Patent Publication Number: US-11028547-B2

Title: Avalanche shovel and tent

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is the National Stage of PCT/EP2017/083704 filed on Dec. 20, 2017, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of German Application No. 10 2017 118 887.8 filed on Aug. 18, 2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference. The international application under PCT article 21(2) was not published in English. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to an avalanche shovel having a shaft, a grip section being formed and/or arranged at one shaft end, and having an avalanche probe that can be arranged in the shaft of the avalanche shovel, the grip section exhibiting a grip area for gripping and/or holding the avalanche shovel and/or such a grip area is formed on the grip section. Furthermore, the invention relates to a tent having an avalanche shovel according to the invention as a tent pole. 
     A snow shovel with a bar probe is known from utility model DE 20 2007 001 047 U1. The bar probe can be arranged in the shaft of the snow shovel described there. The shaft is made of several parts. To remove the probe, the shovel shaft must be disassembled. 
     A hollow shovel handle with an integrated rod for searching for people buried in an avalanche is known from CH 663542A5. This shovel handle is made in one piece and can therefore not be pushed together for transport purposes or adjusted in length when working. 
     In general, it is recommended to carry emergency equipment in alpine, especially snow-covered, areas. Such emergency equipment typically includes, among other things, an avalanche shovel and an avalanche transceiver (LVS), and an avalanche probe. A bivouac sack that is used in emergencies, such as strong storms or an overnight stay in alpine terrain, complements this standard equipment. 
     An avalanche transceiver enables a buried person to be located using an electromagnetic signal. If the search distance can no longer be reduced using avalanche transceivers, the point location begins with an avalanche probe that is inserted through the snow masses. If the victim can be probed, the rescue begins with avalanche shovels. 
     The avalanche shovels available on the market, in addition to construction and use of materials, differ in their telescopic properties. Higher-quality shovels offer an extension mechanism that allows the user to extend the shovel and thus achieve better leverage and increased shoveling comfort. 
     Previous avalanche shovels with telescopic mechanisms have a spring construction. This spring mechanism is located inside the shovel shaft. There are nipples on both ends of this spring. These nipples protrude from the shaft through holes in the shovel shaft. By pressing these nipples, the spring mechanism inside the shovel is compressed and the shovel can be extended. 
     An avalanche probe consists of several sections and can be assembled by aligning the parts and tightening a cable that is guided through them within these parts. The cable is clamped by means of a mechanism, so that the probe cannot collapse. 
     Bivouac sacks for tourers and freeriders are offered as emergency equipment by various manufacturers and differ primarily in the materials used. The thin fabric in the form of a sleeping bag or an emergency blanket is stored in a small bag and is used to maintain body temperature in an emergency. Some models have an aluminum coating on the inside and reflect most of one&#39;s own body heat. Due to their small pack size, bivouac sacks are ideal for long tours because they do not take up much space in the backpack, but have the disadvantage that the user is directly exposed to the weather and offer no protection for the equipment due to the small size. Since tourers and freeriders pay great attention to the weight of the equipment to be carried, bivouac sacks are widespread. 
     In contrast to a bivouac sack, a winterproof tent has the great advantage that it offers more protection against cold and weather. Hypothermia can occur quickly in the bivouac sack, especially in the head area. Furthermore, a tent offers space for equipment such as a backpack, in which clothes can be stowed. A backpack cannot be accommodated in a bivouac sack and is therefore exposed to weather conditions. You can also change your wet clothes in a tent and boil water in an emergency. 
     For a comfortable alpine experience, it is desirable that such emergency equipment can be transported in a space-saving and lightweight manner. In the event of an emergency, for example, in the event of an avalanche, the emergency equipment components should also be quickly and safely manageable. 
     In particular, the avalanche shovel, because of its size and weight, is of special significance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The object of the invention is therefore to offer an avalanche shovel with improved functionality, so that emergency equipment equipped with such a shovel can be made more compact and lighter and the elements of the emergency equipment are quickly within reach. 
     The object is achieved by an avalanche shovel having a shaft, wherein a grip section is formed and/or arranged at one shaft end, and having an avalanche probe which can be arranged in the shaft of the avalanche shovel, wherein the grip section exhibits a grip area for gripping and/or holding the avalanche shovel and/or such a grip area is formed on the grip section, wherein the grip section exhibits an insertion and/or removal opening for removal from and/or for insertion of the avalanche probe into the shaft along an insertion axis. 
