Patent Publication Number: US-6217072-B1

Title: Snowboard pole system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to snowboard poles and storage devices, and more particularly to collapsible snowboard poles and body-mountable receivers therefor. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     By way of background, a snowboard is a winter sports device that includes an elongate board on which a user&#39;s feet are retained in relatively fixed positions by a pair of spaced-apart bindings. Unlike a pair of skis, which are always pointed in the direction of the user&#39;s movement and which enable the user&#39;s feet to be moved independent of each other to propel, steer or stop the user&#39;s movement, snowboards are capable of moving across snow in a variety of directions and do not enable the user to move his or her feet once mounted on the board to propel the board. Instead, snowboards rely upon being positioned on an inclined surface to generate speed. Once moving, the user steers and stops the board by leaning and twisting his or her body and legs to generate radial and angular movement of the board as it slides down the inclined surface. 
     The sport of snowboarding has experienced dramatic increases in popularity in recent years, and considerable advances have been made to both the boards and the bindings that secure a user&#39;s feet thereupon. Nonetheless, there are still several problems which have not been adequately addressed. The problems are primarily centered around three areas, namely, standing up from a sitting position once the snowboarder&#39;s feet are secured within the bindings, balancing on and steering the snowboard once standing, and moving on level or uphill ground. The first two areas are most commonly encountered by beginning snowboarders, while the latter problem area is a nuisance for all snowboarders. 
     Beginning snowboarders often find the sport terribly frustrating because of the basic fact that snowboards slide on sloped surfaces and remain stationary on level surfaces. While this seems very simplistic, beginning snowboarders spend most of their time sitting on the snow because they have not learned how to get to a standing position once both feet are mounted on the board and/or balance and steer themselves on the board once standing. 
     To use a snowboard, the user places the board near the top of a run. Then, from a sitting position near the edge of the run, the snowboarder straps both feet into the board&#39;s bindings. From this position, with the snowboarder&#39;s knees bent and the snowboard oriented at an angle with respect to the ground, the snowboarder has the challenge of getting into a standing position on the board. Because of his or her lack of leverage, the snowboarder cannot get to a standing position by simply putting his or her hands on the ground and pushing upwards. Therefore, one of two methods must be used. In the first, the snowboarder grabs the front end of the board and rocks forward, dropping the bottom of the board to lie against the downslope of the run. This rolling motion and the leverage provided by grabbing the tip of the board collectively pull the user to a standing position. Although difficult to master, it is the quickest conventional way to get to a standing position, provided the user has sufficient forearm and abdominal strength to perform this maneuver. 
     The other alternative is for the snowboarder to flip over so that he or she is kneeling toward the ground with the board extending rearwardly behind the snowboarder. From this position, it is possible for a snowboarder to push up from the ground with his or her hands and get to a standing position on the board. Although not as quick, this basic maneuver is the most commonly used method for beginning snowboarders to get to a standing position once strapped onto the board. Although this method works, it is awkward, somewhat slow and requires the snowboarder to consistently sit and put his or her hands in the snow. Therefore, there is a need for a device that the snowboarder can use to easily get from a sitting position to a standing position on the board. 
     Unfortunately, this only begins the beginning user&#39;s problems. If the board is on level ground, so that it does not immediately begin sliding once the user is standing, it is possible for the user to get accustomed to the feel of standing and leaning on the board. Because the board is on a level surface, however, it does not go anywhere. Therefore, the snowboarder is forced to hop to the edge of the run or sit down, remove at least one foot from its binding, move to the edge of the run and repeat the above process. If the board is on an inclined surface, the board immediately begins sliding as soon as the user&#39;s body is off the ground. This does not, however, mean that the snowboarder is fully standing or even balanced on the board. This explains why beginning snowboarders commonly fall almost immediately after standing or attempting to do so. Therefore, there is a need for a device that may be used for balance and stability while a snowboarder learns to stand and balance upon, as well as steer and otherwise maneuver, a snowboard. 
