EP0579149A1 - Attachment between a ski pole and a hand - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for connecting a ski pole fitted with a wrist strap to the hand of a skier, characterized in that it consists of a flexible link (9), the two ends (10, 11) of which are connected to the outer surface of a holding part (1, 6, 30, 30 '), while its central part extends in the area of the arch (14) defined between the thumb (4) and the index finger ( 5) of said glove or the like, where it forms one (15 ′) of the portions of a closed loop (15) limited on the one hand by said arch (14) thumb-index forming on the other hand, the other portion of said loop, and in that in the position of use with a ski pole (2) provided with a wrist strap (6), said closed loop (15) at least partially surrounding the strands (17, 18) said strap (6) near their attachment points (20) with the ski pole (2). <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a connecting device between a ski pole and the hand of a skier.

It is known that ski poles are generally provided, in the area of their handle, with a strap or strap which forms a closed flexible loop. This wrist strap then serves as means of connection of the skier's hand with the handle of the pole insofar as it comes to surround the top of the skier's wrist to come to be pressed in the palm of the latter when his hand comes to grip on the handle . This installation of the wrist strap is not always well controlled, in particular by beginner skiers who then ignore the help that a well placed wrist strap provides for the transmission of the forces that the skier exerts at the level of the poles.

In addition, this installation of the wrist strap takes all its importance in the practice of cross-country skiing where the ski poles play an important role in the support and propulsion phases which one notices as well in the discipline of not alternative than in that of the skater step. However, the role of the wrist strap is not limited to that of ensuring the transfer of efforts between the pole and the skier's arm or hand. Indeed, the strap must also play a captive bonding function of the ski pole for the skier. Thus, during the return phase of the ski pole, it must not only remain connected to the skier's hand, but it must also return to the gripping position in the latter, in order to be able to attack the next support phase and thrust. This return to grip in the skier's hand must then be done reliably without the skier having to seek a good position of his hand on the handle of the stick.

Various solutions have been proposed to achieve this goal; among these, there is one which is described in European patent application No. 357,517. This document teaches a system for connecting a ski pole with the hand of a skier made up of a shaped envelope of glove or the like, intended to be put on the hand of said skier and which comprises means for transmitting the efforts of the latter on the ski pole; the envelope is provided with complementary fixing means of the attachment means provided on the handle of the ski pole. In addition, the force transmission means are preferably formed by a strap or the like constituting a closed loop, integrated into the glove or the like.

However, such a system does not meet the expectations of all cross-country skiers, insofar as it is necessary to provide a ski pole, the handle of which is provided with fastening means capable of cooperating with the complementary fixing means. Likewise, these additional fixing means being constituted by a closed loop integrated into the glove, it immediately appears that said system generates an additional cost of equipment that not all skiers are ready to invest.

Finally, the system described in European application n ° 357,517 does not protect the skier from the loss of his stick, since the additional fixing means can be triggered following an impact, especially when this the latter is untimely. In addition, in the event of a stick breakage, the skier cannot be repaired immediately, since the replacement stick is not a traditional stick and must carry the additional fixing means.

The present invention proposes to improve such connection systems between the hand and the handle of the ski pole, and in particular by providing a connection device which is adaptable to all forms of gloves or the like, or to all stick shapes, without the need to be integrated into the structure of the latter, which of course reduces the cost, without adversely affecting its operating performance during skiing.

In this regard, the objective of the invention is achieved with the device for connecting a ski pole with the hand of a skier, characterized in that it consists of a flexible link whose two ends are connected to the outer surface of a holding part, while its central part extends in the area of the arc defined between the thumb and forefinger, where it forms one of the portions of a closed loop , limited on the other hand by said thumb-index bow which forms the other portion, and in that in the position of use with a ski pole provided with a wrist strap, said closed loop surrounds, at least partially , the strands of the wrist strap near their attachment points with the ski pole. Such a binding device then authorizes the use of a conventional commercial ski pole, fitted with a wrist strap and also allows the use of a normal pair of gloves on which it is possible to easily adapt said device. .

Advantageously, the connecting device according to the invention will be connected to a glove or the like constituting the holding part.

According to other characteristics of the invention, the strands of each of the ends of the flexible link can be connected to the holding part in a removable and / or adjustable manner.

Thus, the connection device according to the invention constitutes a simple and effective means of having a connection means between the hand of the skier and the ski pole which is perfectly adaptable to each morphology of hands, guaranteeing to the skier both good transmission of the forces exerted during skiing and the captivity of the ski pole.