     The avalanche probe can thus be inserted into and removed from the avalanche shovel through the insertion and/or removal opening. It is not necessary to dismantle the avalanche shovel, especially the grip section. The avalanche probe can thus be deployed quickly. The avalanche shovel can remain fully usable even when the avalanche probe is removed. 
     The shaft can be hollow at least in sections, so that the avalanche probe can be arranged in the shaft. 
     The avalanche probe arranged in the shaft can preferably reach as far as the end of the shaft provided with the grip section so that it can be removed easily. 
     The removal from or insertion of the avalanche probe into the shaft can be facilitated if the grip area is arranged and/or configured outside the insertion axis. 
     For this purpose, the grip section, in particular the grip area, can be arranged and/or formed at an angle to the insertion axis. 
     It can be provided that the grip section, in particular the grip area, is D-shaped or T-shaped. 
     For this purpose, the grip area can have a base section and a gripping surface. The base section can in particular correspond to the straight section of a D-shaped grip area. In the case of a T-shaped grip area, the base section can be formed by a center line of the grip area. The insertion and/or removal opening can then be arranged or formed in or on the base section. The avalanche probe can thus be removed through the base section or inserted into the avalanche shovel. The gripping surface can preferably be located outside the insertion axis. 
     A cap can be arranged at one end of the shaft, in particular in the region of the insertion and/or removal opening. The cap can have a clamping point for the cable. Thus, the avalanche probe, together with the cap, can be removed from the shaft of the shovel and subsequently a probe consisting of several parts can then be mounted by tightening the cable passing through the probe parts and by fastening the cable to the cap. 
     The cap thus forms an end to the shovel shaft. Transport and/or removal of the avalanche probe can thus be simplified. The cap also facilitates removal of the avalanche probe from the avalanche shovel without having to disassemble the avalanche shovel, in particular the shaft. 
     It can also be provided that the grip section of the avalanche shovel exhibits at least one receptacle for the mounted avalanche probe and/or for a ski pole and/or for an ice ax or the like and/or that such a receptacle is formed on the grip section. 
     For this purpose, the receptacle can be designed, for example, as a slot. The receptacle can be formed from and/or comprise a textile material. A separate connecting element, for example, a clamping part, can also be provided, which exhibits at least one such receptacle, in particular a recess. The receptacle can also have a preferably tubular recess or be designed as such. 
     It is particularly advantageous if the avalanche shovel, in particular the grip section, exhibits several such recesses. Then, one or more avalanche probes and/or one or more ski poles can be arranged, in particular fastened, to the avalanche shovel. 
     As will be explained in more detail below, the avalanche probe and possibly ski poles or the like can be fastened to the handle of the avalanche shovel for tensioning of a tent through use of the receptacle, so that the avalanche shovel can serve as a tent pole. 
     Since ski poles can have different lengths, it is advantageous if the avalanche probe can be pivotally attached to the receptacle or the grip section. 
     Furthermore, a hook-shaped element can be clipped onto the receptacle or onto the grip section, to which a strap fastened to a tent can be attached in a length-adjustable manner. The hook-shaped element can rotate on the receptacle or the grip section, so that an angle adjustment of the tent strap is possible with ski poles of different lengths. At the same time, the tent can be securely tensioned through the use of the length-adjustable strap to be attached to the hook-shaped element, even with different pole lengths. 
     It is particularly advantageous if the shaft is variable in length. Then, for example, the avalanche shovel can be transported in a shortened state and extended for the purpose of searching and/or rescuing an avalanche victim. So working with the avalanche shovel can be more efficient. 
     It is particularly advantageous if the shaft can be telescoped and locked in different length positions. The length of the avalanche shovel can thus be adjusted with particular ease. A telescopic mechanism enables a simple length adjustment of the at least partially hollow shaft of the avalanche shovel, in order to improve leverage when working with the avalanche shovel, and thus improved work performance. Since the snow of an avalanche often exhibits a particularly high density and therefore large masses need to be moved, rescuing buried people is made considerably easier. 
     In particular, it is conceivable that the shaft exhibits a fastening device designed as a latching mechanism for setting different lengths of the shaft. 
     Such a latching mechanism makes it possible in a particularly simple manner to design the shaft to be variable in length, in particular telescopic, whereby space on the inside of the shaft can be kept free for receiving the avalanche probe. The shaft can have a separate fastening part on which the fastening device is arranged. In particular, it is also conceivable that a plurality of fastening devices, in particular fastening devices designed with a latching mechanism, are arranged on the shaft. It can be provided that the fastening device can be actuated from an exterior side of the shaft. Thus, the fastening device can also be operated with gloves, for example, even under adverse weather conditions. 
