Abstract:
A handle for ski sticks and the like provided with a wrist strap. The wrist strap is attached to the stick handle by a first connecting element fixed at the wrist strap and a second connecting element lodged at the ski&#39;s stick handle, which are interlocked. To insure that the connection between the stick handle and the wrist strap is disengaged automatically only in case of danger and no inopportune releasing occurs, a flexible releasing device is installed, which holds one of the connecting elements at the interlocked position and yields only when the wrist strap is pulled in the same direction, a direction with a force component running longitudinally in the stick from its tip toward the handle, so that the second connecting element held together by the releasing device can be disengaged from its interlocked position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a pole grip for ski poles, hiking canes, trekking canes and the like with a wrist strap which can be locked via a first connecting element fixed on the wrist strap with the pole grip in a manner which is releasable under a tensile load, the first connecting element being arranged in a recess in the pole grip. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Commercially available ski poles with wrist straps fixed on the pole grip are relatively awkward to handle if it is necessary to pull the hands often out of the wrist straps, such as is necessary when riding a lift in the course of alpine skiing. So-called “epée grips” were developed, which no longer have wrist straps. In connection with these grips it is disadvantageous that they do not provide a sufficient support function for the skier and the pole is immediately lost when it is released. 
     In connection with a pole grip known from DE 28 08 549 A1, the first connecting element is embodied in the form of a fork on its end facing the wrist strap and can be locked in place by means of a holding pin, which is retained in a pole recess which is open toward the top. It is disadvantageous with this construction that to re-fasten the first connecting element with the pole grip after having released the safety device requires essentially as much strength as is required for releasing the safety device; in other words, re-fastening is awkward and elaborate. In addition, with this construction there is the chance of releasing the safety not only in the longitudinal direction of the pole, but also in a direction transversely to the pole grip, which is not desired. There is no possibility of releasing the wrist strap purposely and without an essential use of force from the pole grip. 
     In connection with a pole grip known from DE 78 04 390 U1, the connecting element can be releasably locked in place between a stationary pole grip face plate and an insert maintained in the pole handle, in a way in which the insert is resilient in a direction pointing toward the pole tip. Here, the above mentioned disadvantages essentially result, wherein the release device in particular is essentially opposite the one essential for a safety release. 
     Another known pole grip in accordance with DE 78 08 851 U1 uses a hinged cover on the front face of the grip head, which is flipped open by pulling on the wrist strap so that a free end of the wrist strap is released. Here it is difficult to reinsert the wrist strap in the safety release and to fix it in place under the cover to be locked, and then to reinsert the glove into the strap. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pole grip for ski poles, hiking canes, trekking canes and the like of the type mentioned at the outset wherein, after a safety release, the re-connection between the wrist strap and the pole grip can take place with a minimal insertion force independently of the size of the triggering force in a simple and rapid manner, and wherein the intentional release of the wrist strap from the pole grip without an essential exertion of force is provided. 
     In connection with a pole grip of the type mentioned, a second connecting element can be locked together with the first connecting element in the pole grip recess. The second connecting element can be resiliently seated in the longitudinal direction of the pole grip, and on its side facing the front face of the grip head, the recess is covered by an elastically yielding triggering mechanism, between which the second connecting element and the first connecting element are arranged. The second connecting element can be moved counter to the resilient seating by means of an actuating member which is accessible from the front face of the grip head. 
     It has been achieved by means of the steps in accordance with the present invention that, following a safety release, the first connecting element connected with the wrist strap can be rapidly and simply locked in the pole grip, or respectively between the front face of the grip head and the second connecting element. The exertion of force needed for this is small, since this merely is a function of the corresponding spring force acting on the second connecting element. In contrast to that, the force required for the safety release is a function of the setting of the resiliently yielding trigger plate. Different from the known solutions with covers, a restoring of the trigger plate is assured with the subject of the present invention because of the resiliently yielding trigger plate, so that the pole grip is always ready for the first connecting element being locked again. No further steps are required for this. Further than that, it is also possible with the pole grip in accordance with the present invention to purposely remove the wrist strap from the pole grip by a simple pressure on the actuating member. 