     Beginning and advanced snowboarders face additional delays and hassle when they need to travel over level or upwardly inclined ground. Because almost all ski areas are designed for skiers, who can easily navigate fairly large level or inclined surfaces, this problem is fairly often encountered by snowboarders. Examples of such situations are encountered at the bottom of a run when a snowboarder needs to get to the lift, and at the top of the run when the snowboarder needs to get from the lift to the start of the desired run. When only very short, relatively flat distances need to be traveled, the common, although tiring, solution is to hop to the desired position. When this solution is not practical, the snowboarder must sit down and take at least one foot out of its binding. With one foot removed, the user can propel the snowboard much like a skateboard. Unfortunately, this one-foot-on and one-foot-off position causes a significant percentage of injuries, especially to beginning snowboarders as they try to stop and steer the board. 
     When longer or steeper distances must be traveled, the typical, time-consuming solution is to sit down, remove both feet from their bindings, carry the snowboard to the new spot, sit down, replace both feet in their bindings, and then perform one of the above-discussing standing maneuvers. Therefore, there is a need for a device that enables a snowboarder to propel him or herself across level or uphill ground without the effort and time required by conventional methods. 
     The present invention overcomes these and other problems in the form of a collapsible snowboard pole and a body-conforming receiver onto which the collapsed pole is secured when not being used. The pole includes a user-grippable region and a snow-engaging region and selectively collapses and extends between a collapsed length and an extended length. The receiver is secured on a portion of a snowboarder&#39;s limb and includes a pair of spaced-apart retainers into which the collapsed pole is selectively received and retained. 
     These and other advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood after a consideration of the drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which follow. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the invented snowboard pole and receiver mounted on a snowboarder&#39;s lower leg. 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the pole of FIG. 1 in a collapsed position. 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the pole of FIG. 2 in an extended position. 
     FIG. 4 is a detail of the lock mechanism that secures adjacent lengths of the pole of FIG. 2, with the lock mechanism in an unlocked position. 
     FIG. 5 is a detail of the lock mechanism of FIG. 4, with the lock mechanism in a locked position. 
     FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a portion of the lock mechanism of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the receiver of FIG. 1 with an attached pole-receiving strap. 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the receiver of FIG. 1 taken along the line  8 — 8  in FIG. 7 with the pole engaged by one of the receiver&#39;s retainers. 
     FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the receiver of FIG. 7 taken along the line  9 — 9  in FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 10 is a side elevation view showing another embodiment of the invented receiver. 
     FIG. 11 is a side elevation view showing another embodiment of the invented receiver and snowboard pole. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invented snowboard pole system is shown in FIG.  1  and generally indicated at  10 . System  10  includes a collapsible snowboard pole  12  and a receiver, or body-securable harness,  14  that receives the collapsed pole and retains it near the user&#39;s body. Although only one collapsed pole and receiver are shown are FIG. 1, it should be understood that a pair of poles and receivers would most commonly be used, one mounted on each leg or other limb of the user. 
     In FIG. 1, system  10  is shown mounted on a user&#39;s lower leg. As shown, the user&#39;s boot  16  is mounted on a snowboard  18  by a binding  20 , which is strapped about boot  16  to secure the boot (and thus the user&#39;s leg and foot) to the board in a defined orientation with respect to the board. Receiver  14  is shown mounted on the user&#39;s lower leg, where it extends generally along the leg between the user&#39;s ankle and knee. It should be understood that references made herein to the user&#39;s body or limbs include any clothing, bindings, braces, etc. between the user&#39;s actual body part and the receiver or other device mounted thereupon. Therefore, when the receiver is said to be mounted on the user&#39;s lower leg, it includes the fact that there may be clothing, binding portions, boot portions, brace portions, etc. between the user&#39;s skin and the receiver. 
