Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure is a pole apparatus. The pole apparatus may comprise a grip segment comprising a cord attachment surface; a pole segment; a tip segment and a cord extending between at least the pole segment and the tip segment. The grip segment, the pole segment, and the tip segment may be arrangeable in a side-by-side disposition. A portion of the cord extending between the pole segment and the tip segment may be positionable on the cord attachment surface in the side-by-side disposition. The grip segment may be removably attachable to the tip segment such that, when the portion of the cord is positioned on the cord attachment surface, the removable attachment of the grip segment to the tip segment may maintain the side-by-side disposition. Aspects of related apparatus, methods, and systems also are disclosed.

Abstract: A surface ornament composition for fishing tackle or a bicycle is provided. An inner coating layer is laminated on a part made of fiber reinforced plastics, a silver thin film coating layer is laminated on the inner coating layer and an outer coating layer is laminated on the silver thin film coating layer. The inner and outer coating layers are formed by use of one selected from resin paint of two-part type formed by urethane reaction of isocyanate group and hydroxyl group, resin paint of two-part type formed by reaction of resin having amino group and silicon compound having epoxy group and resin paint of two-part or three part type in which the above two reactions are simultaneously generated. The silver thin film coating layer is formed of metal complex of silver with amine as ligand that is heated after having been applied.

Abstract: A racket may include a frame including at least one prepreg layer. The at least one prepreg layer may include reinforcing fibers. The at least one prepreg layer may also include a matrix at least partially surrounding the reinforcing fibers. The at least one prepreg layer may also include graphene material.

Abstract: 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 basked 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.

Abstract: A ski training apparatus includes a ski pole having proximal and distal ends. A first guide member is coupled to an upper surface of a respective ski worn by a ski trainee and includes a first receiver portion defining a first open interior area and an open top. A second guide member includes a cylindrical configuration defining open upper and lower ends and an open interior area. A spring connects the second guide member to the first guide member, the spring having a flexible configuration such that the second guide member is repositionable relative to the first guide member. The second guide member is configured to receive the distal end of the ski pole. The second guide member is operatively coupled to the first guide member by the spring such that the ski trainer is selectively in control of the trainee's ski by manipulation of the ski pole.

Abstract: A magnetically assisted coupling comprises at least two shaft segments. Each shaft segment has opposed ends and a hollow core. Adjacent segment ends are configured in a probe/socket configuration such that one segment end is configured to receive the adjacent segment end. Magnets of opposite polarity are mounted within said hollow core of adjacent segment ends, such that the magnet in the socket is positioned at a bottom of the socket, while the magnet in the probe defines a probe end. When adjacent segment ends are brought into close proximity the magnets attract each other and draw the probe end into the socket until the magnets are in contact.

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.

Abstract: A loop (5) is attached to a grip (1) of a pole using a ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint encompasses a ball (7) that is held with the capacity to turn and pivot in a recess (8) in the head (4) of the grip (1).

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling movement of a user on snow. The apparatus includes a support member and a snow interface. The support member is elongated in a lengthwise direction. The snow interface is coupleable to the support member. The snow interface has a gliding surface positioned opposite a propulsion surface. A substantially smooth gliding portion of the gliding surface is continuous and uninterrupted along a radius of the snow interface from a position adjacent a coupling between the support member and the snow interface to a position adjacent an aperture disposed through the snow interface.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling movement of a user on snow. The apparatus includes a support member comprising a shaft made from a rigid material, a snow interface, and an engagement member. The snow interface extends from a first end of the shaft and includes a gliding surface opposing a propulsion surface. The engagement member is coupled to one of the gliding surface and the propulsion surface of the snow interface. The snow interface is positionable between a gliding position and a slowing position. In the gliding position, the gliding surface is positioned in contact with a surface of the snow and the engagement member is positioned out of contact with the surface of the snow. In the slowing position the engagement member is positioned in contact with the surface of the snow.

