ADJUSTABLE GRIP SYSTEM FOR TREKKING POLES AND THE LIKE

An adjustable grip system configured for attachment to a pole which is intended for recreational or ambulatory use. The adjustable grip system provides adjustability of a grip in relation to longitudinal axis wherein the grip is adjustable in up to 3-degrees of freedom in relation to the pole portion and affixable in place once adjusted to the desired configuration.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

An adjustable grip system configured for attachment to a pole, and is intended for recreational or ambulatory use providing adjustability of a grip in relation to longitudinal axis wherein the grip is adjustable in up to 3-degrees of freedom in relation to the pole portion and affixable in place once adjusted to the desired configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of recreational poles, such as ski poles or trekking poles, span a number of activities such as skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing. In skiing for instance, the pole is a quintessential portion of the skiers gear and is instrumental to the balance and performance of a skier. In hiking and snowshoeing, poles are more-so seen as an optional piece of gear which while not required—can provide users with increased balance and control, and decreased fatigue and chance of injury.

Poles are typically sold for one intended purpose such as for skiing or for hiking/trekking. However, most poles consist of simply a shaft sized in relation to the height of the user, with a handgrip interconnected to a first end of the pole, and a ground interfacing element interconnected to the second end of the pole.

Some poles provide an adjustable overall length to accommodate different activities and different height users, however the rapid adjustability of orientation of the handle is not accounted for.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a rapid adjustability of the orientation of the grip in relation to the pole. In certain embodiments a ball and socket joint which allows adjustability of the grip in relation to the axis of the pole of angles up to 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis, allowing a user to use the trekking pole in a variety of uses including skiing, walking, snowshoeing. The adjustable grip system of the present disclosure further allows for the use of a trekking pole in a configuration resembling a cane or crutch as needed for walking comfort or in emergency scenarios.

In the event that the user wishes to use the adjustable grip system in a cane configuration, the user adjusts the grip to a desired angle (e.g., 90-degrees) from the pole by adjusting joint between a first portion and a second portion, and optionally adjusts the height of the pole as desired. In the event that the user wishes to use the adjustable grip system in a crutch configuration, the user adjusts the grip to a desired angle (e.g., 90-degrees) as performed for a cane operation, and optionally adjusts the height of the pole as desired such that the grip height is configured to be in the underarm region of the user when the distal end, opposite the grip, of the pole is resting on the ground. Furthermore, when using in a crutch configuration, a user optionally interconnects a second grip to the pole wherein the second grip is configured for a user to grasp with their hand when the first grip is placed under their arm. In one or more embodiments the second grip is configured to be foldable against the shaft of the trekking pole wherein the second grip is optionally unfolded to configure as a cane and/or crutch, and folded in a manner which minimizes the profile of the second grip when in a folded configuration. For instance the second grip comprises a portion of a cylindrical shell (e.g., a half-cylinder) including a concave portion configured to receive the shaft of the pole therein. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure a grip is interconnectable (e.g., with threaded fastener) to the top of an adjustable grip system wherein the grip is configured to interconnect to the top of the adjustable grip system at one or more angles from the axis of the shaft of the pole. In one or more embodiments, the grip is optionally configured to be removably interconnected to the top of the adjustable grip system, wherein the grip is optionally disconnected from the top of the adjustable grip system, and optionally interconnected to the adjustable grip system at an angle (e.g., 90-degrees) from the axis of the pole. In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure the grip is optionally disconnected from the adjustable grip system and interconnected to the pole at an angle (e.g., 90-degrees) to configure the adjustable grip system in a cane and/or crutch configuration.

In certain embodiments, the ball and socket joint of certain embodiments comprises an angle guide which provides mechanical stops angularly displaced from the longitudinal axis to allow a user to rapidly position the grip of the pole to a predetermined angle of their choosing. For instance, an opening of certain embodiments comprises channels which provide mechanical stops at preset angles such as 10 degrees, 20 degrees, and 30 degrees, and 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis.

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to maximize adjustability of a grip in relation to a longitudinal axis. In certain embodiments, the adjustability of the grip in relation to a longitudinal axis is accomplished through the use of a ball and socket joint which provides up to 3 degrees of freedom of adjustability.

