GB2398739A

GB2398739A - A walking stick

Info

Publication number: GB2398739A
Application number: GB0412911A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Horton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-08-05
Filing date: 2000-08-05
Publication date: 2004-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 2020-08-05
Also published as: GB0412911D0; GB0019236D0; GB2365333B; GB2398739B; GB2365333A

Abstract

A walking stick 100 comprises a shaft 110, a handle 120, at the first end of the shaft, a bag (160 figure 2) attached toward a second end of the shaft where the bag is movable between a first stowage position and a second usable position and a foot 130 at the second end of the shaft, which has a formation in the shape of a footprint. The shaft may be extendible and include a collapsible tripod (180 figure 6a) slidably mounted on the shaft so that when extended, the walking stick is free standing. The bag may be collapsible and have a collapsible resilient frame (162 figure 4) defining an opening when in its usable position. The foot may also be removable and interchangeable with another foot in which the formation 138 on the underside engages the ground in use.

Description

DUPriCArE 2398739 Walking Stick The present invention relates to a walking

stick, and in particular to a multifunction walking stick providing a plaything.

Walking sticks, or trekking poles, are commonly used by adult walkers or hikers to provide improved stability for the infirm or when walking over difficult terrain. Walking sticks are also provided for children, but usually merely as a cut down version of an adult stick. Such walking sticks are of minor practical use for children as aids to stability, and do not provide any extra play functionality.

Often there major purpose is to prevent children feeling left out by not having the same equipment as adults.

Children can find walking uninteresting, although walking provides benefits in terms of exercise, education and as a family activity. Hence there is a need for an article that encourages children to participate in walking and hiking, while also providing a practical function.

According to the present invention, there is provided a walking stick comprising a shaft, a handle at a first end of the shaft, and a bag attached toward a second end of the shaft and movable between a first stowage position and a second usable position.

As the bag is movable between a first position in which it is stored and a second pOS1 tion in which it is usable, the walking stick can selectively function as a traditional walking stick, with the bag ln the stored position, or as a multi-use plaything with the bag deployed. The bag can be used in a wide range of activities by the user, such as picking objects from otherwise inaccessible places, carrying items, catching wildlife or in games.

The shaft can have an adjustable length. This allows the stick to be used by people of different heights and also allows the stick to be lengthened when used for reaching objects, compared to when the stick is being used for walking. Preferably the shaft is telescopic.

The bag can be connected to the shaft so as to be pivotable between the first and second positions. The bag can be connected by a flexible element, such as a spring, a rubber element or a plastics element. The bag can be connected by a pivot. Making the bag pivotably connected to the shaft allows lt to simply be pivoted from the storage position into the use position without any complex mechanism which may be damaged by extensive, rough use in the outdoors.

The bag can be slidable between the first and second positions. The bag can be attached to a slider which slides on the shaft of the stick.

Preferably the bag is collapsible. In this way the bag can be collapsed down into a compact size for stowage so that it does not interfere with the use of the stick as a walking stick.

The bag can have a collapsible frame defining an opening of the bag when lo its usable position. The frame of the bag can extend around the opening of the bag. The frame can have a cover, preferably of Nylon, or similar. A collapsible frame provides a way of holding the opening of the bag open for use when the bag is deployed in the second position.

Preferably, the collapsible frame IS resilient so that the bag can open automatically. The collapsible frame, can be made of a metal or of a plastics material such as a memory plastics or PVC or similar. In this way, when the bag is removed from its stowage position, it automatically opens up for use, without the bag having to be manually opened out.

The stick can include a releasable fastener to hold the bag in a collapsed state. In this way the resilient frame can be held in its collapsed state to prevent the bag from opening out when that is not required.

Preferably, the bag is a net. A net provides a wide range of uses of the walking stick such as fishing or butterfly catching. The net can be made of a plastics material such as nylon or polyester. These materials are light while being strong and so the stick is suitable for use by weaker people while still being durable.

The walking stick can include a foot at the second end of the shaft. The foot can be removable. Preferably, the foot is interchangeable with another foot. The second end of the shaft can have an attachment formation to which the foot is attached and which is adapted to allow accessories to be attached to the second end of the shaft, such as a spade, larger net or torch.