• la figure 1 représente en vue en perspective, la main d'un skieur recouverte d'un gant traditionnel, et à laquelle est suspendu un bâton de ski muni d'une dragonne classique;
• la figure 2 illustre en vue en perspective, un gant de ski muni d'un dispositif de liaison selon l'invention;

   les figures 2 à 6 illustrent un premier mode de réalisations.
   les figures 5 et 6 illustrent deux variantes.

• la figure 3 représente en vue en perspective, la main d'un skieur recouverte d'un gant aménagé avec un dispositif de liaison selon l'invention assurant une liaison supplémentaire entre la main du skieur et le bâton de ski muni d'une dragonne classique;
• la figure 4 illustre en vue en perspective, la main d'un skieur recouverte d'un gant comportant un dispositif de liaison selon l'invention, alors que ladite main est représentée en phase de retour du bâton de ski lors de la pratique du ski de fond;
• la figure 5 illustre en vue en perspective, la main d'un skieur (non représentée) gantée d'un gant muni d'une autre version d'un dispositif de liaison selon l'invention, ceci en position de préhension d'un bâton de ski muni d'une dragonne classique;
• la figure 6 illustre toujours en vue en perspective, un gant de ski muni d'un dispositif de liaison selon l'invention, aménagé sur la face extérieure dudit gant correspondant à la paume de la main.

   les figures 7 et 8 illustrent un deuxième mode de réalisation du dispositif.
   la figure 7 représente le dispositif en position de non utilisation.
   la figure 8 est une vue illustrant le dispositif dans sa position d'utilisation.Consequently, the connection device according to the invention will be better understood and other additional characteristics will be revealed with the aid of the description which will follow with reference to annexed drawings which illustrate, by way of nonlimiting examples, a preferred embodiment, and in which:

• Figure 1 shows in perspective view, the hand of a skier covered with a traditional glove, and which hangs a ski pole fitted with a conventional wrist strap;
• 2 illustrates in perspective view, a ski glove provided with a connecting device according to the invention;

Figures 2 to 6 illustrate a first embodiment.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate two variants.

• 3 shows in perspective view, the hand of a skier covered with a glove fitted with a connecting device according to the invention ensuring an additional connection between the hand of the skier and the ski pole provided with a conventional wrist strap ;
• Figure 4 illustrates in perspective view, the hand of a skier covered with a glove comprising a connecting device according to the invention, while said hand is shown in the return phase of the ski pole during skiing background;
• 5 illustrates in perspective view, the hand of a skier (not shown) gloved with a glove provided with another version of a connecting device according to the invention, this in the gripping position of a stick ski fitted with a classic wrist strap;
• FIG. 6 still illustrates in perspective view, a ski glove provided with a connecting device according to the invention, arranged on the outside face of said glove corresponding to the palm of the hand.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a second embodiment of the device.
Figure 7 shows the device in the non-use position.
Figure 8 is a view illustrating the device in its position of use.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a third embodiment of the device.
Figure 9 shows the device in the non-use position.
Figure 10 is a view illustrating the device in its position of use.
FIG. 11 illustrates another variant.

The connecting device of the invention according to its first embodiment shown in Figure 2 is intended to provide the connection between the hand of a skier covered with a glove or the like and the handle of a ski pole provided with 'a classic wrist strap. Said connecting device essentially consists of a flexible link, such as a strap connected to each of its ends to said glove or the like, and which is intended to reinforce the connecting means constituted by the wrist strap of the ski pole thanks to an arrangement advantageous means for fixing said strap to the glove in question.

As it appears in FIG. 1 when the hand of the skier equipped with a conventional glove (1) releases its gripping action on the ski pole (2), the handle (3) of the latter is released from the grip of the clamp produced by the configuration of the thumb (4) and the index finger (5) of the skier's hand. It follows that the ski pole (2) is no longer retained in the hand of the sieur by the wrist strap (6) which remains threaded on the wrist (7) of the skier. Therefore, the ski pole, although still connected to the skier's hand, is in a suspended position which is not conducive to a resumption of support and pushing forces, because the hand must seek its placement the better suited to the handle (3) of the stick, which undoubtedly causes a loss of time, or even balance of the skier in case he has not found his best placement on the ski pole.

As discussed briefly above, the connecting device (8) illustrated in Figure 2 solves the problem of correct placement of the hand on the handle (3) of the ski pole, including during the phases of return of the arm forward that the cross-country skier practices.