     It is also conceivable that the avalanche probe is designed in several parts, preferably at least 6 parts, for example, 7 parts. The avalanche probe can thus be stowed in the shaft, even if the shaft is set to a short, in particular its shortest, length. 
     Individual avalanche probe parts can be connected to one another by means of a cable. In particular, the cable can be passed through the avalanche probe parts. One end of the cable can be attached to an extendable inner tube of the last probe segment. By pulling out the inner tube, the cable can be tensioned and thus the probe can be shaped into a long rod. 
     The inner tube can preferably be latched in this position to the last probe segment. When the cable is not fully stretched, the probe between two of its segments can be bent. For this purpose, a second latching position is provided, which fastens the probe in a position under less tension and which allows it to bend. The probe can then be used to tension a tent roof. The bend location between the two segments can be stabilized by an angle element that can be clipped on from the outside. A base element can be provided to support the probe on the ground, into which the tip of the last probe segment can be inserted. 
     It is also conceivable that the avalanche shovel exhibits at least one snow anchor, preferably at least three snow anchors. The snow anchor can also be designed to fasten a tent, for example, a bivouac tent. The snow anchor therefore does not need to be packed separately for transport and can be removed with one hand in an emergency. To save weight, the snow anchor can have recesses. The snow anchor can be designed as a T-hook, so that a stormproof attachment of the tent is facilitated. 
     The snow anchor can be arranged on or in the shaft, in particular for transport. For this purpose, the shape of the snow anchor can be adapted to the contour of the shaft. 
     To attach the snow anchor to the shaft, it can be provided that the snow anchor is fastened to the shaft with a sleeve. The sleeve can be a rubber sleeve, for example. By means of the sleeve, the snow anchors can, for example, be arranged in a ring around the shaft and fastened to it. 
     The invention also relates to a tent, preferably a winterproof bivouac tent, with a tent tarpaulin and at least one tent pole, the tent pole being formed from an avalanche shovel according to the invention or comprising such an avalanche shovel. 
     Thus, with a particularly low weight and/or particularly small pack size, it is possible to carry all the necessary items of emergency equipment and to have them readily available for a possible emergency situation. There is no need to carry a separate tent pole. Pegs or other anchors for the tent can also be integrated directly on the shovel. 
     With the help of the shovel, a self-supporting structure can be built up which, if necessary, can also stand without further fastening and/or anchoring of the tarpaulin, for example, by pegs. 
     The tarpaulin can be made of a textile material. For example, it can have an aluminum coating, in particular for improving the insulation and/or for reflecting heat, in particular body heat. The tarpaulin can be packed in a bag for transport. 
     By using the avalanche shovel as a tent pole, the tent can be set up in a particularly stable manner. It can withstand even heavy snowstorms, for example. For this purpose, the tent pole in particular can be formed from the shaft of the avalanche shovel. 
     It can also be provided that at least one further tent pole is formed from the avalanche probe of the avalanche shovel or comprises it. Since the avalanche probe is carried in the avalanche shovel anyway, the number of parts additionally required for setting up the tent can thus be reduced. 
     It is also conceivable that at least one further tent pole is formed from a ski pole or comprises one. A ski pole is also often carried, so that weight and space can also be saved by this measure. It goes without saying that, in the sense of the invention, instead of or in addition to a ski pole, other stick-shaped objects can be used to form a tent pole. In particular, objects can be used that are typically carried on a mountain tour or the like, such as hiking sticks, walking sticks, ice axes or the like. 
     The avalanche probe or the ski pole or the like can be attached to the receptacle which is preferably provided on the grip section of the avalanche shovel. A connecting element can also be provided on the receptacle, with which several stick-shaped objects such as the avalanche probe and a ski pole can be connected and fastened to each other at the grip section of the avalanche shovel. 
     The connecting element can be designed such that length differences between a ski pole and the avalanche probe do not have to be compensated for. 
     This means that the tent can be set up very quickly and easily. Different types of ski poles and/or avalanche probes can be connected and/or used for setting up the tent. If the connecting element is formed on the grip section, the supporting structure can be built up without needing to carry separate connecting means. 
