Abstract: A locking mechanism interconnects telescoping outer and inner tubes between extended and retracted lengths, such as for a trek or ski pole. A detent or pin movably extends between the outer and inner tubes to secure the tubes with respect to one another. A connector sleeve can be disposed on one tube, and movably receive the other tube therein. A button can be carried by the sleeve, and is depressable to force the pin away from the outer tube, allowing the inner tube to slide. The button can be formed on an annular band that deforms when the button is depressed, and the resiliently returns to its initial shape when released to bias the button away from the detent or pin.

Abstract: A locking mechanism interconnects telescoping outer and inner tubes between extended and retracted lengths, such as for a trek or ski pole. A detent or pin movably extends between the outer and inner tubes to secure the tubes with respect to one another. A connector sleeve can be disposed on one tube, and movably receive the other tube therein. A button can be carried by the sleeve, and is depressable to force the pin away from the outer tube, allowing the inner tube to slide. The button can be formed on an annular band that deforms when the button is depressed, and the resiliently returns to its initial shape when released to bias the button away from the detent or pin.

Abstract: A cross-country ski binding for mounting on a ski to hold a ski boot includes a base plate for mounting on the upper surface of the ski. The base plate has a front section on which a resilient compression element, such as a spring, is mounted. The compression element is coupled to a forward end of a cable so that when rearward force is applied to the cable, the compression element provides resistance to the rearward movement of the cable, and then expands to pull the cable forward when the rearward force is removed. A toe plate is mounted on the base plate for receiving and holding a ski boot toe. The toe plate has a channel formed below the upper surface thereof, which extends from the front section rearwardly for receiving the cable. The cable is coupled at the forward end to the compression element and extends rearwardly through the channel.

Abstract: An adjustable length ski pole includes two telescopically fitted together ski pole halves, and a clamp disposed about the joint between the two pole halves. The clamp includes a resilient tubular member having an annular sidewall which defines a cylindrical bore, where the sidewall is formed with a longitudinally extending gap to allow the tubular member to be selectively biased to reduce the gap width and thus the diameter of the bore, or to enlarge the gap width and thus the diameter of the bore. The gap defines first and second opposing sidewall edges having coaxial first and second openings respectively.

Abstract: An adjustable length ski pole includes two telescopically fitted together ski pole halves, and a clamp disposed about the joint between the two pole halves. The clamp includes a resilient tubular member having an annular sidewall which defines a cylindrical bore, where the sidewall is formed with a longitudinally extending gap to allow the tubular member to be selectively biased to reduce the gap width and thus the diameter of the bore, or to enlarge the gap width and thus the diameter of the bore. The gap defines first and second opposing sidewall edges having coaxial first and second openings respectively.