The foot can include a removable end cap. In this way the shaft can remain sealed by the remainder of the foot, while the end cap can be interchanged with other snap-fit end caps or accessories.

The foot can have a formation on an underside of the foot which engages the ground In use. The formation can be adapted to provide increased grip between the second end of the walking stick and the surface of the ground in use.

Preferably, the formation has a shape representing a footprint. The formation can be used to mark the ground for tracking games. The footprint can represent an animal footprint or a human footprint.

The walking stick can include a receptacle positioned on the shaft so as to stow the bag when in the first position.

The receptacle can include a closable cover. In this way the bag can be covered up when not in use in the stowage position.

The walking stick can include a fastener to releasable secure the bag in the second position. This allows the bag to be secured in the first position. The fastener can be any suitable releasable fastener. A hook and eye fastener is preferred.

The handle can have a cleft shape. The cleft shape provides support for a users thumb when the stick is used I to provide support. The cleft shape also provides a novelty handle which IS attractive to children.

The stick can Include a collapsible tri-pod slidably mounted on the shaft so as to be operable between a I retracted configuration and a deployed configuration, in which the stick is free standing.

The walking stick can include a further receptacle attached to the shaft toward the handle. The further receptacle can be used to store items required during a walk, such as food, a torch or a first ald kit, or found during the walk.

Preferably, the further receptacle IS attached to the shaft by a releasable fastener. In this way, the further receptacle can be removed from the walking stick when it is not needed.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided, a kit of parts assembleable into a walking stick according to the previous aspect of the invention, and including a shaft, a handle and a bag attachable toward a second end of the shaft and movable between a first stowage position and a second usable position.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a walking stick according to the present invention, with the bag stored in the first position) Figure 2 shows a side view of the stick of Figure 1, with the bag intermediate the first and second positions) Figure 3 shows a side view of the stick of Figure 1, with the bag in the second position; Figure 4 shows a plan view in detail of the deployed bag and receptacle parts of the stick of Figure 1; Figures 5a and 5b show end and side elevations respectively of a foot part of the walking stick; and Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show views of the stick including a tripod accessory, in a retracted configuration, transitional configuration and deployed configuration respectively.

The same parts in the different Figures share common reference numerals unless indicated otherwise.

With reference to Flqure 1, there is shown a walking stick according to the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 100. The walking stick, also referred to as a trekking or hiking pole, according to the present invention also provides a multi-function plaything. The walking stick includes a shaft 110 having a handle 120 at a first end and a foot 130 at a second opposite end. The shaft is made from a hollow aluminium pole.

The handle 120 has a cleft of generally V-shape and is in the form of a novelty character with the limbs of the V being provided by ear elements. The handle is made from a thermoplastic rubber and the cleft shape accepts a user's thumb to provide a secure hand grip. The cleft shape of the handle also eases handling of the stick when not being used to support the user.

The foot 130 is also made of thermoplastic rubber. As further shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the foot 130 includes first 132 and second 134 locating formations for accepting fastening straps as will be described later. The foot has a ground engaging underside 136 bearing a raised formation 138 having a form representing a footprint. The foot 130 has a generally cylindrical, hollow form and an end of the shaft 110 is inserted into the body of the foot and received therein. The foot is thereby releasable secured to the shaft and feet bearing different footprints or ground engaging formations may be interchanged depending on the intended purpose of the stack. Further, other accessories, e.g. a spade blade, may be attached to the end of the shaft to provide further functionality.

As an alternative, the foot may comprise a main body part and an end cap bearing the raised formation, which snap fits to the main body part. The main body is permanently attached to and seals the shaft, so as to prevent the ingress of moisture and dirt. The snap fit cap allows caps bearing different formations to be interchanged. The snap- fit formation between the cap and body can also be used to snap fit other accessories to the end of the stick.

The stick includes a holder 140 having first and second straps 142, 144 of webbing including hook and eye fastener portions, (e.g. made of velcro) by which the holder is releasably attached toward the bottom end of the shaft 110.

The holder 140 J S made from nylon and includes a cover portion 146 connected to a body portion 148 with a zipper 149 for closing the holder. The holder 140 provides a receptacle in which the net bag can be stored, as will be described subsequently.