     When the first connecting element has a detent protrusion which extends behind the second connecting element, the triggering means for releasing need only give to an extent wherein the detent protrusion is freed. Then the first connecting element can be pulled out of the recess. 
     A preferred seating of the triggering means is provided with an upward oriented tensile pull on the wrist strap, the triggering means can be pivoted around the shaft which is advantageously arranged in accordance with claim  4 , by means of which the locking between the first and the second connecting element is released. 
     According to one embodiment, the portion of the plate which is to be pivoted rests on a spring-elastic element, so that the compressibility of the spring-elastic element in the end determines the tensile load required for triggering. Alternatively, the element of the triggering means which is to be pivoted has a spring-elastic protrusion extending in the longitudinal direction of the pole grip which is supported on a shoulder in the pole handle. 
     Alternative embodiments include; triggering mechanism having a center opening in which the actuating member is received the first connecting element having a slit, which is axial in relation to the movement direction, on its inner end, through which a rod extends vertically, which is connected, fixed against relative movement, with the second connecting element and the actuating member arranged in the center axis; the first connecting element extending through a slit, extending in its direction of movement, in the rod, which is connected, fixed against relative movement, with the second connecting element and the actuating member arranged in the center axis; an opening being provided on both sides of the triggering mechanism, and the actuating member being received in the two openings; the actuating member having two actuating keys which penetrate through the openings; two actuating keys o the actuating member being arranged on a U-shaped base member, the base lag of the U-shaped base member constituting the second connecting element; the base member resting with its base leg on the upper end of a helical compression spring, which is guided in an axial blind bore recess; and two actuating keys being covered by a soft coating. 
     If the pole grip in accordance with the present invention is also intended for a use wherein triggering, even in case of a fall, is not desired, for example in connection with cross-country skiing, wherein the user often moves over difficult terrain and in deep snow and the ski pole must not be lost under any circumstances, the triggering means can be locked by means of a locking device. In this case the pole always remains connected to the hand of the user. 
     If the wrist strap has been integrated into a glove, the danger of losing the wrist strap is reduced. 
     The present invention will be explained in detail in what follows by means of several exemplary embodiments, making reference to the drawings. In the drawings are shown in: 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1, is a longitudinal section of a pole handle without a wrist strap in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, 
     FIG. 2, is a representation as in FIG. 1, but with a wrist strap, 
     FIG. 3, is a view from above on the pole grip, partially viewed in section along the line III—III in FIG. 1, 
     FIG. 4, is a sectional view along the line IV—IV in FIG. 1, 
     FIG.  5  and FIG. 6, are views of the first connecting element from above, respectively from below, 
     FIG. 7, is a cross section of a partial area of the pole head in accordance with a variant of the present invention, 
     FIG. 8, is a section along the line VIII—VIII in FIG. 9, 
     FIG. 9 is a top view showing part of the locking device, 
     FIG. 10, is a diagrammatic representation of the pole grip in accordance with the present invention with a wrist strap in the position of use, 
     FIG. 11, is a representation similar to FIG. 1, but in parts and with a pole grip in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention and prior to inserting the first connecting element, 
     FIG. 12, is a plan view in accordance with XII in FIG. 11 in a broken representation, 
     FIG. 13, is a sectional view along the line XIII—XIII in FIG. 11, 
     FIG. 14, is a representation similar to FIG. 1, but with a pole grip in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, 
     FIG. 15, is a partially broken view from above in accordance with the arrow XV in FIG. 14, 
     FIG. 16, is a representation corresponding to FIG. 15, but with the triggering means removed, and 
     FIGS. 17A to  17 C, show an actuation member of the pole grip in accordance with FIG. 14, made of one piece with the second connecting element, in a longitudinal view, or respectively a view from above. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A pole grip  10  in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a base body  12  made, for example, of an injection molded element of plastic. The base body  12  can be provided with a cover  14  of an easily gripped material. The pole grip has been placed on a pole tube  16  of a ski pole, hiking cane, trekking cane or the like. 
