Ring Or Basket Patents (Class 280/824)
  • Patent number: 11772752
    Abstract: A mast assembly for a hydrofoil watersports board system includes a mast, a fuselage adapter, and a watersports board mount. The mast has a fuselage end coupled with the fuselage adapter and a board end coupled with the watersports board mount. The mast includes a side profile having width dimensions in portions of the mast that are greater than at its fuselage end and its board end. The fuselage adapter couples to a fuselage of a lower assembly, which further includes a front wing and a tail wing. The watersports board mount couples to a watersports board. The mast includes internally integral stringers to improve structural integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Adherend Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: G. Kyle Lobisser
  • Patent number: 11701572
    Abstract: A ski pole including a sleeve and a snow basket, wherein the upper end of the sleeve is provided with a hook, the snow basket is provided with a sleeve mounting groove, the upper end of the sleeve mounting groove is provided with an engagement groove and a press section, the diameter of the press section is slightly larger than the diameter of the sleeve, the press section drives the engagement groove to deform elastically, the sleeve is installed on the snow basket by inserting the sleeve mounting groove, and the hook is engaged on the engagement groove. The present invention has the following advantageous effects: the installation and disassembly of snow bracket and sleeve do not require professional tools to operate, a user can complete the disassembly and installation of snow bracket with their bare hands, the installation is convenient and quick and it saves time and costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Zhouyang Zheng
  • Patent number: 10721999
    Abstract: A device and method to facilitate the opening and closing and closing of a ski boot. The devices includes a buckle attachment section, a ski pole cooperation section and a securing member. The buckle attachment section has a cavity which is dimensioned to receive a free end of the buckle therein to prevent unwanted movement of the buckle attachment section relative to the buckle. The ski pole cooperation section has a ski pole receiving opening. The ski pole receiving opening extends through the ski pole cooperation section and is dimensioned to receive an end of a ski pole therein. The securing member secures the device to the buckle of the ski boot. The device allows the buckles of the ski boot to be latched and unlatched with minimal twisting of the skier's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignees: Bird with Fry Corp., The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Karen Phyllis Norheim, Joshua Ernest Fouraker, Zachary James Stehouwer, Cara Michelle Fiala, Donald Richard Fay, III, Douglas B. Schumer, Sedat Peker, Vrushti Modi
  • Patent number: 10681968
    Abstract: A wading stick is provided with an expanding elastomer support that prevents the stick from sinking into mud or other soft surfaces. The distal end of the support expands away from the stick when it contacts the soft surface. The support circumference increases in response to contact with soft surface and the increased circumference prevents the stick and support from sinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Inventor: Robert E Marsh
  • Patent number: 10517361
    Abstract: Attachment for a pole, in particular for a trekking pole, cross-country ski pole, Nordic-walking pole, or Alpine ski pole, comprising a substantially cylindrical sleeve (3) which can be fastened to the bottom free end (25) of a pole shaft (1), comprising a blind hole (22) open towards the top to accommodate the bottom free end of the pole bar, and an interchangeable element (2), which can be fastened to the sleeve in a detachable form-fitting and force-fitting manner. The sleeve comprises a head region (4) and an adjoining body region (5) extending downwards, and an outer thread (6) on at least one axial section of the body region. The interchangeable element comprises a tip or a rolling surface on the bottom end (21) thereof, wherein the interchangeable element has an axial blind hole (15) open towards the top for accommodating the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: LEKISPORT AG
    Inventor: Eberhard Heim
  • Patent number: 10166458