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to prevent movement of the grip once adjusted to a desired angle from the longitudinal axis of the pole to which it is attached. In certain embodiments, gripping mechanisms are augmented for increased grip through the use of elements such as frictional holds, pin detents in the socket aspect which interface with dimples, or facets in the external aspect of the spheroid shape which are configured to engage with features within the socket portion of the ball and socket joint.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed herein surround an adjustable grip system for interconnection with a pole or shaft, such as a trekking pole, to allow a user to adjust the position of the grip in relation to the pole to a desired and/or optimal configuration for the intended use. In certain embodiments, a user is able to make such adjustments without the use of tools. In certain embodiments a user is able to adjustably reconfigure the grip in relation to the pole in at least 3 degrees of freedom corresponding to rotational movement around the x, y, and z axes.

It will be appreciated that a typical trekking pole comprises a linear shaft which is intended to be used vertically, and while a grip may have an intended manner in which a user should grasp the grip, the rotation of the shaft of the pole is inconsequential to its functionality.

In certain embodiments, the adjustable grip system incorporates a pinned joint about an axis which is typically horizontal when the trekking pole is held in a vertical manner for the pitch of the handle forward and backward, and the grip allows for axial adjustability rotating about the longitudinal axis of the grip. Due to the uniaxial nature of the pole shaft being able to be used in any configuration, the adjustment of the forward pitch of the grip, and the axial rotation of the grip results in the ability to adjust the grip configuration of the system in 3-degrees of freedom through the rotation about 2 axes. It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide 3 degrees or more of adjustability through the adjustable rotation of the grip about 2 axes of rotation.

It is a further aspect of the present disclosure that the adjustable grip system of the present disclosure is configured to interconnect with poles having differing diameters.

It is an aspect of certain embodiments to provide three degrees of freedom of adjustability wherein a first portion and a second portion are interconnected at a joint which provides articulating rotation about a first axis. A grip is interconnected to a third portion which is slidably interconnected to the second portion about a second axis, such that the rotational position of the grip is adjustable in relation to the second portion.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a joint interconnects a first portion and a second portion of an adjustable grip system wherein the joint in a normal state is in locked configuration constraining the rotation of the second portion in relation to the first portion. Upon disengaging a first locking mechanism, the joint is able to move freely and allows the rotational motion of the second portion in relation to the first portion.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the present disclosure contained herein. The above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present disclosure are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Further, this Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The examples described in present disclosure are set forth in various levels of detail in this Summary, as well as in the attached drawings and the detailed description below, and no limitation as to the scope of the present disclosure is intended to either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary. Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the drawings, and the claims provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed herein, shown inFIG.1A—FIG.2, comprise an adjustable grip system1000which permits the adjustability of a grip1050attached thereto. Comprising a sleeve1100configured to interconnect with a shaft (e.g., pole6000) of a pole. The sleeve1100comprises a hollow aspect1130having a cylindrical form wherein the shaft of the pole6000can be inserted therein to interconnect with the sleeve1100by inserting the pole6000into the first end1110of the sleeve. The sleeve further comprises a clamp1200interconnected with a first end of the sleeve, wherein the clamp1200is configured to constrict the hollow aspect1130of the sleeve radially inward, thereby constraining the pole6000within the sleeve. In certain embodiments the clamp1200is interconnected to the first end1110of the sleeve and the sleeve comprises a longitudinal split1250having a width1260which extends the longitudinal length1210of the clamp. The longitudinal split1250allows the constriction of the clamp1200.

In certain embodiments comprising a clamp1200, the clamp further comprises a first tab1270and a second tab1270′ interconnected to the clamp on either side of the longitudinal split1250. Drawing the tabs together, reduces the width1260of the longitudinal split1250of the clamp and constricts the clamp inward to affix it to a pole6000. As shown, the tabs comprise coaligned apertures1280,1280′ which allow for the insertion of threaded hardware or other mechanical fasteners to further enable the drawing of the first tab1270toward the second tab1270′. It will be appreciated that the clamp interconnected to the first end of the sleeve can be constricted through a number of strategies known to those skilled in the art including draw latches, and threaded hardware.

In certain embodiments, referencingFIG.1A—FIG.2, wherein a sleeve comprises a clamp1200, the clamp1200is integral to the sleeve1100wherein the clamp1200is able to constrict without constricting the sleeve1100. Lateral relief cuts1290around a portion of the circumference1140of the sleeve allow the clamp1200to constrict independently of the sleeve1100while interconnected to the sleeve.