     In FIG. 1, it can be seen that receiver  14  is strapped around the leg in two spaced-apart positions, one generally adjacent the user&#39;s ankle and the other just below the user&#39;s knee. It should be understood that other mounting positions are possible, including other positions on the user&#39;s limbs, such as on the user&#39;s thighs, forearms and upper arms. When selecting a suitable mounting position, receiver  14  must be mounted on the user&#39;s body in a position where it will not hinder the user&#39;s flexibility or movement, while also maintaining the collapsed pole  12  in a location where it can quickly and easily be reached, removed and remounted by the user. Other possible mounting positions include the user&#39;s back, chest and hips, as long as the above-requirements are met. 
     Because snowboard pole  12  is mounted on receiver  14  when the snowboarder is snowboarding down a run, receiver  14  should retain pole  12  in an out-of-the-way position where it will not be dislodged or otherwise struck by the user while snowboarding. Additionally, pole  12  must be retained on receiver  14  in a position, and with sufficient force, that pole  12  will not be dislodged while the snowboarder slides down the hill, including the jumps and tricks often seen performed by more advanced snowboarders. 
     As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, pole  12  includes a pair of opposed end regions  22  and  24 , the first of which may be referred to as a user-grippable region, which includes a user-grippable element, such as knob  26 . Because the pole is mounted against the user&#39;s body, its user-grippable element will most commonly resemble a knob or small protrusion that is sized and shaped to fit within the palm of the user&#39;s hand, thereby minimizing size and fitting closely against the receiver or portion of the user&#39;s limb. Therefore, knob  26  preferably provides a gribbable surface without adding the significant size of the handles used with most ski poles. As shown, knob  26  includes a looped strap  28  through which the user&#39;s hand may be passed when the pole is used. Strap  28  couples the pole to the user&#39;s wrist in case the pole is unintentionally released by the user. 
     The other end region  24  may be referred to as a snow-engaging region and includes snow-engaging elements, such as basket  30  and tip  32 . Snow-engaging region  24  is similar to the end of a conventional ski pole, and may include any of the features commonly associated therewith. As perhaps best seen in FIG. 2, basket  30  is retained on pole  12  by collars  34  and  36 . The size and configuration of basket  30  may take the form of any conventional basket used with ski poles and may be selectively interchanged to enable the basket to be adjusted to best fit the conditions on any particular day. 
     As discussed, pole  12  is selectively extendable between a range of positions bounded by a collapsed position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and an extended position (shown in FIG.  3 ). It should be understood that pole  12  may collapse and extend between these positions via any known mechanism that provides the necessary support and strength for the application described herein. The presently preferred form is for pole  12  to be comprised of a plurality of interconnected, telescoping segments  40 - 44 , as shown in FIG.  3 . The collapsed length of pole  12  should be short enough that the pole will not interfere with the user&#39;s movement or flexibility when the pole is mounted on receiver  14 . 
     For example, when used by most adults, this length may range between approximately nine or more inches and approximately twenty-four or less inches, preferably is within the range of approximately twelve and approximately twenty-two inches, and even more preferably is within the range of approximately fifteen and approximately twenty inches. When the pole is built for use by shorter users, such as children, it should be understood that the collapsed and extended lengths of the pole will be decreased proportionately. Similarly, extremely tall users may require poles that are longer than twenty-four inches in length. Furthermore, the number of segments may also vary between two and four or more interconnected segments, however, three segments are presently preferred because they enable collapsed and extended lengths that meet the requirements described herein. 
     Adjacent segments are secured in user-selected positions with respect to each other by lock mechanisms  46 . It should be understood that any known lock mechanism for selectively retaining segments  40 - 44  with respect to each other may be used. Examples of suitable lock mechanisms include various known cam structures used in collapsible ski poles, walking sticks and golf ball retrievers that are actuated by rotating adjacent, partially overlapping segments with respect to each other. Other suitable lock mechanisms may include mechanisms used with tripods or other stands that are engaged by manipulation of a latch mounted at one end of the pole, or mechanisms used with crutches and other supports that include one or more detents and/or pushbutton mechanisms that selectively prevent the adjacent members from collapsing once extended beyond a defined location. Other suitable lock mechanisms are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,478,117 and 5,441,307 to Quintana et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,405 to Jones, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Still others are manufactured by Testrite of Newark, N.J. 
