Abstract:
A collapsible snowboarder pole is divided into a number of segments. The segments are stored in a housing that also functions as a handle when the pole is in use. Tent pole technology enables the segments to fold out and hold shape. The pole segments mate with one another and are held in place by an elastic cord. The cord provides sufficient elasticity to allow the user to pull apart the pole segments enough to disengage them from one another when collapsing the pole.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a collapsible pole for use by snowboarders and/or other outdoor enthusiasts. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Poles are part of the skier&#39;s standard equipment. Ski poles serve a variety of functions, such as for example assisting in traversing flat or uphill terrain; the skier pushes the poles into the snow to propel him- or herself forward. Skiers also use poles when traveling downhill, for example to establish a pivot point (pole plant) when slaloming or otherwise making a short radius turn. 
   Snowboarders generally do not carry poles, and do not generally benefit from poles when traveling downhill. However, there are times when snowboarders could benefit from a pole, particularly when traversing flat or uphill terrain. Without a pole, such traversals can be arduous and frustrating, as the snowboarder&#39;s sole means of propulsion is to repeatedly shift body weight in an effort to achieve forward momentum. Often, such an attempt is unsuccessful, forcing the snowboarder to sit down, unbuckle his or her equipment so that one foot is free, and kick him- or herself forward with the free foot while trying to keep an interfering twisted front knee from realigning to its natural position. Then, once the traversal is complete, the snowboarder must re-buckle the equipment. 
   Having a pole would be of great utility to a snowboarder who finds him- or herself in such a position. However, most snowboarders find it too awkward to carry a pole, particularly since they have no use for the pole when traveling downhill. A full-length pole would thereby be a burden more often than it would be of use. 
   Some snowboarders carry telescoping poles, such as those designed for backcountry skiing, telemarking, or trekking. These poles can be made smaller when they are not in use. However, in general such poles are usually adjustable from approximately 25″ to 60″, and therefore cannot be made small enough to be truly convenient for the snowboarder. 
   A limitation of telescoping poles is the inability to provide a large number of pole segments. A telescoping pole includes a number of sliding, overlapping cylindrical segments having successively smaller diameters. The pole is collapsed by sliding smaller segments into larger ones, until only the largest segment (plus the handle) is exposed. Because of required wall thicknesses for each cylinder, and because cylinders must fit inside one another, usually only three segments can be accommodated. As a result, such telescoping poles are typically collapsible only to a size equaling the size of the handle plus one-third of the overall pole length. Given a desired overall length of 60″ and a handle length of 5″, the smallest length for a telescoping pole is approximately 25″, which is too large to be convenient for a snowboarder. Attempting to include additional segments causes some of the segments to be either too thick (which adds excessive weight and bulk) or too narrow (which compromises the strength of the pole). 
   In addition, such telescoping poles are subject to additional disadvantages. They may tend to collapse undesirably and unintentionally when a significant amount of force is applied, for example when using the pole for pushing uphill. Also, they are prone to failure, jamming, icing, and locking up. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,073, to Hoffman, for “Collapsible Snow Pole,” describes an extendable and retractable snow pole for use by snowboarders. Hoffman&#39;s snow pole uses a telescoping mechanism which is subject to the problems and limitations set forth above. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,072, to Gregg, for “Snowboard Pole System,” describes a collapsible snow pole for use by snowboarders. Again, the described device uses a telescoping mechanism which is subject to the problems and limitations set forth above. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,435, to Munro et al., for “Collapsible, QuickRelease Snowboarding Pole with Leg Mounting System,” also describes a pole that uses a telescoping mechanism. 
   What is needed, therefore, is a collapsible pole that is not subject to the inherent problems and disadvantages described above with respect to telescoping poles. 
   What is further needed is a collapsible pole that provides sufficient strength for use as a snowboarding pole, and that can be collapsed to a small enough size so that it is easily carried by the snowboarder when not in use. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is a collapsible pole that addresses the above described limitations of the prior art and is designed for use by snowboarders. 
   In one aspect, the present invention is implemented as a collapsible snowboarder pole that is divided into a number of segments. The segments are stored in a housing that also functions as a handle when the pole is in use. Tent pole technology enables the segments to fold out and hold shape. The pole segments mate with one another and are held in place by an elastic cord. The cord provides sufficient elasticity to allow the user to pull apart the pole segments enough to disengage them from one another when collapsing the pole. However, unlike a tent pole, where pole segments are typically flexible so as to provide the appropriate type of structural support for a tent, the pole segments of the present invention are rigid so as to function effectively as a snow pole when mated together. 
   In one aspect, the pole segments fit within a hollow housing, or handle, when they are disengaged from one another. 
   In one aspect, the pole segments attach to one another by fitting a smaller-diameter end of one pole into a larger-diameter end of another pole. In other aspects, a sleeve or protrusion affixed to or forming part of an end of one pole mates with an end of another pole. 
   In one aspect, a hollow handle is provided. The handle is shaped to be easily grippable when the snow pole is in use, and can be used as a convenient storage area for housing the pole segments when not in use. 