Certain embodiments, shown inFIG.3A—FIG.4Bcomprise a cap1300having a hollow aspect wherein the cap1300comprises a cylindrical first end1310configured to interconnect with the cylindrical second end1120of the sleeve, and a second end1320comprising a hemispherically shaped internal surface1330wherein the second end1320is configured to receive a spheroid1400(FIG.1C) therein. The cap1300of certain embodiments, such as shown inFIG.4A-4B, is configured to be releasably interconnectable to the sleeve.

As shown inFIG.4A—FIG.5, the cylindrical first end1310of the cap has an external diameter1390less than then the internal diameter1190of the cylindrical second end of the sleeve wherein the first end of the cap is configured to insert within the second end of the sleeve. In certain embodiments, the cap is interconnected to the sleeve using a bayonet mount1350,1350′ wherein twisting1360of the cap1300in a first direction relation to the sleeve1100locks the cap to the sleeve, and twisting1360′ of the cap1300in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, unlocks the cap1300from the sleeve1100.

In certain embodiments, such as shownFIG.6A—FIG.6B, in a cap1300is configured to receive a spheroid1400which comprises a stud1410which extends radially outward from the spheroid. The stud1410comprises threading1420wherein a grip1050can be attached thereto. The stud1410extends out from an opening1500in the second end of the cap1320such that a female threaded feature1060(FIG.1C) of the grip can be interconnected to the spheroid1400using the stud1410. It will be appreciated that while embodiments shown comprise a threaded stud, alternative attachment methods of interconnecting a grip with the spheroid are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. These alternative connections include, but are not limited to a female threaded hole within the spheroid wherein the grip comprises a male threaded stud configured to mate with the female threaded feature, pinned connections, or other connections appreciated by one skilled in the art.

In certain embodiments, shown inFIG.6-FIG.7, the cap comprises a second end1320having an opening1500extending through the second end of the cap. The opening1500coincides with the longitudinal axis1030and comprises at least one channel1510which extends angularly away from the longitudinal axis1030. The channel1510is configured such that the distal end1520of the channel is provides a mechanical stop for the stud1410of the spheroid. The mechanical stop is configured to dispose the stud1410at a predetermined angle, thereby disposing the grip attached thereto at the predetermined angle from the longitudinal axis1030. In certain embodiments, an opening comprises a plurality of channels such as shown inFIG.7wherein the channels are angularly offset from each other. As shown the channels are angularly offset at 90 degrees from each other, however embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In the example as shown inFIG.7, the opening1500comprises four channels1510extending angularly outward wherein the channels1510are orthogonal to each other extending away from the longitudinal axis1030. In certain embodiments a first channel1510provides a mechanical stop at 10 degrees from the longitudinal axis1030, a second channel1510′ provides a mechanical stop at 20 degrees from the longitudinal axis, a third channel1510″ provides a mechanical stop at 30 degrees from the longitudinal axis, and a fourth channel1510′″ provides a mechanical stop at 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis. Although embodiments disclosed herein disclose mechanical stop angles of 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, and 90 degrees, embodiments comprising mechanical stops at alternate angles are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, referencingFIG.6, the angle of mechanical stop provided by a channel is designated visibly1530on the external surface of the cap1300.