     To fasten at least one tent pole and/or to tension the tarpaulin, the tarpaulin can exhibit at least one pole receptacle, in particular for holding the avalanche probe and/or the ski pole. The pole receptacle can be designed as a slot or can also be made of a tape material. A design as hooks which are clipped into the probe is also possible. Thus, no additional components are required to fasten the tarpaulin to the tent pole, for example, and/or to tension the tarpaulin. This can speed up the setup of the tent. The risk that, for example, in an emergency situation, the tent cannot be set up or can only be set up poorly because one or more required components have been lost, can also be reduced. 
     It is particularly advantageous if in the tent at least two tent poles are arranged or can be arranged crossing one over the other. For this purpose, the connecting element or the grip area can have two receptacles aligned with one another at an angle, in particular at a perpendicular angle. 
     If the tent exhibits at least one length-adjustable strap, different ski poles, avalanche probes or the like, in particular with different lengths, can also be used as tent poles. With the help of the strap, the top of the tarpaulin can always be hung on the tent poles that are crossed and connected by the connecting element, regardless of their length, in such a way that the bivouac tent achieves its maximum internal volume. 
     It is advantageous if the strap is fastened or can be fastened in a length-adjustable manner to a hook-shaped element and the hook-shaped element can be clipped onto a receptacle of a grip section or onto a grip section of an avalanche shovel. The hook-shaped element can rotate on the receptacle or the grip section and thus compensate for different angular positions of the shovel when a tripod is formed with ski poles of different lengths. The tent can thus be optimally tensioned using the strap. 
     Alternatively, especially in the area of the highest point of the tarpaulin, a tape can be sewn onto the tarpaulin. The avalanche probe can be secured on this tape against slipping out with a counter bearing or a sewn-in or punched reinforcement. The highest point of the tripod made of sticks and a shovel can thus lie above the highest point of the tent, in particular even if the height of the tripod varies due to different length ski poles and/or avalanche probes. Differences in length can also be compensated for by the—telescopic—avalanche shovel. The sewn-in tape can be provided with a buckle at the end, which on the one hand enables the length of the tape to be adjusted and on the other hand can be attached to the avalanche shovel. The attachment can be realized using a hook. The hook can be hung in a preferably textile strap. Alternatively, or in addition, it is conceivable to provide a form-fitting suspension and/or a latching device. By length adjustment of this buckle, any remaining height difference between the tripod and tent can be adjusted. The necessary tension of the tent can be generated at the same time. Thus resistance of the tent to storms and weather can be further increased. 
     It is also conceivable that the grip section and/or the connecting element have straps for receiving and preferably for fastening at least one ski pole or the avalanche probe or part of the avalanche probe. The receptacles can be formed, for example, as blind holes. As an alternative, or in addition, the avalanche probe, in particular one end of the avalanche probe, can have a stepped diameter, so that the end can be received in a receptacle, for example, in the form of a circular hole. 
     For transport of the tent, it is also conceivable to arrange the tarpaulin, preferably in folded or rolled state, around and/or on the avalanche shovel. For example, the tarpaulin can be attached to a blade surface of the avalanche shovel by means of a strap, a slot and/or a fastening strap. The tent can thus be stored saving even more space in emergency equipment. 
     Overall, an avalanche shovel with a particularly large scope of use is thus made available. In particular, in addition to the typical functions of an avalanche shovel, in particular digging for avalanche victims, the avalanche shovel provides the additional functions of an avalanche probe and a tent pole. The functionality of the avalanche shovel can be further improved due to the particularly small space requirement and weight. It goes without saying that alternative embodiments of the invention are also conceivable in which one of the functions, for example, the function as a tent pole, is dispensed with. This can result, for example, when the carrying of a tent in emergency equipment is dispensed with. 
     By arranging several elements of emergency equipment in or on the avalanche shovel, in an emergency, the corresponding elements of the emergency equipment can be made ready for use in just a few simple steps. With the previous separate storage of these elements in a backpack, much more time is required. The backpacks of touring skiers, freeriders and other people in alpine regions are typically so highly filled that finding the elements of the emergency equipment can take a considerable amount of time, which is not available in an emergency situation. 
     Additional features and advantages of the invention can be found in the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention, on the basis of the drawings, which show details essential to the invention, and in the claims. 