To achieve this objective, the glove (1) according to FIG. 2 is provided on its upper surface with a flexible strap (9), the two ends (10, 11) of which are connected to said surface of the top of the glove (1) according to fixing means (12) known per se. However, according to a preferred constructive version of the invention, one of the ends (10) is sewn over a certain length of the strap (9) to the top surface of the glove (1), approximately in a direction parallel to the alignment of the joints of the metacarpals (13) of the hand. The sewn strap part (10 ') thus extends parallel to the alignment between the second and fifth metacarpus of the hand. The flexible strap (9) then extends in the area of the arc (14) defined between the thumb (4) and the index finger (5) so as to determine a closed loop (15) with said arc (14) to then join the upper surface of the top of the glove (1), on which it extends approximately along the bisector (21) of the angle formed by said thumb (4) and index (5). This second end (11) of the strap (9) is then detachably fixed on the top of the glove (1) by fixing means (16, 16 ') such as snaps for example, or by means of fasteners known as "Velcro".

FIG. 3 illustrates the glove (1) provided with the connection device (8) in the position of use with a ski pole (2) provided with a conventional wrist strap (6). We then note that the loop portion (15 ') formed by the flexible strap (9) located in the area of the arch (14) defined between the thumb (4) and the index finger (5), passes under the two strands of attachment (17, 18) of the strap (6) to the handle (3) of the ski pole (2). The path of the flexible strap (9) under the strands (17, 18) of the strap (6) as well as the path of the strap (6) around the wrist (7) of the glove then produce a sort of flat knot, the l 'one of the loops is constituted by said strap (6) around the wrist (7), and the other, by the loop portion (15') formed by the strap around the strands (17, 18) of the strap (6 ). Such a configuration thus achieves a flexible, captive connection between glove (1) and ski pole (2). Depending on whether the skier may need to adjust the tension of the flexible portion of the strap, its detachable end (11) may be provided with adjustment means (19) known per se for the fixing means (16) and not described further in details for the simplicity of the text.

Thanks to such a constructive arrangement, the wrist strap (6) and more precisely the portion thereof located near its point of attachment (20) to the handle (3) of the stick, is constantly maintained in the bow (14) index thumb, regardless of the propulsion or return phase of the stick. In addition, the flexible loop portion (15 ') passing under the strands (17, 18) of the strap (6) at their point of attachment (20), determines a flexible hinge in said area of the arch (14 ) thumb-index which, during the return phase of the stick, as illustrated in Figure 4, authorizes the automatic repositioning of the handle (3) of the stick in the hand and in the right place, taking into account prior adjustment of the tension on one of the ends (11) of said flexible strap (9).

According to another advantage of the device according to the invention, the flexible hinge thus formed makes it possible to completely free the hand and the fingers from the restraint and gripping stress of the handle (3) during the return phase of the stick. This connecting device (8) then authorizes that not only the hand, but also the skier's arm can relax during this non-propulsive phase of the ski pole.

The connecting device according to the invention cannot be limited to the construction of FIG. 2. It is of course possible to produce other constructive arrangements which meet the characteristics of the invention by making the closed loop (15), determined in the area of the arch (14) thumb-index finger, by the arrangement of a flexible strap (9) connected to the upper outer surface of the glove (1) by fixing the two ends (10, 11) of said strap (9) on the alignment of the joints of all the metacarpals of the hand, as illustrated in FIG. 5 .

In this constructive arrangement, one of the ends (10) is sewn on the alignment (13) of the metacarpals of the four fingers of the hand, while the other end (11) detachable and adjustable is fixed on the head the metacarpal joint of the thumb (4). The length of the flexible strap (9) thus used is shorter than that of the strap used in the construction of FIG. 2, which somewhat reduces the possibilities of adjustment.

According to another constructive arrangement of the connection device (8) according to the invention, the flexible strap (9) is no longer located on the upper part of the top (1 ') of the glove (1), but on the wall below ( 1 '') of the glove, namely that corresponding to the palm of the hand, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In this case, one (11) of the ends of the strap (9) is fixed to the wall (1 '') of the palm of the glove by a seam (12). The strap portion (10 '), the end (10) of which is thus connected to the internal surface (1'') of the glove (1) also extends there in alignment (13) with the metacarpal heads of the hand. to then join the thumb (4) of the glove (1) by crossing the arch (14) thumb-index finger. The second end (11) is then fixed (16) detachably or not on the wall of the thumb (4) of said glove. Thus, the portion of the strap forming the loop portion (15 ') located between the thumb (4) and the index finger (5) achieves the closure of the loop (15) which will serve to connect the stick further. ski (2) to the glove (1) of the skier, as mentioned in the description of FIG. 2.

