WO2016174571A1

WO2016174571A1 - Locking device for extensible poles

Info

Publication number: WO2016174571A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/052350
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gianpietro Beltramello; Simone Gallina
Original assignee: Gabel S.R.L. Unipersonale
Priority date: 2015-04-29
Filing date: 2016-04-26
Publication date: 2016-11-03

Abstract

The locking device for extensible poles, in particular for sports activities, comprises a first connection element (11) predisposed or being associated with a first tubular element (10) and a second connection element (21) predisposed for being associated with a second tubular element (20) and shaped for the axial engagement with said first connection element (11). Said first connection element (11) and second connection element (21) have respectively on a side surface elastic fastening means (15, 25), predisposed for snap-engaging, in a removable way, into corresponding seats (19, 29) made in said first tubular element (10) and second tubular element (20).

Description

LOCKING DEVICE FOR EXTENSIBLE POLES

Technical field

The present invention relates to a locking device for extensible poles to be used in sport activities such as trekking, so-called "Nordic walking" and the like.

Background art

The use is currently known of supporting poles for various sports activities such as skiing, hiking, so-called "Nordic walking" and the like. In particular, extensible poles have been proposed, i.e., which at the time of use acquire the appropriate length for use. Such extensible poles may in fact be arranged in a compact configuration which permits reducing their overall length when not in use, e.g., to carry them easily inside a backpack. The extensible poles generally consist of a plurality of segments predisposed for being axially connected in the extended configuration of use and for being arranged in an unextended configuration when not in use. According to a known embodiment, the extensible poles consist of tubular elements able to partially slide the one in the other, substantially in a telescopic manner, in such a way as to define the above-mentioned extended configuration or alternatively the unextended configuration. The different segments are made rigidly connected in the extended configuration of use by means of suitable locking devices. However, this solution allows only partially reducing the length of the poles in the unextended configuration, inasmuch as the different telescopic segments, in the above-mentioned unextended configuration, are necessarily partially protruding the one from the other.

Alternatively, the use has been proposed of foldable poles, i.e., wherein the different segments may be disconnected and placed up against each other in the unextended configuration of minimum extension. Extensible poles of this type are described for example in patent application WO 2013/020861 . In particular, such poles have a lower part which axially engages by means of a reduced-diameter tang on an upper part and is secured to this by means of an internal elastic cord. Once disengaged from the upper part, the lower part can be folded over the other, but remains connected by means of the internal elastic cord.

A drawback complained of in the extensible poles of this type consists of the fact that the torsional or traction stress they have to undergo in use may lead to the accidental disengagement of the segments connected the one to the other in the extended configuration.

The fact is also often complained of that a breakage of the above-mentioned internal elastic cord, for example due to normal wear, makes the entire pole unusable.

Detailed description of the invention The aim of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned problems, by devising a device which permits optimally locking the extensible pole segments, axially connected the one to the other in the position of use, and prevents their accidental disengagement. In the ambit of this aim, a further object of the present invention is to provide a locking device which permits an easy replacement in case of breakage of one of its parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a locking device having simple constructive and functional concept, with highly reliable operation, versatile to use, and relatively inexpensive.

The above-mentioned objects are achieved, according to the present invention, by the locking device for extensible poles according to claim 1 .

According to the present invention, the locking device for extensible poles comprises a first connection element predisposed for being associated with a first tubular element and a second connection element predisposed for being associated with a second tubular element and shaped for the axial engagement with said first connection element, said first connection element and second connection element having respectively on a side surface elastic fastening means predisposed for snap-engaging, in a removable way, into corresponding seats made in said first tubular element and second tubular element, respectively.

Advantageously, said first connection element and second connection element form a male-female connection, where said second connection element conforms a tubular stem which is predisposed for engaging axially in a cylindrical bush of said first connection element.

Advantageously said fastening means comprise at least one pin shaped at the extremity of an elastic tang associated with said first connection element and second connection element respectively, said pin being predisposed for snap-engaging into a corresponding hole made in said first tubular element and second tubular element.

Advantageously, said first connection element and second connection element comprise respectively a cylindrical bush predisposed for fitting inside said first tubular element and second tubular element, said cylindrical bush of the second connection element conforming axially a tubular stem of reduced diameter which is predisposed for engaging inside said cylindrical bush of the first connection element.

Advantageously, said elastic tangs extend longitudinally to said cylindrical bushes at respective longitudinal openings made in the same cylindrical bushes.