In certain embodiments, for example as shown inFIG.8A—FIG.8C, the cap1300comprises a longitudinal split1340extending through the thickness of the cap1300wherein the longitudinal split1340extends from the second end of the cap wherein it intersects with the opening, to the first end1310of the cap. The longitudinal split1340of the cap allows the constricting of the cap1300to maintain the ball and socket joint between the cap1300and the spheroid1400(FIG.6) in a locked position. In certain embodiments a draw latch1600is interconnected to the cap1300wherein a first portion of the draw latch1600is interconnected to the cap on a first side of the longitudinal split1340, and a second portion of the draw latch1600′ is interconnected to the cap on a second side of the longitudinal split1340. Fastening the portions of the draw latch1600and engaging the draw latch1600serve to draw the first side of the longitudinal split1340toward the second side of the longitudinal split thereby reducing the width1351of the longitudinal split and constricting the cap inward. Constricting the cap inward serves to constrain the spheroid1400to the cap in a static position. It will be appreciated that the longitudinal split1340in the cap is one method of constraining the ball and socket joint mating of the cap and spheroid. It will be further appreciated that alternate methods of constraint between a ball and socket known to one skilled in the art intended to limit the movement of the spheroid in relation to the cap when in a locked configuration are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments, referencingFIG.6, the constraint of the spheroid1400to a desired position is accomplished through the use of axial lock1650which is axially advanceable toward the spheroid1400once it has been configured as desired, thereby compressing the spheroid1400between the axial lock1650and the hemispherical shaped internal surface1330of the cap to provide a frictional hold. The axial lock1650comprises a concave hemispherical surface1660configured to receive an aspect of the spheroid therein to increase mating surface between the axial lock and the spheroid. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that increased compression of the spheroid results in increased friction, and thereby increases the frictional hold of the spheroid between the axial lock and the internal hemispherical surface of the cap.

Certain embodiments, as shown inFIG.6, comprise an adaptor insert1700wherein the adaptor insert1700is configured to be inserted within the first end1110of the sleeve wherein the adaptor insert allows for the adjustable grip system to be interconnected with varying diameter pole shafts. The adaptor insert comprises a key1710configured to mate with a key1720(FIG.1C) within the first end of the sleeve to assist in alignment.

Certain embodiments, as shown inFIG.9A—FIG.9B, comprise a spheroid1400which comprise constraining features which allow for increased constraint between the cap and spheroid when placed in a locked configuration. Certain embodiments comprise a spheroid having a surface with a plurality of facets1430, certain embodiments comprise a spheroid1400comprising a surface with a plurality of dimples1440, and certain embodiments comprise a cap having at least one pin or detent extending radially inward from the internal surface of the cap wherein the at least one pin or detent is configured to contact the surface of the spheroid on a faceted face or within a dimple when advanced inward from the internal surface of the cap.

In certain embodiments, as shown inFIG.10A—FIG.10B, a grip system1000comprises a handle which has been affixed in place with a grip having a pitch forward2000away from the longitudinal axis1030and a pitch inward2100from the longitudinal axis1030. In certain embodiments the grip has a forward pitch2000of 15 degrees forward and an inward pitch2010of 5 degrees inward toward a user. In alternative embodiments, the grip has a forward pitch2000of 20 degrees forward and an inward pitch2010of 10 degrees inward toward the user. It will be appreciated that alternate embodiments having a forward pitch and inward pitch of angles between 0 and 90 degrees are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown inFIG.11A—FIG.12Bfor example, an adjustable grip system3000comprises a first portion3100having a first end3110configured to receive a shaft (e.g., pole6000) of a trekking pole therein. A second end3120of the first portion is interconnected with a first end3210of a second portion at a joint3400. The joint3400is configured to permit the rotation of the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100about a first axis3450. The second portion3200further comprises an axial member3500(e.g., a shaft) extending away from the joint3400. A longitudinal axis of the axial member provides a second axis3550of the adjustable grip system. A third portion3300is slidably interconnected with the second portion3200wherein the third portion3300is configured to slide longitudinally along the axial member3500, and wherein the third portion3300is configured to rotate about the second axis3550. The third portion3300is configured to interconnect with a grip1050to provide a gripping surface for a user. Although embodiments shown herein demonstrate a grip1050and a third portion3300as separate elements, alternate embodiments wherein the grip1050and third portion3300are a unitary element are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments, as shown inFIG.13for example, an adjustable grip system comprises a first locking mechanism3600configured to constrain the movement of the joint3400, thus constraining the rotational movement of the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100. The first locking mechanism3600of certain embodiments comprises at least a first button wherein depressing the first button3610unlocks the joint3400and allows a user to rotate the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100. In certain embodiments the first portion comprises a clevis form, and in certain embodiments the first portion comprises a first half3101and a second half3102. The first button3610of certain embodiments is coincident with the first axis3450, while in further embodiments, the first button3610is coaxial with the first axis3450. Certain embodiments of the first locking mechanism3600comprises a spring3650, such as a compressive spring, configured to force the first button3610laterally outward from the joint3400. Forcing the first button3610away from the joint3400causes the first locking mechanism3600to lock the joint3400and constrain the rotational motion of the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100.