     When selecting a suitable lock mechanism, the mechanism must be able to selectively secure adjacent segments together even when the user&#39;s full weight is placed upon the pole. Unlike a ski pole, the invented snowboard pole is used to provide leverage and support to the user as the user rises from a sitting position to an upright position on the board. Therefore, the lock mechanism must be able to support this weight, which often times is several hundred pounds. An additional factor is that the lock mechanism should be actuable without requiring precise manipulation of the mechanism. Because the user will most commonly be wearing gloves or mittens, the user needs to be able to selectively engage and release the mechanism without removing his or her gloves or mittens. Additionally, because of the cold environment in which snowboards are typically used, the user&#39;s fingers often have less than their normal dexterity and nimbleness. 
     A suitable lock mechanism  46 , shown for an illustrative and non-exclusive example, is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Mechanism  46  is shown interconnecting segments  40  and  42 , which telescope and partially overlap with each other. Mechanism  46  includes a cam structure  48  that selectively locks and releases the adjacent segments as the segments are rotated with respect to each other. 
     In FIG. 4, it can be seen that cam structure  48  includes an axial member  50 , which is mounted on the end of the smaller diameter segment, namely segment  40 . Member  50  includes a base  52 , a shaft  54  of smaller diameter than segment  40 , and a top  56 . As shown, shaft  54  extends between base  52  and top  56  and is offset from the longitudinal axis of segment  40 , which is generally indicated at  58  in FIGS. 4 and 5. Member  50  further includes a tab  60 , which extends away from shaft  54  generally transverse to axis  58 . 
     Cam structure  48  further includes a collar  62 , which is mounted upon and rotatable about shaft  54 . Collar  62  has a generally cylindrical configuration and includes an aperture  64 , which is sized to enable the collar to be rotatably mounted about shaft  54 . Aperture  64  extends from the perimeter of collar  62  to define a neck region  66 , which retains the collar about shaft  54 . Extending from neck region  66 , aperture  64  includes a central passage  68  with a diameter generally corresponding to that of shaft  54 . Finally, aperture  64  terminates with a removed region  70  that extends proximate the perimeter of collar  62  opposite neck region  66  to enable collar  62  to more easily deform to mount collar  62  on shaft  54 . 
     As further shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, collar  62  defines a track  72  bounded by radially spaced-apart stops, namely a tooth  74 , adjacent one side of neck region  66 , and a support  76  that extends from the other side of neck region  66 . When collar  62  is rotated about shaft  54 , tab  60  travels within track  72 . When tab  60  engages either of stops  74  and  76 , collar  62  is prevented from rotating about shaft  54 , and the adjacent segments are either locked in a selected length or free to be telescoped with respect to each other to a shorter or longer length. As shown, central passage  68  of aperture  64  is offset from the center of collar  62  to substantially the same extent that shaft  54  is offset from the center of base  52 . In FIG. 4, collar  62  is shown in a first position in which collar  62  and base  52  are at least substantially superimposable along the axis of the smaller diameter segment and collectively have a maximum diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the overlapping, larger diameter of segment  42 . From the first position, collar  62  is rotatable to and from a second position (shown in FIG.  5 ), in which collar  62  is rotated from the first position so that it protrudes beyond the perimeter of base  52  to give base  52  and collar  52  a collective maximum diameter that is as large as the inner diameter of segment  42  and therefore wedges, or frictionally retains, the segments at their selected combined length. 
     In FIG. 4, lock mechanism  46  is shown in its unlocked, or unbiased, position, in which the collective length of the joined segments (in this case segments  40  and  42 ) is adjustable simply by extending or shortening the degree to which the segments telescope with respect to each other. As shown, tab  60  abuts the portion of support  76  distal neck region  66 , and collar  62  is in its first position, where it is substantially superimposable with base  52 . Once a desired length is selected, the segments are rotated about their long axes so that tab  60  travels to the other end of track  72 , as shown in FIG.  5 . In this position, tab  60  abuts tooth  74  and the segments are frictionally locked in the selected position by the force of collar  62  and base  52  against the inner wall of segment  42 . 