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ski pole basket having at least a barrel shaped body (2) of the basket, wherein a thread (21) of the body extends along the body (2) of the basket at least from one open end face of the body to the opposite end face of the body, and on the opposite end face of the body an end piece (3) of the basket is attached, and a nut (5) that is formed so that it is slidably moveable on the ski pole shaft and enterable into a thread joint with the body (2) of the basket. According to the invention the ski pole basket comprises a sleeve (4) that is made fixedly attachable to the ski pole shaft by means of a sleeve (4), wherein at least on one open end face of the sleeve a circumferential collar (41) of the sleeve is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: KV2 Sagl
    Inventor: Taoufik Khamitov
  • Patent number: 10080698
    Abstract: A walking aid accessory that is an aesthetic glider for a walker and a method of manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Steve Ayre
  • Patent number: 10045905
    Abstract: A walking aid accessory that is an aesthetic glider for a walker and a method of manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Steve Ayre
  • Patent number: 9713759
    Abstract: Ski pole accessories are described herein. Ski pole accessories can include a releasable ski pole basket system, a ski pole clamp system, and a releasable ski pole strap system. A ski pole basket system can include a ski pole ferrule and a ski pole basket having a slot therethrough that receives and secures the ski pole ferrule. A ski pole clamp system can include a rubber mold with a first and a second thickness to secure the ski pole clamp to an upper component and a lower component of a ski pole. A releasable ski pole strap system can include a pole mount including a jaw that engages a strap attachment member, where operation of the jaw disengages the strap attachment member from the ski pole mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Inventor: Andrew D. Liebner
  • Patent number: 9138034
    Abstract: An end piece for a pole and a pole including such end piece, the end piece including a basket including a housing for receiving a distal end of a shaft of the pole, as well as a locking ring for surrounding at least a portion of the housing. The housing is demarcated by a wall supporting at least one catch provided, at a first end, with a nub configured to extend within the housing, the catch being capable of assuming a plurality of configurations corresponding to various radial positions of the nub. The ring is shaped to limit the radial displacement of the first end of the catch outward of the housing when the ring is assembled to the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Thierry Donnadieu, Eric Girault
  • Patent number: 8973946
    Abstract: A ski pole comprises an elongate pole having a distal end and a proximal end. A grip is attached to the proximal end of the pole and is configured for grasping by a user. A basket assembly is coupled proximate to the distal end of the pole. The basket assembly comprises a generally disk shaped body and a plate defining a bottle opener embedded in the body, the bottle opener defines a plate opening configured for at least partially receiving a cap of a bottle therein and prying the cap from the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Alexander William Carr
  • Publication number: 20140209134
    Abstract: An end piece for a pole and a pole including such end piece, the end piece including a basket comprising a housing for receiving a distal end of a shaft of the pole, as well as a locking ring for surrounding at least a portion of the housing. The housing is demarcated by a wall supporting at least one catch provided, at a first end, with a nub configured to extend within the housing, the catch being capable of assuming a plurality of configurations corresponding to various radial positions of the nub. The ring is shaped to limit the radial displacement of the first end of the catch outward of the housing when the ring is assembled to the basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Thierry DONNADIEU, Eric GIRAULT
  • Publication number: 20130328297
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pole basket (8) for a ski pole, cross-country pole, trekking pole, Nordic walking pole, or hiking pole, in particular for a ski pole for the touring sector, wherein the pole basket (8) has a planar basket region (9, 11, 15). The pole basket is characterized in that the basket region (9, 11, 15) can be folded in a folded state at least in some regions in the direction of a pole tip (5, 7), and can be opened in the opposite direction to a stop, at which the basket region forms a flat or only unsubstantially curved plane, and that the pole basket (8) is transferred into the folded state by a force acting on a upper face of the basket region (9, 11), and that the pole basket returns to the open state independently when said force is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: LEKISPORT AG