In certain embodiments, a first button3610for unlocking the first locking mechanism3600comprises a medial3612aspect which is keyed to the second portion3200of the adjustable grip system, and further comprises a lateral aspect3614which is keyed to the first portion3610of the adjustable grip system. When the first button3610is depressed, the lateral aspect3614disengages from the first portion3100while the medial aspect3612remains engaged with the second portion3200, thereby allowing the rotation of the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100. When the first button3610is released and forced laterally outward, the lateral aspect3614of the first button re-engages with the first portion3100and thereby constrains once again the rotation of the first portion3100in relation to the second portion3200. Embodiments as shown comprise a lateral portion3614having a plurality of protuberances3615and the first portion having a plurality of protuberances3615′ configured to intermesh—similarly to a first face gear intermeshing with a second face gear wherein the protuberances3615′ of the first portion and the protuberances3615of the button are configured to interdigitate with each other. However, alternate keyed solutions which provide mechanical constraint between the button3610and the first portion3100, including key and slot configurations, are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, embodiments as shown comprise a medial portion3612having a polygonal form wherein the interior aspect3230of the second portion comprises a similarly shaped polygonal form configured to receive the medial aspect3612. However, alternate keyed solutions which provide mechanical constraint between the first button3610and the second portion3200when engaged, including key and slot configurations, are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a first button3610and a second button3610′ axially opposed to each other wherein the depressing of the first button3610and the second button3610′ medially inward results in the unlocking of the first locking mechanism3600and thereby allows the rotational movement of the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100. Similarly, when the first button3610and second buttons3610′ are released, the buttons are forced outward by the spring3650, thus locking the first locking mechanism3600and constraining the rotational motion between the second portion3200and the first portion3100.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown inFIG.14A—FIG.14Ffor instance, comprise a second locking mechanism3700configured to constrain the third portion3300from axially rotating about the second axis3550in relation to the second portion3200. The second locking mechanism3700of certain embodiments comprises a first keyed element3710interconnected with the second portion3200, wherein the first keyed element3710is unable to rotate in relation to the second portion3200, and a second keyed element3720interconnected with the third portion3300wherein the second keyed element3720is unable to rotate in relation to the third portion3300. The first keyed element3710and the second keyed element3720are configured and keyed to intermesh with each other such that when they are forced together, the first keyed element3710and second keyed element3720are unable to rotate in relation to each other. Forcing the third portion3300slidably toward the second portion3200along the axial member3500engages the first keyed element3710with the second keyed element3720, thereby intermeshing the first keyed element3710with the second keyed element3720and constraining the rotation of the third portion3300in relation to the second portion3200. Thus, forcing the third portion3300toward the second portion3200locks second locking mechanism3700and constrains the rotation of the third portion3300in relation to the second portion3200. As shown, the first keyed element3710comprises protuberances3715configured to intermesh with protuberances3725of the second keyed element, similarly to the intermeshing of a first face gear and a second face gear wherein the protuberances3715of the second portion and the protuberances3725of the third portion are configured to interdigitate with each other. However, alternate embodiments wherein the first keyed element3710and the second keyed element3720comprise a key and slot or other elements configurated to intermesh to limit rotational movement of the third portion in relation to the second portion are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments the keyed elements of the second locking mechanism3700comprise a first collar3711and a second collar3722keyed to each other wherein the intermeshing of the keyed elements constrains the rotational movement of the third portion3300in relation to the second portion3200. In certain embodiments the keyed elements allow intermeshing on a plurality of angular intervals. In certain embodiments, the first keyed element3710and the second keyed element3720can be intermeshed on intervals of 12-degrees for a full 360-degree rotational range. Although certain angular intervals3730are shown and discussed herein, alternate intervals of intermeshing between the first keyed element and the second keyed element are considered within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments, a spring3750is configured to force the third portion3300toward the second portion3200, thereby the second locking mechanism is configured to be locked unless the third portion3300is pulled away from the second portion3200to disengage the keyed elements3710,3720away from each other.