     It should be understood that the lock mechanism  36  connecting segments  42  and  44  operates in the same fashion described above and contains the same elements and subelements. Furthermore, to enable the user to get a better grip on the segments, the ends of segments  44  and  42  facing tip  32  include a grip  78 . 
     Preferably, segments  40 - 44  are prevented from becoming unintentionally detached from each other, such as if a user pulls one segment too far out of the overlapping segment. To prevent this, a portion of segments  42  and  44  proximate tip  34  include a neck region  80  of smaller diameter than the rest of the corresponding segment, and a portion of segments  40  and  42  distal tip  34  and neck region  80  include a region of larger diameter than neck region  80 . As shown for example in FIG. 4, neck region  80  of segment  42  is shown in dashed lines and is of smaller diameter than the rest of segment  42 , while base  52  has a larger diameter than neck region  80  and is housed within segment  42  on the opposite side of neck region  80  than tip  32 . In this configuration, base  52  acts as a stopper or plug that prevents segment  40  from being fully withdrawn out of segment  42 . It should be understood that the relative spacing of neck region  80  on segment  42  and  44  may vary, but it preferably is relatively near the end of the corresponding segment that faces tip  32 . The farther neck region  80  is away from this end, the less the length of pole  12  can be extended. Furthermore, the smaller diameter segment may include a rib or protruding portion other than base  52 . 
     Turning now to FIG. 7, receiver  14  can be seen in more detail. Receiver  14  is a pole-receiving structure that is sized to receive and retain pole  12  when the pole is in its collapsed position. Receiver  14  includes a pair of spaced-apart retainers  82  and  84 , which are each configured to selectively engage a portion of the collapsed pole and prevent it from being unintentionally removed from receiver  14 . Retainers  82  and  84  are generally aligned along the long axis of receiver  14 , along which pole  12  is mounted and supported. The retainers are supported in this position by an elongate support structure, or support,  86 , which extends therebetween. As shown, retainers  82  and  84  extend from the opposed end regions of receiver  14 , although it is within the scope of the present invention that the retainers may be mounted closer together or are adjustably mounted on the receiver. 
     Retainer  82  extends generally transverse to the long axis of receiver  14  and includes a projecting shelf or ledge  88  with an aperture  90  through which tip  32  of pole  12  is passed when the collapsed pole is mounted on the receiver. As perhaps best seen in FIGS. 7 and 9, retainer  82  and support  86  collectively form a generally L-shaped carrier for pole  12 . When tip  32  is passed through aperture  90 , pole  12  is essentially seated upon the ledge  88  because basket  30  cannot pass through aperture  90 . Retainer  82  could also be described as forming a closed, relatively rigid loop with a central passage, namely aperture  90 , extending transverse to the long axis of receiver  14 . It should be understood that the size and configuration of aperture  90  may vary, however, it should be small enough to prevent basket  30  and/or collar  34  from passing therethrough, while still being large enough to permit tip  32  to be easily inserted therein. If aperture  90  is too small, it will require the user to very carefully position tip  32  in order to insert it within aperture  90 . 
     Retainer  84  is adapted to receive a portion of collapsed pole  12  generally adjacent knob  26 , namely a portion of the largest diameter segment, which as shown is segment  44 . Retainer  84  includes at least one deformable member, or clip,  92  that deforms outwardly from a rest position (shown in FIG.  7  and in solid lines in FIG. 8) to a biased position (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 8) as pole  12  is inserted into or removed from engagement with retainer  84  and thereafter returns at least substantially to the rest position. As such, retainer  84  enables pole  12  to be snap-fit into and out of engagement with receiver  14 . 