Abstract: A pole, in particular a Nordic walking pole, is described, having a pole body (1) at the lower end of which a buffer (2) with a tip (19) is provided, wherein the tip (19) and/or a lowermost portion (28, 36) of an inner sleeve (3) secured to the pole body (1) are arranged passing through a central opening (18) of the buffer (2), wherein the buffer (2) is mounted such that it can be moved and secured in an axial direction in this central opening (18), and wherein the buffer (2) can be secured in at least two axially different positions in relation to the pole body (1) via a form-fit connection.

Abstract: A multifunctional walking staff, to aid in balance and support on an ice surface, and to function as a survival or a rescue tool in the event of breaking through thin ice into water. Secure traction on ice is attained by a metal tip, which may be further pressed onto the ice by a foot peg, serving also as a grapple hook. Secured onto the ice, the staff affords reliable anchorage to an attached rescue line, which is ordinarily stowed in multiple folds therewithin. An adjustable loop is formed integrally with, or adjoined to the rescue line, which loop may be maneuvred by the staff to facilitate engagement with the rescuee. A buoyant projectile linked to the loop is releasably disposed within a top section of the staff, and is of such weight that it and the loop may jointly be cast the full extent of the rescue line.

Abstract: A street paddle for use with long board skateboards. The paddle has a shaft, a handle and an eight sided body. Two sides of the hexagonal body are hexagonal sides and the remaining sides are rectangular. The street paddle is used by wheeled skaters to propel a skateboard on a solid surface.

Abstract: A handle for a cane has a holding apparatus for a hand. The apparatus is attached or can be attached to a handle and includes an attachment section, which encloses the hand at the side of the back of the hand at least in the region between the thumb and index finger, and a wrist section, which is connected to the attachment section and substantially encloses the wrist or the back of the hand and which is connected to the handle by another attachment section on the side of the palm. The wrist section has an adjustment apparatus so that the circumference of an opening defined by the wrist section can be varied. A closing apparatus is provided separate from the adjustment apparatus which, when open, allows the hand to be removed from the holding apparatus and inserted into the holding apparatus.

Abstract: A retractable, non-slip tip system for support devices such as canes and crutches is provided. The system includes a hollow body having openings on each of a proximal end and a distal end. The body is configured to slide over the shaft of a support device and affix to the support device in either an extended position, wherein the distal end of the body extends beyond a terminal end of the support device, or a retracted position, wherein the terminal end of the support device extends beyond the distal end of the body. Suitably placed apertures in each of the body and the support device facilitate the attachment of the body to the support device in the extended and retracted positions. When the body is in the extended position, gripping protrusions on the distal end of the body are exposed and provide extra traction for the support device on soft slippery surfaces.

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.

Abstract: An attachable weight assembly having separable sections for attachment to a pole used in exercising. The weight assembly includes a elongated main body having a first end and a second end and a bore running through the first end, second end and elongated main body. The bore is sized to fit over a shaft. The first and second ends each have a storage area for secure storage of a molded weight. The elongated main body is separable into at least two main body sections. The main body sections are attached together using an attachment mechanism. A user attaches the weight assembly to the shaft for use during exercise.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a telescoping pole to help direct a longboard comprising a first and second portion. The first portion includes a first end, a second end and a first tubular shaft. A first handle is positioned at the first end, while a second handle is positioned along the first tubular shaft between the first and second end. The second portion also has first end, a second end, and a second tubular shaft (having a diameter less than the first tubular shaft). The first end of the second portion is attached to the first portion through a first coiled spring. A wheel assembly having a spinning wheel is affixed to the second end of the second portion having a third tubular shaft having diameter less than the second tubular shaft. A second coiled spring is placed over the third tubular shaft, which engages the second portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a damping device (1) for a pole, in particular a trekking, ski, hiking, or Nordic walking pole, having an attaching sleeve (4) by means of which the damping device (1) is attached to a first tube segment (11, 44) by inserting and attaching therein, and having an attaching element (3) by means of which the damping device (1) is attached to a pole handle (5) or a second tube segment (43) having a larger inner diameter than the first tube segment (11, 44).