In certain embodiments, the axial member3500of the second portion comprises a shaft3510, and the third portion3300comprises a sleeve3310configured to axially receive the shaft of the second portion therein, wherein a distal end3512of the axial member extends beyond the distal end3312of the sleeve. A mechanical stop3800, which comprises a screw3810interconnected to the distal end3512of the axial member in certain embodiments, allows for a spring3750to be disposed between the distal end3512of the axial member and the distal end3312of the sleeve wherein the compressive spring3750bears on the mechanical stop3800to force the third portion3300toward the second portion to intermesh the keyed elements3710,3720.

In some embodiments, as shown illustrate and describe a first portion3100comprising a clevis form configured to receive and interconnect with a second portion3200comprising a form within the clevis to result in a joint between the first portion3100and the second portion3200which allows the rotation of the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100around the first axis3450. In some alternate embodiments as illustrated inFIG.15A—FIG.16G, the second portion3200comprises a clevis form configured to receive and interconnect with the first portion3100within the clevis to result in a joint between the first portion3100and the second portion3200which allows the rotation of the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100around the first axis3450. Embodiments illustrated and described herein surround the use of a clevis connection to enable a joint between the first portion3100and the second portion, however alternate joints and connection types between the first portion and second portion which allow the rotation of the second portion3200about a first axis3450in relation to the first portion are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the grip comprises a longitudinal recess1070configured to slidably interconnect with a second shaft3510connected to the second portion3200. The second shaft3510extends away from the joint wherein the second shaft3510is optionally perpendicular to the first axis3450, and wherein the second shaft3510comprises a second axis3550which is optionally coaxial with the second shaft3510.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.15A—FIG.16G, the grip1050is affixed and/or constrained to the second shaft3510with a fastener3815(e.g., male threaded fastener, female threaded fastener, cam-lock, quarter-turn fastener, quick disconnect fastener, ball-detent fastener) wherein the fastener3815extends from an external aspect of the grip to interconnect with the second shaft3510and/or elements within the second shaft3510.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a second locking mechanism3700comprises a first keyed element3710interconnected to the second portion3200, and a second keyed element3720interconnected with the grip, and optionally with a first end1051of the grip. When the grip1050is pulled away from the second portion3200in a first direction coaxial with the second axis3550, the second keyed element3720is disengaged from the first keyed element3710, and the grip is permitted to rotate about the second axis3550. When the grip is pushed toward the joint in a second direction, opposite the first direction, pushing the second keyed element3720toward the first keyed element3710results in the second keyed element3720to engage with the first keyed element3710, and the grip1050is constrained from rotating about the second axis3550.

In one or more embodiments the second shaft3510comprises a hollow aspect wherein a spring3820is contained within the second shaft3510wherein the spring3820is optionally coaxially located with the second axis3550. The grip1050is optionally interconnected with the spring3820by a first fastener3815wherein the first fastener3815extends from an external aspect of the grip, through the spring3820, and engages with a second fastener3825within the second shaft3510, thereby engaging the spring3820. In one or more embodiments the fastener3815extends through the grip1050from a second end1052of the grip. When the grip1050is pulled away from the second portion3200in a first direction coaxial with the second axis3550, the spring3520is compressed, the second keyed element3720is disengaged from the first keyed element3710, and the grip1050is permitted to rotate about the second axis3550, thus allowing a user to adjust the rotation of the grip1050about the second axis3550. When the grip is subsequently released, the spring3820expands, pushing the second keyed element3720toward the first keyed element3710resulting in the second keyed element3720to engage with the first keyed element3710, and the grip1050is constrained from rotating about the second axis3550.

In one or more embodiments, as shown inFIG.15A—FIG.15Dfor example, an adjustable grip system comprises a first locking mechanism configured to constrain the movement of the joint3400, thus constraining the rotational movement of the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100. The first locking mechanism of certain embodiments comprises at least a first button3610wherein depressing the first button3610unlocks the joint3400and allows a user to rotate the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100. In certain embodiments the second portion3200comprises a clevis form, and in certain embodiments the second portion comprises a first half3200and a second half3200′. The first button3610of certain embodiments is coincident with the first axis3450, while in further embodiments, the first button3610is coaxial with the first axis3450. Certain embodiments of the first locking mechanism3600comprises a spring3650, such as a compressive spring, configured to force the first button3610laterally outward from the joint3400. Forcing the first button3610away from the joint3400causes the first locking mechanism3600to lock the joint3400and constrain the rotational motion of the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100.