     Returning to FIG. 7, it can be seen that support structure  86  includes a region  94  with a concave cross-sectional configuration measured along the long axis of receiver  14 . Preferably, region  94  has an axis of curvature that is substantially similar to the axis of curvature of largest diameter segment  44  so that it cradles or at least partially extends around segment  44  when pole  12  is mounted on receiver  14 . This relatively broad region of contact between pole  12  and region  94  stabilizes and supports pole  12  when mounted on receiver  14 . 
     As shown, region  94  extends from retainer  84  toward retainer  82 , but does not extend the full distance therebetween. This is because basket  30  has a larger diameter than segment  44 , and therefore would interfere with pole  12  being both inserted at least partially within aperture  90  and also being snap-fit into retainer  84  and supported along region  94 . 
     To further secure collapsed pole  12  upon receiver  14 , receiver  14  includes a pole-retaining strap  96  that extends from one side of receiver  14 , and a clasp or hook  98  on the other side. Preferably strap  96  is elastomeric and includes a handle portion  100  that enables strap  96  to be more easily gripped and positioned by the user, even when wearing gloves or mittens. Strap  96  is sized to be drawn from where it is mounted on one side of receiver  14 , around the portion of the collapsed pole distal support structure  96  and thereafter retained on the other end of support structure  86  by clasp  98 . As such, strap  96  and support structure  86  define a closed boundary around pole  12  in a direction transverse to the long axis of the mounted pole. Strap  96  prevents pole  12  from being unintentionally dislodged from receiver  14  under any condition. 
     It should be understood that the above-described retainers  82  and  84  should prevent unintentional removal of pole  12  from receiver  14  under substantially all conditions, however, strap  96  is provided for an added degree of security when the user is performing expert tricks, or when the user is not going to use the pole for a while. It should be further understood that the pole-retaining strap may include the looped structure shown in FIG. 8, only a single length of strap (which is secured to the clasp once extended around the portion of the pole), or a pair of strap segments, one on each side of the support structure and adapted to be secured together by any suitable fastening mechanism. 
     As shown in FIG. 7, support structure  86  is formed from first and second  102  and  104  generally planar members that are slidably adjustable with respect to each other to adjust the end-to-end length of receiver  14 . Perhaps best seen in FIG. 9, support structure  86  includes a plurality of spaced-apart sockets  106  extending through members  102  and  104  and generally aligned in a spaced-apart relationship between retainers  82  and  84 . Members  102  and  104  are secured in a selected position with respect to each other by any suitable fastening mechanism. For example, in FIGS. 7 and 9 a pair of screws or bolts  108  are passed through selected sockets  106  and retained therein by nuts  110  or other suitable devices. Alternatively, sockets  106  may be threaded so that a screw can be inserted and retained therein without requiring a nut or similar device. As shown, both retainers  82  and  84  are mounted on the same member of support structure  86 , however, it is within the scope of the present invention that one retainer could be mounted on each member so that the distance between the retainers could be adjusted when the length of the receiver is adjusted. 
     As discussed above, retainer  14  is mounted on a portion of a user&#39;s limb. Preferably, this is a non-articulating portion (meaning between adjacent joints) so that the receiver and collapsed pole will not restrict or otherwise interfere with the user&#39;s flexibility and mobility. To secure receiver  14  to a selected limb portion, the invented snowboard pole system  10  includes strap structure  112  that extend around the user&#39;s limb to secure receiver  14  thereupon, with the long axis of support structure  86  extending generally parallel to the long axis of the limb portion. As shown in FIG. 7, the strap structure includes a pair of spaced-apart straps  114  and  116 , each extending from mounts  118  on a respective one of members  102  and  104 . Each strap  114  and  116  includes one or more segments that collectively extend around the portion of the user&#39;s limb. It should be understood that it is within the scope of the present invention that straps  114  and  116  may be of fixed or adjustable length and may be formed from a flexible and/or elastic material. Furthermore, when the strap includes more than one segment, it may further include any suitable fastening mechanism, such as a hook and loop closure mechanism, a buckle, a snap, etc. to join the segments together to complete the closed loop around the limb portion. 