Advantageously, the locking device for extensible poles comprises elastic means predisposed for reciprocally securing said first connection element and said second connection element, comprising an elastic cord which is inserted passing through said cylindrical bushes, substantially according to the axis of these, and bears at the opposite extremities thickened portions predisposed for frontally abutting the cylindrical bushes themselves.

Advantageously, on said elastic cord is fitted a tubular insert with a substantially cylindrical shape predisposed for engaging an inner cavity of said cylindrical bush of the second connection element.

Advantageously, said second connection element has on an outer surface at least one button which, in the assembly position, is predisposed for engaging a slot made in said first connection element, said slot extending by a 90° arc on a plane transversal to the axis of the same connection elements to allow the angular rotation by 90° of said tubular element with respect to said second tubular element.

The present invention also relates to an extensible pole, in particular for sporting activities, comprising at least a first tubular element and a second tubular element predisposed for being axially connected by means of a locking device which comprises a first connection element predisposed for being associated with said first tubular element and a second connection element predisposed for being associated with said second tubular element and shaped for the axial engagement with said first connection element, said first connection element and second connection element having respectively on a side surface elastic fastening means predisposed for snap-engaging, in a removable way, into corresponding seats made in said first tubular element and second tubular element, respectively.

Short description of drawings

The details of the invention will appear more evident from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the locking device for extensible poles, illustrated by way of example on the accompanying drawings, wherein:

figures 1 and 2 show a perspective view of an extensible pole, in the extended configuration of use and in the folded configuration respectively;

figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the locking device according to the present invention;

figures 4 and 5 show a side view and a longitudinal section view of the locking device, according to the present invention, in the position of connection of a pair of segments of the pole according to the present invention;

figure 6 shows an enlarged view of the detail A of the device shown in figure 5; figures 7-12 show, in a perspective view, successive phases of assembly of the locking device according to the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention

With particular reference to such figuresan extensible pole intended for use in sporting activities, e.g., for trekking, so-called "Nordic walking" and the like has been indicated altogether by 1 . The pole 1 is composed of a plurality of segments predisposed for being axially connected in the extended configuration of use and being folded the one on the other in the unextended idle configuration. In the case shown, the pole is composed of an upper segment 1 a with a grip 2, an intermediate segment 1 b and a lower segment 1 c with a tip 3 at the extremity. It is however possible to predict that the pole be made up of a different number of segments, depending on the specific requirements.

The above mentioned segments of the pole 1 comprise a respective tubular element, with a substantially circular cross section, which at at least one of its extremities is predisposed for being axially connected and locked to a corresponding tubular element of an adjacent segment of the pole. More specifically, with reference to figures 3, 4 and 5, indicated by 10, 20 are a first tubular element and a second tubular element predisposed for being connected axially and locked by the locking device according to the present invention. To this end, the first tubular element 10 bears an axially protruding sleeve 10a having an outer diameter corresponding, with appropriate play, to the inner diameter of the second tubular element 20, so as to allow the engagement thereon of the same second tubular element 20. The sleeve 10a can be made in a single piece with the tubular element 10, or preferably they can be made in two separate pieces, made suitably integral.

The locking device comprises a first connection element 1 1 predisposed for being associated with the first tubular element 10 and a second connection element 21 predisposed for being associated with the second tubular element 20 and shaped for the axial engagement with said first connection element 1 1 .

The first connection element 1 1 comprises a cylindrical bush 12 predisposed for fitting inside the first tubular element 10, at the sleeve. Such cylindrical bush 12 has a crown 13 on the outer surface predisposed for being brought to abutment with the front edge of the sleeve 10a.

The second connection element 21 in turn comprises a cylindrical bush 22 which is predisposed for fitting inside the second tubular element 20. Such cylindrical bush 22 axially conforms a tubular stem 23 of reduced diameter which is predisposed for engaging inside the above-mentioned cylindrical bush 12 of the first connection element 1 1 .

In practice, the cylindrical bushes 12, 22 make a male-female connection, where the tubular stem 23 of reduced diameter of the second connection element 21 is the male element which engages the female element made up of the cylindrical bush 12 of the first connection element 1 1 .

The tubular stem 23 shapes on the outer surface, in the proximity of the free extremity, at least one button 24 which in the assembly position, i.e., when the tubular stem 23 is engaged inside the cylindrical bush 12 of the first connection element 1 1 , engages a slot 14 made in the cylindrical bush 12 itself. Such slot 14 substantially extends by a 90° arc on a plane transversal to the axis of the cylindrical bush 12. In practice, as explained below, the coupling of the button 24 into the slot 14 allows implementing the 90° angular rotation of the first tubular element 10 with respect to the second tubular element 20.