Abstract: A caution pole for embedding in a support medium for drawing attention to potential hazards includes a generally elongate pole body with a proximate end portion formed with a pointed tip for insertion into a support medium, a metal impact cap fitted over the end opposite the proximate end portion of the pole body, the impact cap including a generally cylindrical body having an access opening on one end thereof and a substantially planar surface opposing the access opening, and a clip disposed on the pole body having a base and an arm capable of securing an attachment to the caution pole.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing dynamic ground contact is disclosed. A ground contact tip is attached to one end of an elongate member. The ground contact tip contains a connecting portion and a base portion that is opposite the connecting portion. A flexible core connects between the base portion and the connecting portion. At least one limiting ring is positioned on the flexible core. The elongate member is permitted to rotate through a range of angles while the flexible core allows the base portion to remain flat against the ground. At the maximum allowable angle, the limiting rings allow the ground contact tip to cease flexing and become rigid, so that the user can push against the ground at an angle, while the base portion remains flat against the ground.

Abstract: The present invention involves a spikeboard spike, consisting of an ergonomic handle, a tapered shaft, and a carbide metal tip. This invention is designed for the sport of spikeboarding, a revolutionary new sport that requires a full-body, physical motion to propel the skateboarder forward. Where skateboarders typically propel themselves forward with one foot, spikeboarding enables the skateboarder to simultaneously push with one foot while thrusting a spikeboard spike into the ground with the opposite side's hand. This combination of skateboarding with the lower body and cross-country skiing with the upper body has never been done before. As a result, this motion permits the skateboarder to achieve speeds, on uphill and flat terrain, previously unknown to skateboarders. The object of the present invention is to provide skateboarders with a one- or two-handed propulsion device necessary for the sport of spikeboarding.

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.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a ski pole. More specifically, the invention is directed to an aerodynamically favorable ski pole, which is designed to allow glue less or adhesive less directionally controllable fixation of replaceable means for limiting the sinking of the ski pole into ground surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for damping the impact and rebound forces associated with the use of elongated poles. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a supportive pole system including an elongated shaft, hand receiving member, tip, and force absorbing system. The force absorbing system includes a damping member externally disposed on the elongated shaft between the elongated shaft and either the hand receiving member or the tip. The damping member includes an elastic material such as elastomer that rebounds in response to a compression force. The damping member may include a plurality of stages configured to include independent damping force response characteristics. The force absorbing system may further include a rebound air dampener within the hand receiving member for controlling the rebound force characteristics of the damping member.

Abstract: A base for a slalom pole or ski pole having brush bristles extending from an acircular axially extending base, preferably having a polygonal or hexagonal configuration, the bristles extending from a circular surface adjoining a circular brush section. The base can also be used as a pole anchor.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling movement of a user on snow. The apparatus includes a support member comprising a shaft made from a rigid material, a snow interface, and an engagement member. The snow interface extends from a first end of the shaft and includes a gliding surface opposing a propulsion surface. The engagement member is coupled to one of the gliding surface and the propulsion surface of the snow interface. The snow interface is positionable between a gliding position and a slowing position. In the gliding position, the gliding surface is positioned in contact with a surface of the snow and the engagement member is positioned out of contact with the surface of the snow. In the slowing position the engagement member is positioned in contact with the surface of the snow.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a ski pole comprises a first pole end, a second pole end opposite the first pole end, and a shaft connecting the first and second pole ends. A map comprises a first map end and a second map end opposite the first map end. A container is coupled to the shaft of the ski pole. The first map end of the map is coupled to an inside portion of the container. The container is configured to contain the map.

Abstract: An integrated pole-to-ski coupling arrangement that provides coupling formations on a ski pole and ski that releasably connect the pole and ski to create a unitary ski-pole combination that leaves the rear tail of the ski clear and unencumbered. A pole coupling formation may be placed on either the shaft or the grip of the pole, and a ski coupling formation may be placed on the boot bindings or attachments thereto. Optionally, the surface formation of the boot bindings may be employed as ski coupling formations. Multiple pole and ski coupling formations allow for a secure and rigid connection.

