Sports pole wrist strap system

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, a unique single attachment point wrist strap system is provided that allows for easy entry and exit of the wrist strap loop using one hand. The strap system is comprised of a single generally rectangular flat strap having both ends placed together and attached within a recessed channel in proximity to the top of the handle. Before the ends are attached one end is twisted 180 degrees from the other. The strap system is universal in that it is configured for use by either hand.

Description

BACKGROUND

The background of the invention will be discussed in two parts

Field of the Invention

The present device relates in general to utilitarian wrist straps for sports poles and the like and more particularly to a wrist strap system providing particular utility in entry and exit of the wrist strap by a user's hand.

Prior Art

Prior art wrist straps for sports poles and the like have been inadequate because of the difficulty in entry and exit of the wrist strap loop, most wrist straps intended to be entered and adjusted using both hands. Typically, the sports pole wrist strap hangs loosely downwardly over the pole handle and presents a relaxed loop that requires the use of both hands for entry or exit of the loop, one hand to open the loop while the other hand is thrust through or removed from the opened loop. The requirement for both hands to be involved in entry and exit of the wrist strap presents a burden with repeated entry and exit of the strap, especially when the user is wearing gloves, mittens, or the like.

A wrist strap system for a ski pole is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,588 issued to Young, et al. on May 14, 2002. The system of Young, et al discloses a buckled strap with single point attachment to the top of the ski pole handle, the handle including a spreader mechanism to increase the loop opening of the strap. However, neither Young, et al. nor other known methods disclose the features of the applicant's invention wherein only one hand is required for entry and exit of the wrist strap. It is an object of the present invention to provide a single attachment point wrist strap system providing utility in entry and exit of the wrist strap by a user's hand, with or without gloves, mittens, or the like. Other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a reading of the specification, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements in the several views.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the invention, a unique single attachment point wrist strap system for a sports pole is provided that allows for easy entry and exit of the wrist strap loop using a single hand. The strap system is comprised of a single generally rectangular flat strap with both ends placed together and attached within a recessed channel in proximity to the top of the handle of the sports pole. Before the ends are attached one end is twisted 180 degrees from the other. The handle provides for easy removal and replacement of the strap thereby allowing for interchangeability for repair or design change as may be required or desired by the user. The configuration of the strap and method of attachment to the sports pole handle establishes and maintains an enlarged loop for easy transit of the wrist strap by the use of one hand. The wrist strap system is universal in that it is configured for use by either hand of the user.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical prior art ski pole handle and wrist strap arrangement having a single point attachment of the strap in the proximity of the top of the pole handle;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ski pole handle and wrist strap system of the invention illustrating horizontal single point attachment of the strap to the pole handle;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the system of FIG. 2 illustrating horizontal attachment of the strap to the ski pole handle;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating vertical single point attachment of the strap to the ski pole handle;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 3 indicating the addition of a loop spreading member to the wrist strap system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 5 showing addition of an alternate loop spreading member to the wrist strap;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 6 indicating in phantom the method of loop entry of a gloved hand for grasping the pole handle;

FIG. 8 is a length-wise sectional view of the spreading member of FIG. 2 taken along the lines 8-8 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 9 is a length-wise sectional view of the spreading member of FIG. 6 taken along the lines 9-9 of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that even though a ski pole wrist strap is indicated and described herein, the teachings of the present invention apply equally well to other sports pole devices, such as walking sticks, that would benefit from the use of the wrist strap system.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a prior art ski pole and wrist strap system, generally designated 10, with single point attachment of the strap 11 in proximity to the top of the handle 12. Strap 11 is shown including open and closure means 11b in the form of a buckle although the strap 11 often is of one piece. Open and closure means 11b permits the strap 11a to be opened as necessary to accept a hand (not shown) and then closed around the wrist. (not shown) of the user. As seen, strap 11 is folded with the ends brought together without twisting and then inserted into the vertical slot 12a of handle 12. As arranged, the wrist strap 11 hangs loosely downwardly over the handle 12 which results in a shallow loop, generally designated 13. Further, because of the extra weight of the open and closure means 11b, the loop 13 becomes even shallower. The shallow loop 13 makes it necessary to use both hands to effect entry and exit of a hand through the loop 13 to grasp the handle 12, and if a glove is worn, transiting the loop becomes even more difficult. Also, with the requirement for use of both hands to open the loop 13 there is a tendency for the skier to improperly effect entry of the loop 13 by inserting the hand downwardly from the top and then grasping the handle 12, the proper entry procedure being to enter through the loop 13 from the bottom upwardly and then to grasp the handle 12 with a portion of the wrist strap 11 pressed against the handle 12.