    Inventors: Markus Sebastian Lenhart, Anna Friederike Lenhart
  • Patent number: 8505975
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a solution for releasably attaching and fastening an end piece to a pole such as a ski pole suited for cross country skiing, downhill skiing roller skiing or walking. The end piece may be a basket providing a thrust bearing surface on snow or it may be an end piece with a sharp point for use in walking or roller skiing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Swix Sport AS
    Inventors: Lars Karlöf, Svein Pedersen, Elise Reiten
  • Patent number: 8434790
    Abstract: A stick snow ring (1) for a stick is described, with a stick holder (5) for receiving a stick tube. According to the invention, the stick snow ring (1) is characterized in that the snow ring region (2, 3) is designed as an essentially rigid disc and is fastened by means of a joint (4) in a manner such that it can rotate freely about a stick axis (A) and such that it can tilt about a tilt axis (B) over an angular range of 150°. The size of the snow ring can preferably be adapted individually to various use conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Lekisport AG
    Inventor: Klaus Lenhart
  • Patent number: 8317229
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable ski pole basket that can adjust the basket area from a position useful in low-buoyancy-need conditions, such as packed powder, to a position useful in high-buoyancy-need conditions, such as powder. The basket has a fixed based and a movable petal. The petal moves from a compact position useful in low-buoyancy-need conditions to an expanded position useful in high-buoyancy-need conditions, and back. In certain embodiments, the petal is biased toward the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas C. Virostek
  • Patent number: 8302996
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a basket for a ski pole at the tip of the pole, in which the basket comprises a disk of flexible rods, bristles or filaments extending from a hub and in which the hub contains a center opening for a ski pole shaft to be inserted. The rods, bristles or filaments extend from perpendicular to the shaft down to 45 degrees towards the tip of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Mark McLain
  • Publication number: 20110272932
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a basket for ski pole comprising a hub of flexible extensions forming an umbel in which the hub contains a center opening for a ski pole shaft to be inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Mark McLain
  • Publication number: 20110187092
    Abstract: The present invention provides a snow basket 16 comprising a connecting portion 24 by which the snow basket 16 is connected or connectable with a main body of a pole 10, and a snow catching portion 28 which extends out from the connecting portion 24 and comprises an outer delimiting edge 36, wherein the snow catching portion 28 comprises a slot 42 which reaches from the outer delimiting edge 36 to an inner portion 44 of the snow catching portion 28 and is open at the outer delimiting edge 36.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Salewa Sport AG
    Inventor: Georg NICKAES
  • Patent number: 7926849
    Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment for a ski pole, especially for downhill or cross-country skiing, comprising a tip attachment (3) that is provided with an upward-facing receiving area (4) for a pole tube (1), a downward-facing pole tip (7, 8), and a rigid basket area (5) which essentially extends on a plane that runs perpendicular or at a 60° to 120° angle to the axis of the pole tube (1). In order to be able to easily adjust the ski pole to different snow conditions, a basket plate (9) is disposed in the basket area (5) in such a way that said basket plate (9) can be fastened in a first position (15) and in at least one second position (16) in which the basket plate (9) is displaced relative to the first position substantially along the plane of the basket area (5), the supporting surface that is effective on the ground being larger in the second position (16) than in the first position (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Lekisport AG
    Inventor: Klaus Lenhart
  • Publication number: 20110084472
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a solution for releasably attaching and fastening an end piece to a pole such as a ski pole suited for cross country skiing, downhill skiing roller skiing or walking. The end piece may be a basket providing a thrust bearing surface on snow or it may be an end piece with a sharp point for use in walking or roller skiing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: SWIX SPORTS AS