     Another embodiment of the invented receiver is shown in FIG.  10  and indicated generally at  120 . Receiver  120  is similar to the above-described receiver  14 , except that its support structure  86  is not adjustable in length. Instead, it is formed from a single member, with corresponding retainers mounted proximate each end thereof. Furthermore, as shown, instead of the previously described retainer  82 , receiver  120  includes a cup-shaped retainer  122  that defines a cavity  124  into which tip  32  is inserted when pole  12  is mounted on the receiver. Retainer  122  has an open end  126  that should be sized similar to the above-described considerations with respect to aperture  90 , and a closed bottom portion  128  that prevents pole  12  from being pushed in the direction of retainer  84  if tip  32  is struck or otherwise impacted while pole  12  is mounted on the receiver. Also, receiver  120  does not include concave region  94 . 
     It is meant to be within the scope of the present invention that any of these elements (a fixed length receiver, a cup-shaped retainer, and no concave stabilizing region) may be selectively interchanged with the other elements of the invented receivers described herein. For example, receiver  14  may be formed with cup-shaped retainer  122  instead of retainer  82  or with a planar support  86  that does not include concave region  94 . 
     In FIG. 11, another embodiment of the invented snowboard pole system is shown and indicated generally at  130 . System  130  includes pole  132  and receiver  134 . Unless otherwise indicated, pole  132  and receiver  134  include the same elements and subelements as pole  12  and receiver  14  shown in FIGS. 1-8. Unlike the prior embodiments, system  130  includes a hook and loop closure mechanism  136  that further secures pole  132  on receiver  134 . As shown, mechanism  136  includes a first portion  138  that extends along region  94  of support structure  86 , and a second portion  140  that extends around segment  44 . Preferably, portion  140  extends all the way around segment  44  so that any radial mounting orientation of pole  132  on receiver  134  will engage the corresponding portions  138  and  140  of mechanism  136 , and thereby provide an additional support and retaining force on pole  132 . 
     It should be understood that receiver  14  may be adapted to receive and selectively retain collapsed poles of a variety of shapes and sizes. Preferably, the length (end-to-end distance) of collapsed pole  12  does not substantially exceed the similarly measured length of receiver  14 . As such, pole  12  does not substantially project above or below receiver  14 . When pole  12  has a cross-sectional configuration that is noncircular, region  94  should have a similar configuration to provide a stabilizer for the pole when mounted on the support. Alternatively, receiver  14  may be formed without stabilizing region  94 . Additionally, the axis defined between retainers  82  and  84  may diverge from being parallel to the long axis of receiver  14  to accommodate poles with larger baskets. In this case, aperture  90  of retainer  82  would be spaced further away from support structure  86 . It should be further understood that receiver  14  could be formed with or without pole-receiving strap  96 , with only a single retainer, with a pair of similar retainers, such as two retainers  84 , or with a single retainer and the above-described hook and loop fastening mechanism. 
     Because pole  12  is mounted generally against receiver  14 , it may be necessary to resect a portion of basket  24  when it is desirable to use a basket that would not otherwise fit between the pole&#39;s mounting position on receiver  14  and support structure  86 . Because some baskets are formed from a rigid perimeter that is secured to the pole by flexible straps, intermediate sized baskets may flex or deform to fit within the spacing requirements of receiver  14 . It should be understood, however, that it is within the scope of the present invention that all known baskets may be adapted for use with the present invention, however, larger baskets may require a portion of the basket to be removed or reshaped to enable the collapsed pole to be mounted on receiver  14  and retained proximate the user&#39;s limb portion. 
     To use the invented snowboard pole system, the receiver is first sized to fit the desired limb portion. When selecting the desired length, the receiver is preferably as long as possible without causing the user&#39;s flexibility of movement to be restricted by any portion of the invented system, including the receiver, strap structure, or collapsed pole. Another factor when selecting the desired length of the receiver is the position of the strap structure about the selected limb portion. For example, when mounting the receiver on the user&#39;s lower leg, as shown in FIG. 1, it is desirable to have the upper strap extend just below the user&#39;s knee and the lower strap to extend around the user&#39;s boot. This position provides increased stability for the system and prevents the system from sliding upward or downward during use. When a nonadjustable receiver is to be used, it should be understood that it would be available in a variety of lengths so that the user could select the appropriate length for his or her intended use. 