FIGS. 2-9 illustrate the sports pole wrist strap system, generally designated 20, as applied to a ski pole in accordance with the present invention, wherein only one hand of the user is required for transit of the wrist strap 21. FIG. 2 illustrates the sports pole handle and wrist strap system 20 with the ends of strap 21 brought together and then one end twisted 180 degrees, as indicated by numeral 21b, before insertion into the transverse, or horizontal, slot 22a of handle 22, the slot 22a being located on the rearward side of the handle 22 away from the finger grip of the handle 22. As seen, the bottom strap end is twisted 180 degrees clockwise before insertion into the horizontal slot 22a. If the top strap is to be twisted, it is to be twisted 180 degrees counter-clockwise before insertion. The proper 180 degree twist 21b of strap 21 operates to force strap 21 into forming and maintaining an expanded loop, designated 23. Configured in this manner, loop 23 allows proper transit (from below) of a user's hand, whether bare or covered, such as with a glove, without the necessity of using two hands. The configuration is universal in that it is suitable for proper use by either hand. Further, with the strap 21 twisted in accordance with the invention and the handle 22 grasped as described, as discussed below the strap 21 will lay unfurled flatly between the palm of the user and the handle 22. Also as will be further discussed, the strap 21 may include flexible stiffening means, herein designated 21b, as an additional or alternate method to establish and maintain the expanded loop 23. The ends of the strap 21 are replaceably secured within the handle 22 in any suitable manner; however, as indicated a screw 24 is inserted from the top of handle 22 as will be explained. The strap 21 can be formed of cloth or other suitable material.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in an exploded view of the system 20 of FIG. 2, the single point attachment of the twisted strap 21 in proximity to the top of ski pole handle 22. The twisted strap 21 is shown with first and second ends having grommets 26a, 26b, respectively (grommet 26a shown and grommet 26b indicated), which are aligned within slot 22a to receive screw, or other appropriate means, 24. As indicated, screw 24 is inserted through threaded hole 25, grommets 26a, 26b, and into the handle 22. Screw 24 can be easily removed to allow removal of the strap 21 for repair or design change as may be required or as desired by the user. It is understood that other appropriate means, such as a removable pin, may be used to releasably attach strap 21 to handle 22 in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates in a perspective view, another arrangement in accordance with the invention, generally designated 40. In this arrangement, twisted strap 21 is reoriented 90 degrees from what is shown in FIG. 3, and as indicated inserted into an inline, or vertical, slot 22b, slot 22b located in proximity to the top of handle 22a, and on the side of handle 22a away from the finger grip of handle 22a. As indicated, screw 24 is inserted horizontally through hole 25a and grommets 26a, 26b and then into the handle 22a. This arrangement also provides for proper transit through the bottom of loop 23 to grasp the handle 22a. In this arrangement, in order to establish the proper twist, the strap ends are brought together vertically and then the end on the right is twisted clockwise 180 degrees before insertion into vertical slot 22b. If the end on the left is to be twisted it should be twisted 180 degrees counter-clockwise.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the ski pole handle and wrist strap of FIG. 3 with the addition of a resilient loop spreading member, generally designated 50, in accordance with the invention. Shown in FIG. 5 is resilient member 50 indicated as being added to the outside of strap 21. Member 50 is shown as a longitudinal spring 51 including end caps 51a and cover 52. The member 50 attached to strap 21 as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 illustrates in perspective view the ski pole handle and wrist strap system of FIG. 6 indicating in phantom the proper method of loop transit (from bottom) of a gloved hand 70 for grasping the handle 22. In this manner the heel support for the gloved hand 70 is provided by the one point attachment looped strap 21 of the invention rather than by a lower base member on an elongated handle as prevalent in many prior art disclosures. As indicated the gloved hand is inserted through the enlarged loop 33 and the handle 22 then grasped with the strap 21 lying unfurled flatly between the palm of the glove 70 and the handle 22. Thus, only one hand is used to properly grasp the handle 22 of the ski pole. The one point attachment system of the invention is further advantageous in that in the case of a fall the ski pole is free to rotate without forcing a rotation of the skier's hand and wrist. Further, in a fall the one point attachment system of the invention serves to effectively retain the ski pole to the skier's wrist. As seen, when properly grasped the resilient member 50 is positioned on the outside of strap 21. The same is true when spreading member 21b is used. Although not shown, the user may find it convenient to hold up the pole by the top of the strap 21 and then manually transit the loop 23 with the other hand.