     In the area of its upper pole end piece, the pole grip  10  has a lateral recess  18 , in which a wrist strap  20  is fastened. To this end the wrist strap  20  is fixedly connected via a securing pin  22  with a first connecting element  24  (FIG.  2 ). The first connecting element  24  can be pushed into the recess  18  and has a detent protrusion  26  which, in the state where the first connecting element has been pushed in, interlocking extends behind a detent edge  28  (FIG. 4) of a second connecting element  30 . 
     The second connecting element  30  is seated, preferably resiliently movable in the longitudinal direction of the pole. A bushing  32  has been pressed into a recess  34 , which also receives the pole tube  16 , and in the inserted state rests on the pole tube  16  and is fixed in place in this way. A spring-elastic means  36 , for example a helical spring, is received in the bushing  32  and on the end is supported in the bushing  32  and on the other end against an underside  38  of the second connecting element  30 . So that the spring travel is upwardly limited, a securing nut  40  has been screwed on a rod  42 , which passes through the helical spring  36  and the bushing  32  and is connected with the second connecting element  30 . The rod  42  is a part of an actuating member  44 , which is accessible via a control knob  46  from the direction of the front face  48  of the pole head. The second connecting element  30  is preferably extruded onto the rod  42 . Thus, the second connecting element  30  is axially movable in the pole grip  10 , is resiliently seated and can be moved downward in the axial direction by means of the actuating member  44  until the underside  38  touches a shoulder  50  of the bushing  32 . After release of the actuating member  44  it is moved back, together with the second connecting element  30 , into the initial position represented in FIG. 2 by means of the spring  36 . The lock between the first and second connecting elements  24  and  30  can be released by pushing the actuating member  44  down. The wrist strap  20  can be separated from the pole grip  10 . The detent, or respectively release path can be set by turning the securing nut  40 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the first and second connecting elements  24  and  30 , the second connecting element  30  has a bevel  52  on its top, on which an also beveled surface  54  of the first connecting element is guided into the recess  18  when the first connecting element  24  is pushed in, so that the second connecting element  30  can be pushed down without tilting against the spring force of the spring  36 , and the first connecting element  24  can be cleanly locked. To make the insertion of the first connecting element  24  easier, the latter has rounded portions  56  and  58  on its front face, as well as further bevels  60  and  62  (FIGS. 2,  5  and  6 ). The first connecting element  24  has a slit  64  in the area of its front, wherein the rod  42  of the actuating member  44  is located in the pushed-in state. 
     A second exemplary embodiment of a pole grip  110  with the first and second connecting elements  124  and  130  is represented in FIGS. 11 to  13 . In this exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the rod  142  of the actuating member  144  is embodied approximately as large as the second connecting member  130  and has a slit  118 , through which the first connecting element  124  can be passed. A detent protrusion  126  extends interlockingly behind a detent edge  128 , again of the second connecting element  130 , or respectively of the rod  124  of the actuating member. In order to be able to insert the first connecting element  124  rapidly and simply, an insert  166  is provided having a funnel-like opening  168 , wherein the funnel mouth terminates in the slit  118 . 
     In accordance with the present invention, a resilient triggering means  70 , or respectively  170  is provided, by means of which one of the connecting elements  24 ,  30 , or respectively  124 ,  130  is held in the locked position, which only yields in case of a tensile load on the wrist strap  20  in the direction of a force component extending in the longitudinal direction of the pole, whose direction points from a pole tip to the pole grip, i.e. in accordance with FIGS. 1 and 2, or respectively  11 , toward the top, so that the connecting element  24 ,  30 , or respectively  124 ,  130 , which is held by the triggering means  70 , or respectively  170 , can be brought out of its locked position. 
     With the first exemplary embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 1 to  10 , the resilient triggering means  70  is formed by a cover  72 , which constitutes a side  74  of the recess  18  facing the front face of the pole grip. Here, the cover  72  consists of a plate  76 , which is seated pivotable around a shaft  78 . In the course of pivoting the plate  76  in the direction of the arrow  83 , the recess  18  is opened toward the top, so to speak, so that the first connecting element  24  is no longer maintained in the locked position (FIG. 2) and can be removed from the pole grip  10  without pushing the actuating member  44  down. An element  80  of the plate  76  rests on a spring-elastic element  82 , which is compressed when the plate  76  is pivoted in the direction of the arrow  83 . In connection with a simple variation represented in FIG. 2, the spring-elastic element  82  is constituted by a cushion of an elastic material. 