Abstract: A calf, ankle, foot, or leg rest device which can be snapped onto a cane for use or snapped off when only the use of the cane is desired. The invention also encompasses the combination cane and rest device. Many people who either have a permanent leg, knee, or foot disability or are recovering from a leg, knee, or foot operation are required to keep their leg in a horizontal position while seated. The rest device is a J-shaped soft padded bracket that is rigidly attached to the cane. The height of the bracket along the cane is adjustable to provide comfort and ease of use. The cane may be positioned at a convenient horizontal distance from the user as desired. In this way, the user may rest his or her calf, ankle, or heel on the rest device. Once the rest device is engaged by the user's leg, the cane is perfectly balanced on the ground. A user can comfortably keep his leg in a horizontal position for hours.

Abstract: An illuminated apparatus for assisting movement is provided that is able to illuminate surface areas upon which one walks, hikes, skis, skates, runs, reads from, signals, examines or studies. The illuminated apparatus for assisting movement may provide both broad and focused illumination. The device may ensure safe footing, solid purchase, and stable load bearing by providing illuminated assistance for foot, ski and skate placement, as well as the placement of singular and multi-pole fixtures used for activities such as hiking, climbing, skiing, skating, running, and walking. The illuminated apparatus for assisting movement may be compact and lightweight.

Abstract: A base for a slalom pole or ski pole having brush bristles extending from an acircular axially extending base, preferably having a polygonal or hexagonal configuration, the bristles extending from a circular surface adjoining a circular brush section. The base can also be used as a pole anchor.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus that includes a base portion and an adjustable clamping lever. The base portion defines an adjustable size aperture. The adjustable clamping lever is mounted to the base portion and is movable between an unlatched position and a latched position. The adjustable clamping lever has a length that is adjustable to clamp the base portion to elongate members having a cross-section. The adjustable clamping lever may include at least two link members. One of the link members may have an adjustable length.

Abstract: A base for a slalom pole or ski pole having brush bristles extending from an acircular axially extending base, preferably having a polygonal or hexagonal configuration, the bristles extending from a circular surface adjoining a circular brush section. The base can also be used as a pole anchor.

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).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a ski pole. More specifically, the invention is directed to an aerodynamically favorable ski pole, which is designed to allow glue less or adhesive less directionally controllable fixation of replaceable means for limiting the sinking of the ski pole into ground surfaces.

Abstract: A marker pole for embedding in a support medium for drawing attention to potentially hazardous subsurface structures within the support medium includes a generally elongate pole body molded from a generally brightly colored plastic material with a penetrating end formed with a tapered tip for insertion into the support medium, the taper being greater than forty-five degrees from a centerline longitudinal axis of the; and a metal impact cap fitted over the end opposite the penetrating end, the impact cap including a generally cylindrical body having an access opening on one end thereof and a substantially planar surface opposing the access opening, the planar surface being in substantial contact with the upper surface of the pole body for enhanced force transmission between the impact cap and the pole body during insertion of the pole into the support medium using an impact producing tool.

Abstract: A pole grip, especially for canes, trekking poles, downhill skiing poles, cross-county skiing poles, and Nordic walking poles. The pole grip includes a grip member and a hand-retaining device in the form of a hand strap or a glove. The hand-retaining device is equipped with a substantially band-shaped element which is provided with an end that is fixed inside the recess in the area of the top wall on the grip member.

Abstract: A snow pole and snow board binding combination is disclosed. The snow pole is conveniently stored on a snowboard binding. The snow pole has telescoping pole members that may be automatically extended from an interior portion of a housing of the snow pole and may be automatically retracted into an interior portion of a housing of the snow pole. The snow pole may have an emergency flag system that is contained within the housing of the snow pole.