    Inventors: Lars Karlöf, Svein Pedersen, Elise Reiten
  • Publication number: 20110018250
    Abstract: A stick snow ring (1) for a stick is described, with a stick holder (5) for receiving a stick tube. According to the invention, the stick snow ring (1) is characterized in that the snow ring region (2, 3) is designed as an essentially rigid disc and is fastened by means of a joint (4) in a manner such that it can rotate freely about a stick axis (A) and such that it can tilt about a tilt axis (B) over an angular range of 150°. The size of the snow ring can preferably be adapted individually to various use conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Klaus Lenhart
  • Publication number: 20100001504
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable ski pole basket that can adjust the basket area from a position useful in low-buoyancy-need conditions, such as packed powder, to a position useful in high-buoyancy-need conditions, such as powder. The basket has a fixed based and a movable petal. The petal moves from a compact position useful in low-buoyancy-need conditions to an expanded position useful in high-buoyancy-need conditions, and back. In certain embodiments, the petal is biased toward the expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas C. Virostek
  • Publication number: 20090194986
    Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment for a ski pole, especially for downhill or cross-country skiing, comprising a tip attachment (3) that is provided with an upward-facing receiving area (4) for a pole tube (1), a downward-facing pole tip (7, 8), and a rigid basket area (5) which essentially extends on a plane that runs perpendicular or at a 60° to 120° angle to the axis of the pole tube (1). In order to be able to easily adjust the ski pole to different snow conditions, a basket plate (9) is disposed in the basket area (5) in such a way that said basket plate (9) can be fastened in a first position (15) and in at least one second position (16) in which the basket plate (9) is displaced relative to the first position substantially along the plane of the basket area (5), the supporting surface that is effective on the ground being larger in the second position (16) than in the first position (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Klaus Lenhart
  • Publication number: 20090058064
    Abstract: A ski pole basket adapted to couple to a ski boot buckle and perform one of an opening or a closing of the ski boot buckle when one of general longitudinal push or a general longitudinal pull of a coupled ski pole is performed. The ski pole basket is then adapted to uncouple from the ski boot buckle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Albert Francis Ford III, Doug P. Collins, Kenneth House
  • Patent number: 7226084
    Abstract: A pole handle (10) provided with a hand retaining device (11) in the form of a toggle strap or a glove which can become detachably engaged with the pole handle (10) by means of a connecting element (64) disposed on the hand retaining device (11). A second connecting element (46) which cooperates with the first connecting element (64) is provided in a recess (26) of the pole handle and can be moved by means of an actuating member (41), which is accessible in the handle head region. In order to ensure a simpler and more ergonomic detachable fixing of the hand retaining device, access to the pole handle recess (26) is provided by means of a longitudinal slit (31) which extends from above to below the area of movement of the second connecting element (46), and parallel or inclined in relation to the longitudinal pole handle axis (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Klaus Lenhart
  • Patent number: 7201401
    Abstract: A collapsible snowboarder pole is divided into a number of segments. The segments are stored in a housing that also functions as a handle when the pole is in use. Tent pole technology enables the segments to fold out and hold shape. The pole segments mate with one another and are held in place by an elastic cord. The cord provides sufficient elasticity to allow the user to pull apart the pole segments enough to disengage them from one another when collapsing the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Friedman
  • Patent number: 7192058
    Abstract: A ski pole disc is provided for attachment to a ski pole. The ski pole disc includes a body extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ski pole and having a hole in a central portion thereof to receive the ski pole. An electronic circuit is positioned in the body, and the body is configured to allow illumination generated by the electronic circuit to be visible through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Snow Stamps L.L.C.