     Once the receiver is sized for the particular user, it is secured against the user&#39;s limb or other body portion by the system&#39;s strap structure. When the strap structure is adjustable, some or all of its individual segments may need to be initially adjusted to size the structure to securely retain the receiver on the user&#39;s limb without being too tight. 
     To mount the pole on the receiver, the user first collapses the pole to its collapsed, shortest position by manipulating the pole&#39;s lock mechanism or mechanisms. When a lock mechanism with the above-described cam structure is used, this is accomplished by rotating the adjacent segments of the poles to position the lock mechanism in an unlocked or unbiased position, collapsing the segments to their shortest collective length, and then rotating the segments in the opposite direction to lock the mechanism and retain the segments in the collapsed position. Once adjusted to be in its collapsed position, the tip of the pole is inserted within the aperture or cavity of retainer  82  or  132 , and then the upper portion of the pole is snap-fit into retainer  84 . In this position, the retainers collectively should be able to retain the pole on the receiver under almost all situations, including when the user crashes and when the user lands (or attempts to land) from a jump. When increased support is desired, or when the user is not going to use the pole for a while, the pole-retaining strap may be secured about the pole to prevent unintentional removal of the pole under any conditions. 
     It should be understood that the above process will most commonly be repeated to mount another snowboard pole system on another selected limb portion, such as the corresponding other leg or arm portion. 
     From a sitting position in the snow with the user&#39;s feet mounted on the board, the user can now grab the pole or poles, urge the upper portion away from retainer  84  to release the snap-fit and then remove the tip from the other retainer. Once removed, the collapsed pole can be extended to a desired extended position. Typically, this is between two and one half and four feet, and it is intended that poles may have maximum extended lengths within this range in one or two inch increments. The extended poles can then be used to provide the necessary leverage for the user to get to a standing position on the board without having to undergo the tiring or inconvenient processes previously required. It should be understood that the pole may provide sufficient leverage for the user in its collapsed or an intermediate position. 
     Once standing, with the poles in their extended position, they can be used to stabilize the user on the board and stop any movement caused by the force of the standing process. This is particularly appropriate for beginning snowboarders who require extra stability and support until they become comfortable steering, stopping and maneuvering the snowboard. The poles can also be used to propel the user to a desired position, regardless of whether the position is far away from the user or uphill from the user&#39;s current position. Once positioned at the top of a run, the poles can be quickly shortened to their collapsed positions and remounted on their respective receivers. Then the user simply tips forward or slightly hops forward onto the downslope of the run, where the user snowboards down the run. Beginning users may wish to keep the poles in an extended position to provide stability and support as they learn to snowboard. 
     At the bottom of the run, the poles can be removed from the receiver, extended and then used to propel the user to the lift or tow line. Even if the user has to stop and slowly move forward in the line (for example if there are many skiers and snowboarders waiting in line), the poles can be used to propel, stabilize and stop the user. Any snowboarder should understand from the above that the invented snowboard pole system significantly reduces the time and hassle required to get from the bottom of a run, to and through the lift line and back to the start of a selected run. Instead of having to stop at the bottom of the run, sit down, remove at least one foot from its bindings, awkwardly move to and through the lift line, be carried up the hill with only one foot strapped to the board (thereby putting considerable strain on the ankle of that foot), get off the lift and try to balance or even steer with only one foot secured to the board, move to a desired position, sit down, refasten the removed foot, etc., the user can maintain both feet within their bindings at all times and therefore can steer and maneuver the board at all times. Furthermore, the board can be propelled and stopped without requiring removal of one or both feet from their bindings. 
     While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred form, it is to be understood that the specific embodiment thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein is not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible and that no single feature, function or property of the preferred embodiment is essential. The invention is to be defined by the scope of the issued claims.