     The individual features may each be implemented in isolation or together in any desired combinations in variants of the invention. Embodiments of the invention are shown in the schematic drawings and are explained in further detail in the following description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         FIGS. 1-3  Front, side and cross-sectional views of an avalanche shovel; 
         FIG. 4  Individual views of components of the avalanche shovel of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
         FIG. 5  A blade surface with a tarpaulin attached to it; 
         FIGS. 6-8  Different embodiments of a grip section of an avalanche shovel as views of an avalanche shovel from above; 
         FIG. 9  A detailed view of a cap and a cable fastened to it; 
         FIG. 10  A top view of the cap of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  A detailed view of an alternative embodiment of a cap and a cable fastened to it; 
         FIG. 12  A top view of the cap of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIGS. 13-14  Longitudinal and cross-sectional views of a fastening device; 
         FIGS. 15-16  Cross-sectional and longitudinal sectional views of an alternatively designed fastening device; 
         FIGS. 17-19  Views from above, from the side, as well as a sectional view of a tent tensioned by means of an avalanche shovel; 
         FIG. 20  A detailed view of the tent of  FIGS. 17-19 ; 
         FIGS. 21-22  An avalanche shovel with two ski poles arranged thereon and a detailed view of a first connecting element, and 
         FIGS. 23-24  Two ski poles connected via a second connecting element and a detailed view of the second connecting element; 
         FIG. 25  A perspective view of a second tent, which is tensioned by an avalanche shovel; 
         FIG. 26  A detailed view of the tent and the avalanche shovel from  FIG. 25 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     For a better understanding of the invention, the same reference numbers are used in the figures for corresponding elements. 
       FIGS. 1, 2 and 3  show an avalanche shovel  10  from the front ( FIG. 1 ), from the side ( FIG. 2 ) and in cross section ( FIG. 3 ). 
     The avalanche shovel  10  exhibits a shaft  12 . At one end of the shaft  14 , a grip section  16  is formed. The grip section  16  exhibits a grip area  18  and a base section  20 . In this exemplary embodiment, the grip section  16 , in particular its grip area  18 , is D-shaped. In the area of the base section  20 , the grip section  16  exhibits an insertion and/or removal opening  22 . 
     An avalanche probe  24  (see in particular  FIG. 3 ) can be inserted into or removed from the shaft  12  through this insertion and/or removal opening  22 . 
     The direction of insertion or removal of the avalanche probe, which coincides with a longitudinal axis of the shaft  12  in this exemplary embodiment, is marked as the insertion axis  26 . 
     From  FIGS. 2 and 3 , it can, in particular, be seen that the grip area  18  is arranged outside the insertion axis  26 . For this purpose, the grip section  16  is inclined with respect to the insertion axis  26  at a predefined angle, here in particular in the range from 20 to 60 degrees, preferably approximately 40 degrees. The avalanche probe  24  can thus be removed from the avalanche shovel  10  without dismantling the grip section  16 . 
     Furthermore, three snow anchors  28  are arranged on the shaft  12  by means of a sleeve  30 , in particular a rubber sleeve. 
     A blade surface  32  is detachably fastened at the other end of the shaft  12 . It can therefore be stowed separately, for example, in a backpack or the like, in particular for transport purposes. 
     In an alternative embodiment of the avalanche shovel according to the invention, the blade surface  32  can be fastened to the latter in at least two positions relative to the shaft  12 . For example, the blade surface  32  can be arranged on the shaft  12  in the position shown in  FIG. 1  and in a position rotated by 90 degrees along the longitudinal axis of the shaft  12 . 
       FIG. 4  shows the individual parts of the avalanche shovel  10  from  FIGS. 1-3  in a single representation. The shaft  12 , the grip section  16  with its grip area  18  and the base section  20 , the avalanche probe  24 , the three snow anchors  28 , the associated sleeve  30 , and the blade surface  32  can again be seen. 
     It can, in particular, be seen that the shaft  12  consists of a first shaft part  34  and a second shaft part  36 . The shaft parts  34 ,  36  have a diameter which is selected such that the two shaft parts  34 ,  36  can be pushed into one another. 
     Furthermore, the shaft parts  34 ,  36  have fastening devices  38  with fastening recesses  40 . As will be explained in more detail below, the fastening device  38  with the fastening recesses  40  enable the shaft  12  to be variable in length. In particular, the shaft  12  can be compressed to a shortened state in which the avalanche shovel  10  can be transported in a particularly space-saving manner. In particular, for working with the avalanche shovel  10 , the shaft  12  can be pulled apart by means of its shaft parts  34 ,  36  and thus extended. In order to enable safe working, the fastening device  38  with at least one fastening recess  40  ensures a latching and thus fastening of the shaft parts  34 ,  36  to one another. 