   In one aspect, the handle of the collapsible pole includes one or more retractable tools, such as a flat head screwdriver, a Philips head screwdriver, a knife, a compass, and the like. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a handle for a collapsible snowboarder pole according to one embodiment. 
       FIG. 2A  is a side view of a handle for a collapsible snowboarder pole according to one embodiment. 
       FIG. 2B  is a front view of a handle for a collapsible snowboarder pole according to one embodiment. 
       FIG. 2C  is a top view of a handle for a collapsible snowboarder pole according to one embodiment. 
       FIG. 3A  depicts an embodiment of the present invention where a series of pole segments are being pulled out of the handle.  FIG. 3B  depicts rotation of the first pole segment about a fulcrum in the handle. 
       FIG. 3C  depicts a collapsible snowboarder pole in its extended position, according to one embodiment. 
       FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment for mating two pole segments, wherein a first pole segment end fits inside the end of a second pole segment. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a technique for unmating pole segments so that that the pole can be collapsed, according to one embodiment. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view showing two pole segments mating with one another, according to one embodiment. 
       FIG. 7  is a detail view showing a pole segment attached to a handle, according to one embodiment. 
       FIG. 8  depicts an alternative embodiment for mating two pole segments, wherein a sleeve affixed to a first pole segment end mates with an end of a second pole segment. 
       FIG. 9A  illustrated detachability of two grips of the handle.  FIG. 9B  depicts retractable tools that fit within the handle of the snowboarder pole according to one embodiment. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  depict an example of the use of the snowboarder pole of the present invention to propel oneself by pushing off. 
       FIGS. 11A ,  11 B, and  11 C depict an example of the use of the snowboarder pole of the present invention to propel oneself by pulling with two hands. 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  are cross-sectional views of the handle of the present invention showing storage of pole segments therein. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention is now described more fully with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which several embodiments of the invention are shown. The present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be complete and will fully convey the invention to those skilled in the art. 
   In the following description, the invention is set forth in the context of a collapsible pole for use by a snowboarder. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be implemented or used for other purposes as well. In fact, the invention can be used to provide a collapsible pole (with attached handle) for any type of use. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of a handle  100  for a collapsible snow boarder pole according to one embodiment.  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  2 C show a side view, front view, and top view of handle  100 , respectively. In one embodiment handle  100  is hollow so that it can serve as a housing for pole segments. 
   For illustrative purposes,  FIG. 2C  shows overall dimensions of handle  100 ; however, one skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to the dimensions shown, and can be implemented using other dimensions. In one embodiment, handle  100  is 8″ high and 1.625″ wide. In one embodiment, the wall thickness of handle  100  is ¼″. 
   Pole segments can be stored side-by-side within handle  100 . For example, in one embodiment handle  100  can hold five cylindrical pole segments of approximately ½″ diameter and approximately 6″ length. Assuming one inch of overlap from one pole segment to the next, this would yield a pole of 25″ total length (not including handle  100 ). 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , there are shown cross-sectional views of handle  100  depicting examples of storage arrangements for pole segments  301 A,  301  within handle  100 .  FIG. 12A  shows one possible arrangement of pole segments  301 A,  301 .  FIG. 12B  shows another possible arrangement of pole segments  301 A,  301 . In one embodiment, handle  100  is 1.625″ wide (outer dimension). In one embodiment, pole segments  301 A,  301  have an outer diameter of 0.5″ and an inner dimension of 0.3″. In one embodiment, handle  100  provides sufficient space to allow for a ⅛″ buffer zone between segments  301 A,  301  to provide adequate spacing for segments  301 A,  301 . 
   In one embodiment, as discussed below, pole segment  301 A is attached to and swivels out from handle  100 , while remaining pole segments  301  are attached to segment  301 A via an elastic cord (described in further detail below). 
   In one embodiment, handle  100  includes vertical grip  101  that is gripped by the snowboarder when using the pole for pulling, and upper horizontal grip  102  that is gripped by the snowboarder for both pushing and pulling. 
   Depending on the terrain and circumstances, snowboarders can use the pole of the present invention for either pushing or pulling. Referring now to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , there is shown an example of the use of the snowboarder pole of the present invention to push off. Snowboarder  1000  puts the pole in the snow and pushes down on upper horizontal grip  102  of handle  100  in order to propel him- or herself. Referring now to  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B, and  11 C, there is shown an example of the use of the snowboarder pole of the present invention to pull oneself forward. Snowboarder  1000  puts the pole in the snow, and grips vertical grip  101  with one hand and horizontal grip  102  with the other hand. Snowboarder  1000  then has sufficient leverage to pull on handle  100  in order to propel him- or herself. 
   In one embodiment, both grips  101 ,  102  are shaped to fit a snowboarder&#39;s hand within a glove or mitten. 