     In a variant represented in FIG. 7, the spring-elastic element  82  is formed by a helical spring  84 , whose spring-elastic force can be adjusted in that the spring  84  can be pre-compressed by means of a stud screw  86  screwed into the plate  76 . 
     In case of a tensile load on the wrist strap  20  in the direction of a force component extending in the longitudinal direction of the pole, whose direction points from a pole tip to the pole grip, i.e. upward in accordance with FIGS. 1 and 2, the plate  76  is pivoted in the direction of the arrow  83  counter to the spring-elastic force of the spring-elastic element  82 . If the tensile force on the wrist strap  75  is sufficiently large, the plate  76  is pivoted so far that the first connecting element  24  is lifted far enough so that the detent protrusion  26  no longer grips the second connecting element  30  from behind. In this case the wrist strap  20  with the first connecting element  24  is freed from the pole grip  10 . 
     This triggering mechanism is furthermore aided in that, with an upward tensile load on the wrist strap, not only can the triggering means  70 , i.e. the plate  76 , yield upward, but also a slight rotation of the first connecting element  24  can occur, so that the second connecting element  30  is pushed slightly down by this, by which the unlocking is aided, so that the plate  76  need only be pivoted slightly. 
     In connection with a variant, not represented, the spring- elastic element  82 , whose restoring power can be adjusted, is constituted by a cushion wedge of an elastic material, which is displaceably seated between the element  80 , the plate  76  and the base body  12  along a bevel of the base body. The cushion wedge can be displaced, for example via a screw thread, so that the compression properties and therefore the restoring force and thereby the triggering force can be infinitely varied. 
     In a further, not represented variant of the present invention, the triggering means  70  can be constituted by the pole grip material, which then needs to be correspondingly resilient in the area of the front face  48  of the grip head in order to be able to yield upward in case of tensile loads on the wrist strap  20 , so that the first connecting element  24  is unlocked. It would be conceivable in a further alternative for the cover  72  to be held by, for example, belts or burr tapes, which are opened under the appropriate load. It would also be possible to fasten the cover  72  by means of a frictional connection. 
     It is understood that the triggering means  170  in the second exemplary embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 11 to  13  can be embodied in accordance with the previously mentioned triggering means  70 . 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, the pole grip has a locking device  88 , by which the triggering means  70 , or respectively  170  can be locked. The locking device  88  comprises a locking pin  90 , which can be inserted into a bore  92  cut into the pole grip and into a bore  94  of the triggering means  70 , which is aligned with this bore  92  (FIG.  3 ). 
     In an embodiment of the locking device  88  represented in FIGS. 8 and 9, the locking pin  90  can be displaced via a slide  96  between a release position and a locking position, represented in the drawings. The slide is accessible from the front face  48  of the grip head and therefore can be easily operated by the thumb when the pole grip  10  has been grasped. In an alternative embodiment, a rotating mechanism in place of a slide would be conceivable. 
     So that the pole grip  120  in accordance with the present invention with the wrist strap  20  can be used comfortably and easily, the wrist strap is designed in accordance with FIG.  10 . The wrist strap  20  comprises a strap element  100 , which tightly encloses the wrists and whose circumference can be adjusted by means of burr-type closures. The strap element  100  is widened on the inside of the hand and a connecting element  102  extends from it, which is connected at its free end with the first connecting element  24 , or respectively  124 . The first connecting element  24 , or respectively  124 , is furthermore connected with a tension element  104 , which can be connected, preferably by means of a burr-type closure, over the back of the hand, with the strap element  100  enclosing the wrist. The tension element  104  preferably is made of an elastic material, for example a strip of elastic or the like. With the wrist strap  20  in place, the first connecting element  24 , or respectively  124 , extends fingerlike away from the palm, so that when the pole grip  10  is grasped, the first connecting element  24 , or respectively  124 , can be inserted into the recess  18 , or respectively  118 , without further manipulation and is automatically locked there because of the resiliently seated second connecting element  30 , or respectively  130 . In one embodiment the wrist strap  20  can be integrated into a glove  105 . Then the user of the pole grip in accordance with the present invention only needs to put the gloves on and to grip the pole grip  10 . The glove  106  with its first connecting element  24 , or respectively  124 , is automatically locked with the pole grip  10 . By means of this a connection with optimum functionality and simultaneously with security is achieved. 