    Inventor: Larry E. Fleming
  • Patent number: 6491323
    Abstract: A ski pole handle assembly having an elongated body adapted to axially engage an upper portion of a ski pole wherein the upper portion of the ski pole is substantially aligned with a shaft of the ski pole, a hand grip pivotable between pull and push poling stroke positions, and a hand grip return mechanism for urging said hand grip from the push position to the pull position of a poling stroke is provided. The hand grip has upper and lower end portions, the upper end portion being pivotably connected to a free end of the elongated body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: James Kustritz
  • Patent number: 6390109
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a pole provided with a quick-releasing interchangeable lateral support extension, especially a walking, skiing, alpine skiing or other sports pole. Around the lower end of the pole (1) is injection molded a sleeve socket (2) from which a guide projection (3) and a locking projection (4) protrude. The lateral support extension sleeve (6, 8) includes a resilient tongue (12), below which there is a receiving aperture (14) for the locking projection (4). The sleeve also includes a guide groove (11) for receiving the guide projection (3). The lateral support extension (5) is easy to detach by turning the resilient tongue (12) outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Exel Oyj
    Inventor: Taisto Manninen
  • Patent number: 6270106
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle with a foot-shifted manual transmission and a full platform-style footrest. The all terrain vehicle has a chassis carrying a straddle-type seat which is sufficiently narrow to be straddled by a rider. A laterally extending footrest is provided on each side of the chassis. The manual transmission includes a foot-operable shift lever located on one side of the chassis adjacent the footrest for shifting the transmission among a plurality of forward gears. The footrest is generally rectangular, having generally horizontal heel and toe portions, and the shift lever is positioned at approximately the same height as the heel portion. The toe portion is positioned lower than the heel portion, permitting a rider to depress the shift lever to a position lower than the heel portion of the footrest to downshift the transmission, and permitting the rider to insert his toe in between the toe portion of the footrest and the shifting lever to move the lever upwards to upshift the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Polaris Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Maki, Alan S. Olson, Mihai Rasidescu, Timothy S. Wysocki
  • Patent number: 6217073
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable snow pole which is particularly useful by snowboarders. In the retracted position the pole is adapted to be mounted on the snowboard between the front and rear bindings. In the extended position the pole is adapted to be gripped by the snowboarder at one end and utilizes a basket affixed to the opposite end of the pole to push the user along the surface of the snow or ice enabling him to more easily traverse a flat area or to aid him in getting upright after a fall. The length of the snow pole is adjustable to a plurality of positions. The grip end of the pole is pivotally mounted and the plate or basket end can be rotated upwardly such that a portion of the basket overlaps the rear leg or knee of the user to support the rear end of the snowboard when the user is seated on a chairlift. Detent mechanisms provide easy access for extending and retracting the pole. A second detent mechanism enables a pivotable and removable connection of the grip end of the pole from the snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Paul Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6203064
    Abstract: The pole includes a shaft at one axial end of which a small basket is replaceably mounted by a removable bayonet-type attachment device which comprises a locking member capable of preventing relative rotation between the shaft and the basket once the latter is fixed to the shaft in the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Masters S.r.l.
    Inventor: Renato Zaltron
  • Patent number: 6015165
    Abstract: A weight distribution and support device for use on an unstable support surface includes attachment means for engagement with the lower end of a ski pole and a support base, or umbrella, adapted to be opened and closed. The support sturcture has a plurality of support spines radially extending from the attachment means, and a covering which surrounds and is supported by the spines. When in its opened state, the support base or umbrella engages the surface of the snow, thereby allowing the user to lean upon the upper end of the ski pole, exerting a downward force upon the support base, and gaining stability when standing up in deep snow or other unstable conditions. The support device preferably includes a strap or other means secured to the outer covering to maintain the device in its closed state during transport and storage, or to allow the user to wear the device on his hand, without the need for a ski pole. The device may also be used as a support stand for equipment in sand or snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventors: Chris A. Artemis, William P. Mentgen, Daniel A. Joseph
  • Patent number: 5358277