     It can also be recognized that the avalanche probe  24  is made in several parts. In particular, this exemplary embodiment exhibits seven avalanche probe parts  25 . The seven-part probe forms the tightly-packed package of round profiles in a round or hexagonal outer profile. Three of these avalanche probe parts  25  can be seen in the illustration in  FIG. 4 . 
     The avalanche probe parts  25  are connected to one another by a cable  42 . The cable  42  is guided through a cap  44 . It is releasably fastened to the cap  44  by means of a clamping point  46  of the cap  44 . In particular during the transport of the avalanche shovel  10 , the fastening of the cable  42  serves to fasten the avalanche probe parts  25  within the shaft  12 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a folded tarpaulin  48  which is fastened to the blade surface  32  by means of tensioning straps  50 .  FIG. 5  shows a state in which the blade surface  32  is separate from the rest of the avalanche shovel  10  ( FIGS. 1-4 ) for transport purposes. 
     As will be explained in more detail, the tarpaulin  48  is used to form a bivouac tent. 
     It can be recognized in  FIG. 5  that the—folded—tent tarpaulin is fitted into the curvature of the blade surface  32 . The tarpaulin  48  can thus be transported in a particularly space-saving manner. 
       FIGS. 6, 7 and 8  show different embodiments of the grip section  16 , as views from above of an avalanche shovel  10 , i.e. using a sight line along the respective longitudinal axis or insertion axis  26  of the shaft. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , a grip section  16  can be seen, which exhibits a D-shaped design in accordance with the avalanche shovel  10  ( FIGS. 1-5 ). 
       FIG. 7  shows a T-shaped grip area  18  of the grip section  16 . In this case, in particular, a cross strut is formed, which is fastened centrally on a center line  17  and which forms a T together with the center line  17 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a further embodiment in which the grip area  18  of the grip section  16  is formed laterally, in particular on one side. In the broadest sense, the grip area  18  in this embodiment forms an L-shape together with the rest of the grip section  16 . 
     It is common to all of the embodiments of the grip section  16  according to  FIGS. 6-8  that the grip area  18  of the grip section  16  is in each case arranged outside the insertion axis  26 . This enables unimpeded access to the insertion and/or removal opening  22  and thus to an avalanche probe possibly located in the shaft  12 . It should also be noted that in all embodiments—regardless of whether the insertion and/or removal opening  22  is closed with a cap or not—the grip area  18  is fastened stably to the shaft  12 . The risk of the grip section  16  and, in particular, the grip area  18  breaking off while working with the avalanche shovel  10  is thus significantly minimized. 
       FIG. 9  shows a detailed view of the cap  44  having an avalanche probe part  25 .  FIG. 10  shows the cap  44  in a view from above. 
     It is to be deduced from  FIGS. 9 and 10  that the cable  42  extends through the avalanche probe part  25  and is clamped to the cap  44  by means of the clamping point  46 . For this purpose, the clamping point  46  is formed with two bars around which the cable  42  is wound in a meandering shape. The avalanche probe part  25 —like the other avalanche probe parts  25 , not shown in  FIG. 9 —is hollow on the inside. The cable  42  extends through all avalanche probe parts  25  and is fastened at its other end to a last avalanche probe part  25  (not shown in  FIG. 9 ). The cable  42  can thus be tensioned and the avalanche probe parts  25  can thereby be fastened to one another. Through use of the clamping point  46 , the tension of the cable  42  can be permanently maintained by clamping. 
     In order to more easily place the cap  44  on the shaft  12  ( FIG. 1 ), the cap  44  also exhibits cap recesses  52 . 
     To fix the avalanche probe  24  in the extended state, the cable  42  is clamped to a flap  45  which is mounted in the cap  44 , for example, by means of a hinge. The cable, which generates friction through the direction change in the cap  44 , keeps the cap  44  or the flap  45  closed. By opening the cap or the flap  45 , the clamping is released and the avalanche probe  24  can be folded up. 
       FIG. 11  shows an alternative embodiment of the cap  44  with a cable  42  fastened to it.  FIG. 12  shows the cap  44  of  FIG. 11  in a view from above. 
     It is to be deduced from  FIGS. 11 and 12  that the cable  42  exhibits a thickening  47  in this embodiment. The thickening  47  is, for example, spherical. The cap  44  also exhibits a cable fixation  43 . For this purpose, the cable fixation  43  is designed as a recess which extends through the cap  44 . Its cross section exhibits a circular area with a larger radius and a circular area with a smaller radius. The cable fixation  43  is thus shaped like a keyhole. A recess is formed in the cap  44  in or on the circular region with a smaller radius. 