     The pole grip  210  in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment represented in FIGS. 14 to  17  also has a base body  212  made, for example, from an injection molded element of plastic. The base body  212  is also provided with a cover  214  of an easily gripped material. 
     While in connection with the pole grip  10  and  110  of the first, or respectively the second exemplary embodiment, the actuating member  44 , or respectively  144 , was arranged and embodied in such a way that a control knob  46 , or respectively  146 , was arranged axially centered in relation to the pole grip, or respectively the pole tube  16 , and penetrated an opening  47 , or respectively  147 , in the cover  72  of the triggering means  70 , or respectively  170 , and slightly projected from the front face  48 , or respectively  148 , of the pole head, with the pole grip  210  of the third exemplary embodiment the actuating member  244  is designed in such a way, and arranged in relation to the cover  272  of the triggering means  270  in such a way, that it can be actuated on both sides of the triggering means  270  from the front face  248 , which is provided with two openings  247 ,  247 ′. 
     To this end the actuating member  244  has a U-shaped base  243 , on whose two upwardly projecting parallel legs an actuating key  249 , or respectively  251 , each is formed in one piece, and whose base, or respectively connecting leg  245 , constitutes the second connecting element  230 . In accordance with FIG. 17B, the base leg  245  is arranged in a lower rear area. A recess  218  for the second connecting element  224  is formed between the two upright legs of the U-shaped base  243 . As can be seen in FIG. 14, the first connecting element  224  has a detent protrusion  226 , and the second connecting element  230  has a corresponding undercut detent edge  228 . It can also be seen here that the recess  218  is not only bordered by the two upright legs of the U-shaped base  243 , but also by the base body  212  and by the cover  272  of the triggering means  270 . 
     As with the first exemplary embodiment, the wrist strap  220  is held in the first connecting element  224 . Furthermore, and as in the first exemplary embodiment, the cover  272  of the triggering means  270  is pivotably seated around a shaft  278 , wherein the shaft  278  is arranged offset in height near the inner end of the recess  218 . Different from the first exemplary embodiment, the rear  280  of the cover  272  is provided with an undercut protrusion  281 , which is supported on an upwardly projecting element  285  of the base body  212 . The protrusion  281  is embodied to yield spring-elastically, so that under a tensile load the cover  272  pivots forward around its shaft  278  and is spread open in accordance with the arrow  283 , wherein the protrusion  281  yields in a spring-elastic manner; following relief, the resilient protrusion  281  causes a return of the cover  272  into its initial position represented in FIG.  14 . 
     The second connecting element  230 , or respectively the base leg  245  of the U-shaped base  243  of the actuating member  244  identical with it, is provided on the underside  238  with a blind bore recess for receiving one end of an axial helical spring  236 , whose other end is maintained and guided in a cup-shaped recess of the base body  212  extending into the pole tube  216 . The corresponding movement limitation of the second connecting element  230  corresponds with that of the first exemplary embodiment. The two actuating keys  249  and  251  on the U-shaped base  243  are guided on the inside along the bordering surfaces of the cover  272  of the triggering means  270 , and on the outside along the border of the remaining covering of the front face  248  of the grip head. Since for movement, the two actuating keys  249  and  251  are connected with each other, it is possible to selectively push the one or the other actuating key for releasing the first connecting element  224  from the pole grip  210 . 
     In accordance with the partial FIGS. 17 A and B, the actuating keys  249  and  251  are provided with a soft layer  253  along their upper, or respectively actuating surface. It is understood that this actuating surface can also be embodied as a hard surface.