    Abstract: A ski pole assembly includes a pole and a snow head/scraper mounted toward the lower end of the pole. The snow head/scraper is in the form of disc-like member defining an upper surface and a lower surface, with a peripheral edge extending therebetween. The peripheral edge includes a substantially flat, planar surface. The intersection between the substantially flat, planar surface and one of the surfaces of the snow head/scraper member defines a substantially linear scraping edge, which is used by a skier to scrape snow from the sole of the skier's boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Ronald J. Klement, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5290064
    Abstract: A combination bail and tip for a pole used in snow skiing. The combination bale and tip is formed from a rigid material such as metal or plastic. The combination bale and tip is rectilinear on its outer surface and curvilinear on its inner surface. The outer surface is substantially in the form of a right angle with one surface being parallel with the longitudinal center line and the outer surface being normal to the longitudinal center line of the pole. The lower end of the parallel portion of the bale or tip is in the form of substantially a right triangle wedge with the inner surface angled from the rectilinear surface toward the curvilinear surface. An opening is formed in the top surface to receive the distal end of a ski pole which is fixedly attached therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventors: Raul Leon, Timothy J. Miranda
  • Patent number: 5150913
    Abstract: A ski binding comprising a release mechanism controllable voluntarily through a wireless transmission path and releases a lock of a jaw of the binding, which transmission path is controlled by a manually operable switch. To avoid an undesired release of the binding, it is provided that the switch is countersunk into an outwardly opening recess in the handle on a skipole, so that the manually operable part of a button on the switch can be manually engaged only by purposefully inserting a finger of a user's hand into the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: TMC Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus Hoelzl
  • Patent number: 5139283
    Abstract: This invention discloses an adjustable and foldable ski pole which comprises two pole sections hinged together to be foldable into a uniquely convenient compact structure that can be carried safely and easily and can be easily stored in a car, boot bag or its own nylon bag while being adjustable for users of different heights. The ski pole has an especially robust construction to be durable and suitable for professional use. Further benefits are provided for retailers and ski rental agencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventors: Robert L. Dow, Philip S. Kornblum, Jay S. Lief
  • Patent number: 5058923
    Abstract: An alpine skiing aid has a tapered, elongate rod with a lower snow or ice engaging tip end and an upper gripping end. The gripping end is canted forwardly so that the alignment of the user's wrist is in an osteologically correct position. The lower snow or ice engaging tip is canted backwardly to provide for a firmer, more secure hold in the snow or ice when planting the pole as a pivoting point around which to turn. The canting and bending of the rod are respectively defined by a first region of bend spaced below but adjacent to the upper gripping surface, and a second region of bend spaced above but adjacent to the lower surface engaging end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: Hal J. Dale
  • Patent number: 4955969
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a free technique ski pole comprising a pole stick (2), to the lower end of which is rigidly fixed by sleeve-like fitting (5) a plastic snow disc (3), near the front edge (8, 9) of which is a spike-fastening sleeve (6) to which the spike (7) is fastened. In free technique skiing the pole is in a sideways inclined position during pushing. The spike's hold is thus improved and the support of the snow disc's bearing surface on the ground becomes more even, when looking from the front, the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pole stick forms an angle of about 5.degree.-15.degree. with respect to the direction of the spike (7). Correspondingly, the snow disc edge (10) on the side of the skier is positioned higher and the bearing surface (12) connected to it forms a smaller angle with respect to the horizontal plane than the outer side edge (11) of the snow disc and the bearing surface (13) connected to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Exel Oy
    Inventors: Rainer Jansson, Aimo Pirttiaho
  • Patent number: 4921275
    Abstract: A ski pole is provided with a space conserving foldable snow ring, said snow ring being a plastic moulding comprising a sleeve member and a basket member having a wing portion forming a bearing surface which can be pivoted between storage and working positions. The portion of the wing portion adjacent the sleeve can be flexed as the wing portion is pivoted between its working and storage positions. A bracket extends rearwardly from the sleeve member for detachably supporting and locking the wing portion in working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Exel OY
    Inventors: Ensio Santanen, Esko Rauvala
  • Patent number: 4793627