   In one embodiment, handle  100  includes door  103  that can be opened, for example by pressing on release button  104 , to gain access to pole segments within. According to various embodiments, door  103  can be designed to open in any number of ways, whether by button, lever, or latch, and can be pushed open either manually or via a spring-loaded mechanism (not shown). Referring briefly to  FIG. 7  at the bottom of door  103  is notch  702  which aligns with notch  701  in the bottom of handle  100  to provide an opening through which a first pole segment can protrude. In one embodiment, door  103  contains a latch or clip (not shown) that holds it in the closed position until button  104  is pressed again. In one embodiment door  103  is spring-loaded so that once opened it stays open until pressed shut. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3A , there is shown a series of pole segments  301  being pulled out of handle  100 . Segments  301  may be disposed to fall out of handle  100  when button  104  is pressed; alternatively, segments  301  may be launched out of handle  100  by a spring-loaded action, or they can be pulled out manually by the user. As shown in  FIG. 3B , first segment  301 A pivots around fulcrum  303  located near the bottom end of handle  100 , and protrudes through notch  701  in the bottom of handle  100 . 
   Referring now also to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a detail view showing pole segment  301 A attached to handle  100 , according to one embodiment. When door  103  is closed, first segment  301 A is locked in place by the combination of notch  702  in door  103  and notch  701  in handle  100 . Notches  701  and  702  match up with one another to provide an opening through which pole segment  301 A protrudes. 
   In one embodiment, segments  301  are attached to segment  301 A and to one another via “tent pole” mechanism; an elastic cord runs through the segments  301 ,  301 A to hold them together when mated. Segments  301 ,  301 A are hollow, and in one embodiment are cylindrical in shape. Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a mechanism for mating two pole segments  301  according to one embodiment. Smaller male end  302  of one pole segment  301  fits inside larger female end  402  of another pole segment  301 . The user unfolds the pole by fitting each male end  302  into a corresponding female end  402 . As elastic cord  401  contracts, it pulls the female and male parts  402 ,  403  of the mating pole segments  301  together and holds them in place while the pole is being used. Smaller male end  302  may either be an integral part of pole segment  301 , or it may be a protrusion attached to the end of pole segment  301 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a cross-sectional view depicting two pole segments  301  mating with one another, according to one embodiment. In the example shown, segments  301  are hollow cylinders. Male end  302  of one segment  301  is mated with female end  402  of the other segment  301 . Cord  401  runs through the centers of segments  301  to keep them mated with one another. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown an alternative mating mechanism. Sleeve  801  is affixed to segment  301 AA so that the end of sleeve  801  extends beyond the end of segment  301 AA, forming a seat for receiving of an end of segment  301 AB. The two segments  301 AA,  301 AB are mated with one another by inserting an end of segment  301 AB into sleeve  801 . The inner diameter of sleeve  801  is sized to approximately match the outer diameter of segments  301 AA and  301 AB so as to provide a snug fit. Elastic cord  401  keeps segments  301 AA,  301 AB mated with one another as described above. 
   One skilled in the art will recognize that other mating techniques can also be used. For example, the ends of segments  301  can be threaded to match one another, so as to provide extra strength, particularly when pulled on. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3C , there is shown collapsible snowboarder pole  310  in its extended position, according to one embodiment. Segments  301 ,  301 A are mated with one another, and segment  301 A is held in place within handle  100 . In one embodiment, the last segment  301  has a pointed end  306  and a round basket  305  mounted transversely near end  306  to keep pole  310  from penetrating too far into the snow. 
   When pole  310  is fully extended, the resulting structure has strong compression strength to enable the snowboarder to push off, and strong bending strength to enable the snowboarder to pull himself or herself forward. The torsion strength of pole  310 , the elastic cord  401 , is strong enough to keep segments  301  from sliding apart from one another, yet mild enough to enable the user to pull apart segments  301  for folding. 
   In one embodiment, elastic cord  401  is made of rubber, elastic thread, cotton, polyester, acrylic, polypropylene, nylon, rayon, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, segments  301 A,  301  are made of aluminum or carbon fiber. 
   After use, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the user folds up the pole by pulling segments  301  apart, stretching elastic cord  401  and detaching the female and male parts  402 ,  403  from one another. With the extra slack in cord  401 , the user folds segments  301  back onto each other. The user presses button  104  to open door  103 , pivots first segment  301 A around pivot point  303 , places all segments  301 ,  301 A inside handle  100 , and closes door  103 . 
   In one embodiment, grips  101  and  102  can be separated from one another, as shown in  FIG. 9A . A latch or button (not shown) releases the two portions of handle  100  so that they can be separated. 
   In one embodiment, retractable tools are provided within handle  100 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 9B , tools such as knife  901 , flathead screwdriver  902 , and Philips screwdriver  903  can be folded out from grip  102 . 
   In the above description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. 
   For example, one skilled in the art will recognize that the pole of the present invention can be used for other purposes than snowboarding, including any activity where a pole is useful but where collapsibility is an advantage. 
   Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
   As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, the particular architectures depicted above are merely exemplary of one implementation of the present invention. The functional elements and method steps described above are provided as illustrative examples of one technique for implementing the invention; one skilled in the art will recognize that many other implementations are possible without departing from the present invention as recited in the claims. Likewise, the particular capitalization or naming of the modules, protocols, features, attributes, or any other aspect is not mandatory or significant, and the mechanisms that implement the invention or its features may have different names or formats. In addition, the present invention may be implemented as a method, process, user interface, computer program product, system, apparatus, or any combination thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.