Of course, the connection device is not limited to a flexible strap of which only one of the ends would be sewn to the glove and the other detachable, but it is easy for the skilled person, even the skier, to equip this glove (1) with a flexible strap (9), the two ends (10, 11) of which could be detachably adjustable, for example. In addition, according to an interesting design of the flexible strap, it can also be made of an elastic material, which reinforces the advantage of said connecting device according to the invention in the context of security, in the case where the stick would come to be blocked or retained by an obstacle such as tree branches, stakes, etc ..., or even if a neighboring skier were to put his ski on the basket of the stick washer.

Finally, the connection device can be provided so as to be mounted as a kit on the glove ready to receive it. In this case, the glove (1) is provided with the necessary fixing means (12 ', 16') capable of receiving the flexible strap (9).

It can be seen, in particular in FIG. 3, that the end of the strap or flexible link (9) is connected to the glove (1) and on the top of the glove, at two points (A, B) distant from one 'other and delimiting a link portion (90) under which is engaged and retained the strap (6). This improvement thus prevents the movement of the wrist strap on the top of the hand and therefore ensures a particularly safe and effective restraint.

From the foregoing description of several embodiments of the connection device according to the invention, the person skilled in the art can, if necessary, make any useful modification, if necessary, suitable for producing a glove or a device for adaptation can be provided with said connecting device, without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below.

Thus, FIG. 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment according to which the flexible link (9) is no longer connected by its two ends (10, 11) on the outer surface of a glove, but on a holding piece (30) intended to be threaded over the glove, see even by hand. Said holding part (30) has a tubular shape which is open on the one hand towards the front (31) and towards the rear (32) to allow the passage of the gloves or the hand, while its internal wall (33) comprises a lateral hole (34) intended for the passage of the thumb as illustrated in FIG. 8. Furthermore, said part (30) comprises a main part (35) made of flexible materials and a secondary part (36) made of elastic materials allowing on the one hand, the passage of the glove and the retention of the part (30) thereon. As before, one end (10) of the strap is sewn onto the outer surface of the holding piece, the other end (11) being removably connected to it by fixing means (16a, 16b - 16 'a, 16'b) such as pressures. The devices advantageously include two pressures as according to Figure 2 to form a link portion (90) under which can be engaged and retained the strap (6). Advantageously, the link (9) comprises an elastic portion (91).

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a third embodiment according to which the flexible link (9) is no longer connected by its two ends (10, 11) to the outer surface of a glove, but to a holding piece ( 30 ') intended to receive the strap (6). Thus the retaining part (30 ') is produced in the form of a casing open at its two ends (40, 41) to form a conduit (42) allowing the strap to be introduced therein. As before, one of the ends (10) of the strap is sewn onto the external surface of the retaining piece, the other end (11) being detachably connected to it by fixing means (16a, 16b) such that pressure.

Advantageously, the link (9) comprises an elastic portion (91). An elastic closure strap (92) is also provided, the end of which comprises hooking means (160a) intended to cooperate with the corresponding means (160b) of the holding part (30 '). In the position of use, the support with its closing strap, forms a loop around the glove or hand.

It goes without saying that the device could be such that the holding piece is the strap itself of the stick, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

Claims (10)

Device for connecting a ski pole fitted with a wrist strap to the hand of a skier, characterized in that it consists of a flexible link (9), the two ends (10, 11) of which are connected to the upper surface of a holding piece (1, 6, 30, 30 '), while its central part extends in the area of the arch (14) defined between the thumb (4) and the index finger ( 5) of said glove or the like, where it forms one (15 ′) of the portions of a closed loop (15) limited on the one hand by said arch (14) thumb-index forming on the other hand, the other portion of said loop, and in that in the position of use with a ski pole (2) provided with a wrist strap (6), said closed loop (15) at least partially surrounding the strands (17, 18) said strap (6) near their attachment points (20) with the ski pole (2). Connection device according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one (0) of the ends of the flexible link (10) is detachably fixed relative to the said retaining part (1, 6, 30, 30 ' ). Connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible link (9) consists of a strap, cord or the like Connection device according to claim 3, characterized in that at least the portion (15 ', 91) of the flexible link (9) forming the closed loop (15) is elastic. Connection device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding piece is a glove (1). Connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the holding part has a circular shape (30) intended to be threaded over the glove (1) of the skier. Connecting device according to claim 6 characterized in that the internal wall (33) of the holding part comprises a lateral hole (34) intended for the passage of the thumb. Connecting device according to claim 7 characterized in that the retaining part comprises a main part (35) made of flexible materials and a secondary part (36) made of flexible and elastic materials. Connection device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connection piece is a sheath (30 ') open at its two ends (40, 41) to form a conduit (42) intended to receive the strap (6). Connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the holding part is the strap (6).

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