Abstract: A marker pole for embedding in a support medium for drawing attention to potentially hazardous subsurface structures within the support medium includes a generally elongate pole body molded from a generally brightly colored plastic material with a penetrating end formed with a tapered tip for insertion into the support medium, the taper being greater than forty-five degrees from a centerline longitudinal axis of the; and a metal impact cap fitted over the distal end, the impact cap including a generally cylindrical body having an access opening on one end thereof and a substantially planar surface opposing the access opening, the planar surface being in substantial contact with the upper surface of the pole body for enhanced force transmission between the impact cap and the pole body during insertion of the pole into the support medium using an impact producing tool.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stick/pole grip (1), particularly for walking sticks, trekking poles, alpine ski poles, cross-country ski poles and Nordic walking poles, with a grip body (3) and with a device (11-14) for adjustably fastening a hand-retaining device, particularly provided in the form of a hand strap (2) or a glove.

Abstract: A collapsible snowboard pole is presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a snowboard pole can be provided with a manually expandable and compressible shaft, a basket at the tip, and a handle at the top. The basket can slide between a lower tip-ward (distal) position for storage and an upper top-ward (proximal) position for use. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the pole can be expanded to full length and disengaged from a docking mechanism located at the back of a snowboard with one hand, while a user is in motion on the snowboard. Once disengaged, the user can easily deploy the basket to its full upward extension for use. Additionally, a user can dock a collapsed pole and secure it in a docking mechanism, or can insert the pole tip in a docking mechanism, then collapse the pole and then secure it in the docking mechanism, all with one hand while in motion on the snowboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for damping the impact and rebound forces associated with the use of elongated poles. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a supportive pole system including an elongated shaft, hand receiving member, tip, and force absorbing system. The force absorbing system includes a damping member externally disposed on the elongated shaft between the elongated shaft and either the hand receiving member or the tip. The damping member includes an elastic material such as elastomer that rebounds in response to a compression force. The damping member may include a plurality of stages configured to include independent damping force response characteristics. The force absorbing system may further include a rebound air dampener within the hand receiving member for controlling the rebound force characteristics of the damping member.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a bar with a mechanism at one end that serves a dual purpose: it allows the user to attach the bar in a non-permanent fashion to a ski pole shaft and it serves as a hinge so that the bar may be fixed in a position either parallel or transverse to the ski pole shaft. In the transverse position the device, when integrated with a ski pole, may be used by an experienced skier to either tow uphill or to control the speed of inexperienced skiers.

Abstract: A pole, for use in skiing or other sport, of the type that includes a grip handle at its upper end, the handle including a support extending from its side wall and adapted to cooperate with the thumb of a user, so as to constitute an additional mechanism for the axial transmission of forces, by the thumb, when the hand is closed on the handle of the pole.

Abstract: A ski pole strap entry device including a base member having a first side and an opposing second side, and a retainer disposed on the base member for engaging a portion of a ski pole strap. The first side includes an arcuate-shaped surface that is sized and configured to receive a portion of a user's hand, wrist, or both.

Abstract: It is hereby described an articulated pole for ski slopes, of the kind including a ferrule to be driven into the snow or into the ground and an above-ground portion consisting of a tubular element connected to the base to the said ferrule by means of a joint which allows the said tubular element to bend after being hit, comprising strengthening elements of the free end portion of the said tubular element, consisting of a strengthening element fitted to the tubular element itself, at the top end or the free end portion of the pole. Preferably, the said strengthening element consists of an extension of the cap which closes the top end portion of the pole.

Abstract: A stick, such as a trekking stick, ski pole or walking stick, is provided with a shock absorber between a first and a second tubular section of a stick shaft that is equipped with a handle and a stick tip. According to the invention, the shock absorber comprises a guide sleeve, which is held in a rotationally fixed manner in a tubular section and In which a damping rod that is held in an axially fixed manner on the other tubular section Is guided and a compression spring device, operating between the guide sleeve and the damping rod. The aim of the invention is to obtain softer shock absorbing characteristics and resilience characteristics that are less abrupt with minimal kickback. This is achieved by the provision of an elastomer spring in the compression spring device, said spring being located in series with a helical compression spring.

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).