    Abstract: A paired, sporting, ski-steering device for use with a pair of skis with the skier's feet locked in position by standard ski bindings, providing the skier with an upright handlebar for each ski, both skis being totally independent from one another. The handlebars are attached to the front of each ski at mid-position between the toe piece of the standard ski binding and the front tip of the ski. The handlebars telescopically adjust in height so when retracted to a short length they reach vertically from approximately the knee to the mid-thigh of the skier so he/she can use this ski steering device in a tucked-in position; when extended, these handlebars are easily and manually detachable from the skis and instantly become a full length ski pole adjustable to the skier's height and comfort. Various locking devices to readily lock/unlock these handlebars to the skis are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Inventor: F. Javier Monreal
  • Patent number: 4787652
    Abstract: The proposed crosscountry ski stick comprises a tube with a handgrip at its top and a snow-wheel at its lower end, fitted with a spike. The areas of contact with the snow are completely asymmetrical, that is without any symmetry axis. The spike lies in a plane which slants outwards with respect to the skier and forms an angle between 15.degree. and 45.degree.. The snow-wheel has a markedly asymmetrical shape i.e. it has no symmetry axis, it has two essentially straight sides which fan out from the tube forming an angle of between 60.degree. and 90.degree.. One of the straight sides is substantially perpendicular to the skier's direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Inventor: Attilio Pronzati
  • Patent number: 4775168
    Abstract: A ski pole has a handle adapted to urge the shaft forward during a pole plant. The handle has a finger grip attached to the pole and a palm element pivotally connected to the top of the finger element. A spring biases the finger element away from the palm element. The handle may be equipped with a strap that aids in transmission of downward force from a hand to the ski pole. This strap also is adjustable and provides for quick safety release. The ski pole may also be provided with a basket that universally pivots on the bottom of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Daleboot USA
    Inventor: Melvin W. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 4700975
    Abstract: A ski pole with a ski pole rod and snow support element, whereby the snow support element is attached to a lower end zone of the ski pole rod and has a downwardly open shell element with a deflecting collar and with a rim for contacting a snow surface and preventing slippage of the pole with respect to the snow surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Inventors: Gero Ehemann, Klaus Mainz
  • Patent number: 4676525
    Abstract: A ski pole basket (1) is described which is attached rigidly to a ski pole. The basket comprises an outwardly extending support surface (3) and is provided with a peak socket (4) directed downwards. By the peak socket being attached to the basket in front of the point where the basket is attached to the pole there is achieved an improved grip into the ground and an improved pendulum effect in the cycle of pole motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Trygve Liljedahl Skistavfabrikk A/S
    Inventors: Per H. Sorlien, Iver A. Helgaker, Magne Halvorsen, Jan H. Rustad
  • Patent number: 4669752
    Abstract: A cross country ski pole assembly having an end piece for interchangeably mounting baskets at different axial locations for use in touring, deep powder, and racing. The end piece has a stepped construction with an upper cylindrical section of larger diameter than a lower cylindrical section. General touring and deep powder baskets are provided with bores that fit the upper section; racing baskets have bores that fit the lower section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Randy D. Jackson
    Inventors: Randy D. Jackson, Mary F. Woodman, Catherine J. Small
  • Patent number: 4582341
    Abstract: Ski pole modifying apparatus includes a seat contacting member and a ski/boot contacting member. The seat contacting member includes a pole encircling portion with an elongated collar section. An arm portion extends from the collar section and includes a transverse section extending the full length of the arm portion disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axis of the collar section. A radial section extends from the periphery of the collar section along substantially the full height thereof and tapers downwardly toward the free end of the transverse section. The ski/boot contacting member includes a platform portion with a central opening surrounded by a cylindrical section and an odd number of substantially equal length peripheral edges with a minimum of five. A generally circular opening extends through the platform portion adjacent a midpoint of each peripheral edge thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Inventor: John S. Erickson
  • Patent number: 4385776
    Abstract: This invention relates to ski sticks which are provided with interchangeable wheels fitted with fastening structure engaging in corresponding structure integral with the stick rod, which are of complementary shape to the former and are such as to releasably engage therein, so as to clamp said wheel to the stick rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1983
    Inventor: Attilio Pronzati
  • Patent number: 4343491
    Abstract: A snow disk for a ski stick, the disk comprising a socket-shaped portion to be mounted on the stick and a rigid annular rim which is secured to the socket portion by radially directed flexible support ribs which yield so that the annular rim can pivot relatively to the socket portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Assignee: Exel Oy
    Inventor: Yrjo Aho