Patent ID: 6827370
Filing Date: 2004-12-07
Classification: A63C

Abstract:
A ski pole having a selectable bending strength, comprising:a shaft of extended length having a first end and a second end, said shaft including at least a first portion and a second portion connected as parts of said extended shaft length; a handle connected to said first shaft end for manual gripping by a person; a displaceable reinforcement unit, in a first position of said reinforcement unit said first shaft portion having a greater strength in bending before permanent mechanical failure of said pole occurs than said second portion, failure including at least one of fracture and permanent deformation, in a second position of said reinforcement unit said second shaft portion being reinforced by said reinforcement unit, said pole having an increased strength in bending before permanent mechanical failure occurs when said reinforcement unit is in said second position; and an actuating mechanism for displacing said reinforcement unit between said first position and said second position, wherein said second portion includes a weaker cross-section as compared to a cross-section of said first portion, said reinforcement unit adding area to said weaker cross-section in said second position of said reinforcement unit to increase the bending strength of said second portion and said pole.