     In this embodiment, to fix the avalanche probe  25 , the cable  42  is first implemented by cable fixation  43  by the circular area with a larger radius. Then it is moved to the circular area with a smaller radius. Using the recess formed there, the cable  42  can be tensioned and latched. For this purpose, the cable  42  is at least to a small extent flexible, in particular elastically stretchable. 
       FIG. 13  shows a longitudinal sectional view of a fastening device  38 . 
       FIG. 14  shows the fastening device  38  of  FIG. 13  as a cross-sectional view. 
     The shaft part  34  can also be seen. As will be explained in more detail below, the shaft  12  ( FIG. 1 ) is variable in length, in particular telescopic. It can be fastened at different relative lengths by means of the fastening device  38 . 
     The fastening device  38  exhibits a latching mechanism or forms one. For this purpose, it exhibits a clasp  39 . The clasp  39  is designed as a metal clip. It externally encompasses the shaft part  34 . The clasp  39  is also non-circular in cross section, in particular, it is essentially designed as an oval. 
     The shaft part  34  exhibits a fastening recess  40  into which the clasp  39  engages by means of a raised section  37 . The raised section  37  has an increased height so that it can engage in a fastening recess of a further shaft part (not shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 ) which is inserted into the shaft part  34  and can thus fix the further shaft part on the shaft part  34 . 
     The clasp  39  is fastened to the shaft part  34  with a fastening element, in particular a rivet  41 . 
     By pressing the clasp  39  along its longer diameter, the raised section  37  can thus be lifted off the shaft part  34 . By releasing, the raised section  37  engages again in the shaft part  34  and possibly in the further shaft part, so that the shaft part  34  can be latched in place with the further shaft part. Since the clasp  39  is externally arranged on the shaft, it can even be operated with gloves, in particular it can be compressed. 
     In order to facilitate the latching, the shaft part  34  is shaped in a non-circular, in particular oval, cross section, as can be seen in particular from  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a cross-sectional view of two fastening devices  38 , which are designed as an alternative to the fastening device  38  of  FIGS. 13 and 14 .  FIG. 16  shows the fastening devices  38  of  FIG. 15  in longitudinal section. 
     One can also see the shaft part  34  into which a further shaft part  36  is inserted. In the state shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the two shaft parts  34 ,  36  are already latched together. 
     The fastening devices  38  have tilting elements  54 , which are each mounted on a bearing  55 . At one end, the tilting elements  54  exhibit bolts  56 . At the other end, the tilting elements are each pushed away from the shaft  12  by a spring element  58 . 
     The bolts  56  can pass through the fastening recesses  40  of the shaft part  34  and thus fix or latch the first and the second shaft parts  34 ,  36  to one another. 
     It should be recognized that the fastening devices  38  can be actuated by pressure on the spring-side end of the tilting element  54 . Thus, the fastening devices  38  on the outside of the shaft can also be operated with gloves even in this exemplary embodiment. 
     By actuating the fastening device  38 , the respective bolt  56  at least partially clears the fastening recess  40 , so that the shaft parts  34 ,  36  can be displaced relative to one another. In other words, the fastening devices  38  each form a latching mechanism. 
     It can also be seen that the fastening device  38  protrudes only slightly into the inner region of the shaft  12 . Most of the interior of the—hollow—shaft  12  thus remains free to receive the avalanche probe  24 . 
     It goes without saying that a plurality of fastening recesses  40  can be provided along the shaft  12 , so that the length of the shaft  12  can be adjusted to at least several predetermined lengths. The shaft  12  is thus telescopic. 
       FIGS. 17, 18 and 19  show a tent  60  constructed with the avalanche shovel  10 .  FIG. 18  shows the tent  60  in a view from above, whereas  FIGS. 17 and 19  each show a sectional or side view of the tent  60 . 
     The tarpaulin  48  is tensioned by means of the avalanche shovel  10 , two ski poles  62  and the avalanche probe  24 . The ski poles  62  and the avalanche probe  24  are received in straps  64  or clasps of the tarpaulin  48 . Furthermore, the snow anchors  28  can be seen, which can be introduced into corresponding recesses in the straps  64  for anchoring the tent  60  in the ground or snow. 
     The avalanche shovel  10  is used as follows to set up the tent  60  or as a tent pole: 
     First, the tarpaulin  48  is unpacked, placed on the ground and fastened with at least one of the snow anchors  28 . 