FIG. 8 illustrates in a longitudinal length-wise sectional view a flexible resilient loop spreader member 21b taken along strap 21 as indicated by the lines 8-8 of FIG. 2. Member 21b may be a strip 80 of silicone, or the equivalent, with a cloth cover 81.

FIG. 9 illustrates in a longitudinal length-wise sectional view a flexible resilient loop spreader member 50, taken longitudinally as indicated by the lines 9-9 of FIG. 6. Loop spreader member 50 is shown as a spring 51 with end caps 51 a and a cloth cover 52.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is not intended to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, the foregoing considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A sports pole wrist strap system, comprising:

a sports pole having a handle, said handle having a gripping surface with a top portion above said gripping surface;

a recessed slot located proximate said top portion on the side of said handle away from said gripping surface;

a generally flat strap having first and a second ends and inner and outer sides;

said first and second ends folded in an untwisted manner with the inner side of each end brought together; and one of said ends twisted 180 degrees such that an outer side is brought together with an inner side to establish an expanded wrist strap loop arrangement, this arrangement seated in said recessed slot to form a wrist strap loop for transit by a user's hand; and

said strap includes stiffening means at the bottom of said loop for expanding and maintaining said loop.

2. The wrist strap system of claim 1 wherein said stiffening means is embedded longitudinally in said strap at the bottom of said loop for expanding and maintaining said loop.

3. The wrist strap system of claim 1 including means for removably capturing said ends when seated in said handle.

4. The wrist strap system of claim 3 wherein said recessed slot is recessed in said handle transverse to the longitudinal center line of said handle.

4. The wrist strap system of claim 3 wherein said recessed slot is recessed in said handle transverse to the longitudinal center line of said handle.

5. The wrist strap system of claim 3 where said recessed slot is recessed in said handle in line with the longitudinal center line of said handle.

6. The wrist strap system of claim 3 wherein said stiffener means is flexible and resilient.

7. (canceled)

8. A method providing for a wrist strap loop for a sports pole comprising:

providing a sports pole having a handle with a gripping surface and a top portion;

providing a recessed wrist strap mounting slot located proximate said top portion;

providing a generally flat wrist strap having first and second ends and inner and outer sides;

said first and second ends folded in an untwisted manner with the inner side of each end brought together and then one end twisted 180 degrees from the other such that an outer side is brought together with an inner side to form a loop configured for transit by a user's hand; and

said ends inserted into said slot and secured.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein said wrist strap loop includes stiffener means embedded longitudinally in said strap for spreading said loop.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said stiffener means is flexible and resilient.

11. (canceled)

12. A sports pole wrist strap system, comprising:

an elongated pole having a shaft and a handle, said handle having a gripping surface and a top portion extending above said gripping surface;

a recessed wrist strap mounting slot located proximate said top on the side of said handle opposite to said gripping surface;

a generally flat wrist strap having first and a second ends and inner and outer sides;

said first and second ends brought together with a selected end twisted 180 degrees from the other such that an outer side is brought together with an inner side and then seated in said slot to form a loop for transit by a user's hand.

13. The wrist strap system of claim 12 including a loop stiffener member embedded longitudinally in said strap at the bottom of said loop for expanding and maintaining said loop.

14. The wrist strap system of claim 13 wherein said stiffener member is flexible and resilient.

15. (canceled)

16. The wrist strap system of claim 13 including capture means for securing said ends when seated in said handle.

17. The wrist strap system of claim 16 wherein said capture means is selected to provide convenient removal and replacement of said wrist strap for repair or design change.

18. The wrist strap system of claim 16 where said recessed mounting slot is recessed in said handle transverse to the longitudinal center line of said handle.

19. The wrist strap system of claim 16 where said recessed mounting slot is recessed in said handle in line with the longitudinal center line of said handle.