In certain embodiments, when the first button3610is depressed, a lateral aspect of the first button3610disengages from the second portion3200while a medial aspect of the first button3610remains engaged with the first portion3100, thereby allowing the rotation of the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100. When the first button3610is released and forced laterally outward, the lateral aspect of the first button re-engages with the first portion3200and thereby constrains once again the rotation of the first portion3100in relation to the second portion3200.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a first button3610and a second button3610′ axially opposed to each other wherein the depressing of the first button3610and the second button3610′ medially inward results in the unlocking of the first locking mechanism3600and thereby allows the rotational movement of the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100. Similarly, when the first button3610and second buttons3610′ are released, the buttons are forced outward by the spring3650, thus locking the first locking mechanism3600and constraining the rotational motion between the second portion3200and the first portion3100.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated inFIG.15Bfor instance, the second portion3200comprises a first lateral portion3200and a second lateral portion3200′ wherein the interconnection of the first lateral portion3200and the second lateral portion3200′ results in a second portion3200as shown inFIG.15Afor instance. In one or more embodiments, the first lateral portion3200comprise a first lateral portion3510of the second shaft and a second lateral portion3510′ of the second shaft. In one or more embodiments the first lateral portion3200of the second portion and the second lateral portion3200′ comprise interfacing surfaces (3201,3201′) which are optionally parallel and/or coplanar with the second axis3550.

In one or more embodiments the of the present disclosure, as illustrated inFIG.16A—FIG.17F, the joint3400between the first portion3100and the second portion3200comprises a keyed pin3900wherein the insertion of the keyed pin3900within the joint3400prevents the rotation of the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100. In one or more embodiments the first end3210of the second portion comprises one or more apertures (e.g. keyed holes3211,3211′) therethrough, and the and the second end3120of the first portion comprises one or more apertures3111therethrough, wherein the first end3210of the second portion and the second end3120of the first portion are configured to interconnect wherein the apertures of the first portion and the apertures of the second portion align for instance as shown inFIG.16A—FIG.16D, wherein the apertures are configure to receive the keyed pin3900therethrough. When the apertures of the first portion and the second portion are aligned, and the keyed pin3900inserted therethrough, the joint3400is constrained and prevents the rotation of the second portion3200in relation to the first portion3100.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated inFIG.17A—FIG.17Ffor instance, the keyed pin3900optionally comprises a female threaded features, a male threaded features, through hole configured to receive a retainer clip, a distal end configured to receive a circlip, and/or a distal end configured to receive a crimped fastener. Each of the embodiments illustrated inFIG.17A—FIG.17Fshow a secondary fastener3910configured to interconnect with the keyed pin, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In one or more embodiments the cross-sectional profile of the keyed pin3900comprises an asymmetric shape, a symmetric shape, a polygonal shape, an oblong shape, a round shape with keyed recesses, a star shape, and/or shapes which the rotation of the second portion in relation to the first portion when the keyed pin3900is inserted through the one or more apertures3111of the first portion and the one or more apertures3211of the second portion.

In one or more embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.16C—FIG.16Efor instance, the second shaft3510comprises a keyed cross-sectional profile as shown inFIG.16Efor instance, wherein the longitudinal recess1070of the grip is configured to interconnect with the keyed cross-sectional profile of the second shaft3510. In one or more embodiments the longitudinal recess comprises a cross-sectional profile which matches the cross-sectional profile of the second shaft3510, however embodiments described herein are not limited thereto. In one or more embodiments the cross-sectional profile of the second shaft3510comprises an asymmetric shape, a symmetric shape, a polygonal shape, an oblong shape, a round shape with keyed recesses, a star shape, and/or shapes which restrict the angle3551of rotation of the grip1050in relation to the second axis. In one or more embodiments the cross-sectional shape of the second shaft3510allows for a plurality of angular configurations wherein the grip1050is interconnected with the second shaft3510at a first angle3551in a first configuration, and wherein the grip is interconnected with the second shaft3510at a second angle3551, different from the first angle, in a second configuration. For instance, in the event the shaft3510comprises an octagonal cross-sectional shape, as illustrated inFIG.16E, the grip1050is optionally interconnectable to the second shaft3510in eight different configurations, each with a different angle3551of rotation.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, the examples described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising.” or “adding” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as, additional items.