     The tarpaulin  48  exhibits a plurality of slots  66  through which the avalanche probe  24  is inserted. Now the ski poles  62  are inserted with their grip side in slots  68  of the straps  64 . 
     The avalanche shovel  10  is inserted with its blade surface  32  into a further slot  70  (see in particular  FIG. 21 ). 
     As will be shown in more detail below, the basket ends of the ski poles  62  are connected to the grip section  16  of the avalanche shovel  10 . 
     Before this—especially depending on the size of the tarpaulin  48 —the shaft  12  can be telescoped or its length adjusted. 
     Finally, the tent  60  is erected by means of a strap  72  and attached to the grip section  16 . As an alternative to the straps, the attachment between the tent and the probe can also be carried out in the form of clasps, which are hung in the probe after erection. The tent  60  is tensioned by means of a further strap  74 . By changing the length of the straps  72 ,  74 , in particular the strap  74 , the tent can be adapted to different lengths of the ski poles  62  or to different types of ski poles  62 . 
       FIG. 20  shows a detailed view according to section XV of  FIG. 17 . It can, in particular, be seen that the basket end of the ski pole  62  is fastened to the grip section  16  of the avalanche shovel  10 , in particular with the aid of the straps  72 ,  74 . 
     The ski poles  62  are fastened by means of connecting elements which are explained in more detail in the following figures. 
     A first connecting element  76  is shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 . The first connecting element  76  can be inserted into the grip section  16  or, in the state shown in  FIG. 21 , inserted, in particular, clamped, into the grip section  16  of the avalanche shovel  10 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, it is provided that such a first connecting element  76  is formed on the grip section  16  and/or on the shaft  12 . 
     As can, in particular, be seen from  FIG. 22 , the first connecting element  76  exhibits two receptacles  78 . In this exemplary embodiment, the receptacles  78  are each half-shell-shaped. They are aligned at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to one another. The inner diameters of the receptacles  78  are adapted to the diameters of the shafts of the ski poles  62  (see in particular  FIG. 21 ). Thus, the ski poles  62  can be inserted into the receptacles  78  of the first connecting element in order to set up the tent and can be clamped against the grip section  16  of the avalanche shovel  10 . Due to the angular alignment of the receptacles  78 , the ski poles  62  and the avalanche shovel  10  are set up in a tripod shape. 
     A second connecting element  80  is shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . It also exhibits two receptacles  82  for receiving the ski poles  62  (see in particular  FIG. 25 ). 
     The second connecting element  80  exhibits a clamping gap  84 , which is used by means of a clamping screw  86  to clamp the ski poles  62  accommodated in the receptacles  82 . 
     With this second connecting element  80 , the receptacles  82  also have different orientations. According to  FIG. 23 , the ski poles  62  are aligned with one another in a predefined direction by tightening the clamping screw  86  ( FIG. 24 ). 
       FIG. 25  shows a second tent  60 ′ which, like the tent  60  from  FIGS. 17 to 19 , is tensioned by means of two ski poles  62 , an avalanche shovel  10 ′ and an avalanche probe  24 . Since the ski poles  62  can have different lengths, the avalanche shovel  10 ′ forms different angles with the poles  62 . It is therefore necessary to provide an angle compensation for the tent attachment if the tent  60 ′ is to be optimally tensioned. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 26 , the angle compensation is implemented in a grip area  16 ′ of the avalanche shovel  10 ′. The grip area  16 ′ exhibits a grip section  28 , in which two through openings  90  are provided for the tips of the ski poles  62 . These through openings  90  can also be designed with a constriction for the clamping reception of the ski pole tips. The tarpaulin  48 ′ is provided with a strap  91  which is attached to a hook-shaped element  92  so as to be adjustable in length. The hook-shaped element  92  can be clipped onto the grip section  28 ′ and can then be rotated on the surface thereof. In this way, an angle compensation between the strap  91  and the shovel  10 ′ can take place when using ski poles  62  of different lengths. The avalanche probe  24  is mounted in a bore in a cylindrical element  93  which is rotatable in the inside of the grip section  28 ′. The angle between the avalanche probe  24  and the shovel  10 ′ can thus also be adapted to different lengths of ski poles  62 , for example, in an angular range of ±15°. This can ensure that the avalanche probe  24 , to which the upper edge of the tarpaulin  48 ′ is attached, is always aligned horizontally and thus the tent  60 ′ achieves its optimal interior volume.