positive (frictional) clamping connection between clamp and inner tube or outer tube. Further, in each of the illustrated embodiments, a protrusion is formed on the clamp while the inner tube has a plurality of notches. Alternatively, the clamp could have a recess which engages at least one projection of the inner tube. In this case, when shaping the inner tube and the outer tube, it must be ensured that both tubes can be inserted into one another without problems in the release state.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the clamp transmits a clamping force to the outer tube in the region of the tube end, wherein the tube end has a longitudinal slot to allow a reduction of the diameter of the outer tube and thus a transmission of the clamping force to the inner tube extending in the outer tube , The positive engagement between locking device and inner tube by means of projection and recess would then be realized in the region of the longitudinal slot of the outer tube or in a projecting beyond the tube end of the outer tube portion of the locking device.

Claims (10)

1. A sports stick (10), comprising

   - a handle for gripping and holding the sports stick (10) with the hand,

   - a stick end remote from the handle, for contact with the ground,

   - a tubular assembly extending between the handle and the stick end, with an outer tube (12) and an inner tube (14), wherein the inner tube (14) can be inserted into the outer tube (12) by a variable amount so as to adjust the length of the sports stick (10), and

   - a locking device (16, 32; 16' , 32' 16", 52; 16"') which can be displaced manually between a released condition, which allows sliding between the inner tube (14) and the outer tube (12), and a locking condition which blocks sliding between the inner tube (14) and the outer tube (12),

   - wherein the locking device (16,32;16',32' 16",52;16"') comprises a clamp (16,16';16";16"') which surrounds the outer tube (12) and/or the inner tube (14) and which, in the locking condition, is adjusted to a smaller diameter so as to exert a clamping force on to the inner tube (14) and/or the outer tube (12),

   characterised in
   that the locking device (16, 32; 16', 32' 16", 52; 16"') has a projection (28;34';64) which protrudes inwards on the inner circumference of the clamp (16;16';16";16"'), and in that the inner tube (14) has at least one recess (30;30') into which the projection (28;34';64) engages in the locking condition, or
   in that the inner tube has a projection which protrudes outwards on the outer circumference of the tube, and in that the locking device has at least one recess into which the projection engages in the locking condition.
2. A sports stick (10) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the inner tube (14) has a plurality of recesses (30;30') arranged spaced along the tube longitudinal direction and preferably at equal distances apart, wherein the projection (28;34';64) of the locking device engages in the locking condition alternatively in one of the recesses (30;30'), or
   in that the inner tube has a plurality of projections arranged spaced along the tube longitudinal direction and preferably at equal distances apart, wherein the recess of the locking device is in engagement in the locking condition alternatively with one of the projections.
3. A sports stick (10) according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the width of the recess (30;30') measured in the circumferential direction of the sports stick (10) is substantially equal to the width of the projection (28;34';64) measured in the circumferential direction of the sports stick (10), and/or
   in that the length of the recess (30;30') measured in the direction of the tube longitudinal axis is substantially equal to the length of the projection (28;34';64) measured in the direction of the tube longitudinal axis, and/or
   in that the projection (28; 34' ; 64) and the recess (30; 30') are of shapes which are substantially complementary to one another.
4. A sports stick (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the projection (28;34'; 64) is formed by a web extending substantially perpendicular to the tube longitudinal axis direction (R) and substantially tangentially to the inner tube (14), which web engages into a recess (30;30') of the inner tube (14) when the locking device is displaced into the locking condition (16,32;16';32' 16";52;16"'), which recess is formed by a notch in the inner tube (14) extending substantially perpendicularly to the tube longitudinal axis direction (R) and substantially tangentially to the inner tube (14).
5. A sports stick (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the projection (28) is formed integrally on the inner circumference of the clamp (16;16").
6. A sports stick (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the projection (34') is formed by a lever arm which, upon displacement of the locking device (16';32"), is moved between the released condition and the locking condition so as to generate the clamping force of the clamp (16').
7. A sports stick (10) according to any one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that the projection (64) is movably connected to the locking device (16"') or to the inner tube and at least in the locking condition is biased towards the recess (30) by an elastic means (66).
8. A sports stick (10) according to Claim 7, characterised in that the locking device (16"') or the inner tube has an indentation (68) into which an adapter (64) forming the projection and the elastic means (66) are inserted, wherein the elastic means (66) is arranged between the adapter (64) and the bottom of the indentation (66) and is preferably in the form of an elastomeric element.
9. A sports stick (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, further comprising an anti-rotation stop (46,48) which at least in the released condition prevents relative rotation between the inner tube (14) and the outer tube (12) about the tube longitudinal axis (R),
   wherein preferably one element comprising the inner tube (14) and the clamp (16;16') has an anti-rotation stop recess (46) extending in the tube longitudinal axis direction (R) and the other element comprising the inner tube (14) and the clamp (16;16') has an anti-rotation stop rib (48) extending in the tube longitudinal axis direction (R), wherein the anti-rotation stop rib (48) engages into the anti-rotation stop recess (46) both in the released condition and in the locking condition.
10. A sports stick according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the locking device comprises a lever system (32;32'; 52, 58, 44") with a manually pivotable control lever which preferably can be pivoted about an axis parallel to the tube longitudinal direction.

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