In the case shown, the tubular stem 23 shapes a pair of buttons 24, arranged in diametrically opposite positions, predisposed for engaging respective slots 14 made in the cylindrical bush 12.

The first connection element 1 1 and the second connection element 21 have, respectively, on a side surface, elastic fastening means 15, 25 predisposed for snap- engaging, in a removable way, into corresponding seats made in the first tubular element 10 and in the second tubular element 20. Such fastening means 15, 25 comprise a plurality of pins 16, 26 shaped at the extremity of relative elastic tangs 17, 27 associated with the cylindrical bushes 12, 22 and predisposed for snap-engaging corresponding holes 19, 29 made in the tubular elements 10, 20; the holes 19, 29 define said engagement seats of the fastening means 15, 25. Preferably, the elastic tangs 17, 27 extend longitudinally to the cylindrical bushes 12, 22 at respective longitudinal openings 18, 28 made in the cylindrical bushes 12, 22 themselves.

More precisely, the cylindrical bush 12 of the female element has a pair of fastening pins 16 arranged in diametrically opposite positions and predisposed for engaging a corresponding pair of holes 19 made in the sleeve of the first tubular element 10; the cylindrical bush 22 of the male element instead has, on the contrary, three fastening pins 26 arranged in 120° angled positions the one to the other and predisposed for engaging three corresponding holes 29 made in the second tubular element 20.

The first connection element 1 1 and the second connection element 21 are secured to each other by elastic means 30 predisposed for allowing them to move away axially. Such elastic means 30 comprise an elastic cord 31 which is inserted passing through the cylindrical bushes 12, 22, substantially according to the axis of these, and bears at its opposite extremities thickened portions 32 predisposed for frontally abutting the cylindrical bushes 12, 22 themselves. Preferably, on the elastic cord 31 , a tubular insert 33 is fitted with a substantially cylindrical shape predisposed for engaging, as explained later, the inner cavity of the cylindrical bush 22 of the second connection element 21 .

The operation of the locking device is easy to understand from the foregoing description. The cylindrical bushes 12, 22 of the connection elements 1 1 , 21 items are secured to each other by means of the elastic cord 31 which is inserted passing through the cylindrical bushes 12, 22 themselves, substantially according to the axis of these (see figure 7). The elastic cord 31 is retained on the cylindrical bushes 12, at the opposite extremities, by means of the thickened portions 32 which frontally abut the cylindrical bushes 12, 22 themselves. On the elastic cord 31 is also suitably fitted the tubular insert 33 which is predisposed for engaging, in use, the inner cavity of the cylindrical bush 22 of the second connection element 12 (figure 8).

The so provided locking device is fitted on the pole, by first inserting the cylindrical bush 22 of the male element in the relative tubular element 20 until reaching the pins 26 of the fastening means 25 snap-engage into the corresponding holes 29 of such tubular element 20 (figure 9).

By operating in traction on the elastic cord 31 , the tubular insert 33 is then introduced into the internal cavity of the cylindrical bush 22 (figure 10). It should be noticed that in the assembly position inside the internal cavity of the cylindrical bush 22, the tubular insert 33 contrasts the inner surface of the tangs 27 of the pins 26, preventing these latter from being accidentally pushed inwards, causing the cylindrical bush 22 to be released from the tubular element 20 (see in particular figures 5 and 6).

Similarly, the cylindrical bush 12 of the female element is then fitted in the relative tubular element 10, until the pins 16 of the fastening means 15 snap-engage into the corresponding holes 19 on the sleeve 10a of such tubular element 10 (figure 1 1 ).

Finally, the tubular elements 10 and 20 are axially coupled, in particular by engaging the second tubular element 20 on the sleeve 10a of the first tubular element 10 (figure 12). During such operation, the tubular stem 23 of reduced diameter of the male element engages inside the cylindrical bush 12 of the first connection element 1 1 , making the rigid connection of the tubular elements 10 and 20. Such connection is then locked by angularly rotating, by a 90° arc, the first tubular element 10 with respect to the second tubular element 20, so as to prevent the axial removal of the one from the other.

In order to allow placing the pole in the non-operative shorter-extension configuration, the first tubular element 10 is made to rotate angularly in the opposite direction with respect to the second tubular element 20, so as to allow the axial removal of the one from the other. In such configuration (see figure 1 1 again), the first tubular element 10 can be folded with respect to the second tubular element 20 and placed against this in the unextended position.

The locking device according to the present invention therefore achieves the object of optimally locking the extensible pole segments, when these are axially connected to each other in the position of use.

A prerogative of the locking device according to the present invention consists of the fact that it is easily replaceable in case of breakage of one of its parts, in particular the internal elastic cord. The locking device according to the present invention can in fact interchangeably be fitted on the pole.

It must be stressed that the locking device can be fitted on the pole very simply and quickly. Another advantage offered by the locking device according to the present invention is to prevent accidental disengagement, in particular as a result of the torsional or traction stress which the pole undergoes. In fact, the tubular insert 33 which contrasts the inner surface of the tangs 27 of the pins 26 prevents the release of the cylindrical bush 22 from the tubular element 20. It should be observed that the same function is performed, for the first tubular element 10, by the same tubular stem 23 of reduced diameter of the male element which engages inside the cylindrical bush 12 of the first connection element 1 1 . The tubular stem 23 in fact contrasts the inner surface of the tangs 17 of the pins 16, preventing the release of the cylindrical bush 12 from the tubular element 10.

The device described by way of example is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations according to the different needs.

In the practical implementation of the invention, the materials employed, as well as the shape and the dimensions, may be of any kind according to requirements.

Where the technical features mentioned in each claim are followed by reference marks such reference marks have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the understanding of the claims and accordingly they do not have any limitative value as regards the purpose of each element identified by way of example by such reference marks.

Claims

1 . Locking device for extensible poles, in particular for sport activities, comprising at least a first tubular element (10) and a second tubular element (20) predisposed for being axially connected,

said locking device comprising a first connection element (1 1 ) predisposed for being associated with said first tubular element (10); a second connection element (21 ) predisposed for being associated with said second tubular element (20) and shaped for the axial engagement with said first connection element (1 1 ); elastic means (30) predisposed to reciprocally secure said first connection element (1 1 ) and said second connection element (21 );

characterized by the fact that said first connection element (1 1 ) and second connection element (21 ) have respectively on a side surface elastic fastening means (15, 25), predisposed for snap-engaging, in a removable way, into corresponding seats (19, 29) made in said first tubular element (10) and second tubular element (20).

2. Device according to claim 1 , characterized by the fact that said first connection element (1 1 ) and said second connection element (21 ) form a male-female connection, where said second connection element (21 ) conforms a tubular stem (23) which is predisposed for axially engaging in a cylindrical bush (12) of said first connection element (1 1 ).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that said fastening means (15, 25) comprise at least one pin (16, 26) shaped at the extremity of an elastic tang (17, 27) associated with said first connection element (1 1 ) and second connection element (21 ) respectively, and predisposed for snap-engaging into a corresponding hole (19, 29) made in said first tubular element (10) and second tubular element (20).

4. Device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized by the fact that said first connection element (1 1 ) and second connection element (21 ) comprise respectively a cylindrical bush (12, 22) predisposed for fitting inside said first tubular element (10) and second tubular element (20), said cylindrical bush (22) of the second connection element (21 ) conforming axially a tubular stem (23) of reduced diameter which is predisposed for engaging inside said cylindrical bush (12) of the first connection element (1 1 ).

5. Device according to claims 3 and 4, characterized by the fact that said elastic tangs (17, 27) extend longitudinally to said cylindrical bushes (12, 22) at respective longitudinal openings (18, 28) made in the same cylindrical bushes (12, 22).

6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by the fact that said elastic means (30) predisposed for reciprocally securing said first connection element (1 1 ) and said second connection element (21 ), comprise an elastic cord (31 ) which is inserted passing through said cylindrical bushes (12, 22), substantially according to the axis of these, and bears at the opposite extremities thickened portions (32) predisposed for frontally abutting the cylindrical bushes themselves (12, 22).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that on said elastic cord (31 ) is fitted a tubular insert (33) with a substantially cylindrical shape predisposed for engaging an inner cavity of said cylindrical bush (22) of the second connection element (21 ).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said second connection element (21 ) has on an outer surface at least one button (24) which, in the assembly position, is predisposed for engaging a slot (14) made in said first connection element (1 1 ), said slot (14) extending on a plane transversal to the axis of the same connection elements (1 1 , 21 ) to allow the angular rotation of said first tubular element (10) with respect to said second tubular element (20).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that said slot (14) extends by an arc of 90° on said plane transversal to the axis of the connection elements (1 1 , 21 ) to allow the angular rotation by 90° of said first tubular element (10) with respect to said second tubular element (20).

10. Extensible pole, in particular for sports activities, comprising at least a first tubular element (10) and a second tubular element (20) predisposed for being axially connected by means of a locking device according to one of the preceding claims.