A further holder 150 IS provided toward a top end of the stick, and is releasably attached to the stick by fastener webs 152, 154 fastened by hook and eye fasteners, e.g. velcro. This further holder provides a bag or pouch in which articles can be caroled.

With reference to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the stick also includes a net bag 160 which is pivotally attached to the stick. The net bag has a resilient, collapsible frame 162 made from a shape memory plastics material on which netting 163, which is closed at one end is supported. The frame 162 extends around and defines an opening 164 of the net bag 160. The frame has a cover made from nylon. Limbs 165 and 166 of the frame extend from a rear portion of the frame and a joining axle element passes between them and through a generally U-shaped formation 168 attached to a bottom part of the holder 140. The U-shaped formation 168 and element passing there through provides a pivot formation allowing the bag to be pivoted between a first position in which it is stored in the holder 140 and a second deployed position as shown in Figure 3.

A fastener 170 in the form of a hook and eye strap, or tab, is attached to the frame of the bag to retain the bag in a collapsed state by securing a first side of the net frame to a part of the opposite side of the frame. First and second straps 172, 174 with hook and eye fasteners, e.g. velcro, are provided and in use extend around respective locating formations 132, 134 on the foot to releasable secure the net bag in the second position, as shown in Figure 3.

In use, the net bag is collapsed and held in a collapsed state by strap 170 and stored in the holder 140. The walking stick can then be used as a traditional walking stick to provide support for a user. The formations on the under side of the foot provide improved grip on slippery surfaces. The formations can also be used in soft surfaces to provide markings for tracking type games. The upper bag can be used to store food and drink or other articles used during walks or hikes.

In order to deploy the net bag, the holder IS unzipped and the net bag is pivoted out of the holder in a collapsed, reduced volume state. When fully pivoted into the second usable position as shown in Figure 3, the bag can be secured in that position by placing straps 172 and 174 around the foot 130 and fastening with the velcro tabs.

The strap 170 is unfastened and the resilient frame automatically regains its shape to deploy the bag in an open form. The net bag can then be used for a number of activities, such as reaching inaccessible objects, fishing in rock pools, etc. Stowage of the bag is the reverse of the above described process and allows the walking stick to be used in a traditional manner to provide support without the bag interfering with the foot 130 of the stick.

It will be appreciated that a walking stick according to the invention provides a number of play functionalities encouraging children to participate in outdoor walking activities. The foot 130, or a cap part, may be interchangeable with other accessories, such as a spade, sun shade or larger net to provide further activities.

Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show the stick with a tripod accessory 180. The tripod includes a collar 182 slidably mounted on the shaft 110 and three legs 184, 186 and 188 pivotally connected to the collar. The free end of each leg Includes a rubber foot 190 to improve grip with the ground in use. A further collar 192 is also slidably mounted on the shaft and is connected to each leg by a respective length of webbing 194. The tripod can be removed from the walking stick by removing the foot and sliding the collars off the end of the shaft.

In use, the tripod Is movable between a fully retracted position as shown In Flqure 6a. The tripod can be slid down the shaft of the stick and the legs slightly splayed so as to pass the end of the foot 130, as shown in Figure 6b. Finally, the legs can be pulled out fully into a deployed position with the retaining webbing taught, as shown in Figure 6c. The stick is then free standing and can be used to support further accessories, such as a flag 196 or a sun shade (not shown).

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A walking stick comprising: a shaft; a handle at a first end of

the shaft; a bag attached toward a second end of the shaft and moveable between a first stowage position and second usable position; and a foot at the second end of the shaft, the foot having a formation with a shape representing a footprint.
2. A walking stick as claimed in claim l, in which the shaft is extendible.
3. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, in which the bag is connected to the shaft so as to be pivotable between the first and second positions.
4. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, in which the bag is collapsible.
5. A walking stick as claimed in claim 4, in which the bag has a collapsible frame defining an opening of the bag when in its usable position.
6. A walking stick as claimed in claim 5, in which the collapsible frame is resilient so that the bag can open automatically.
7. A walking stick as claimed in claim 6, and including a releasable fastener to hold the bag in a collapsed state.
8. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, in which the bag is a net.
9. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, in which the foot can be removable.
10. A walking stick as claimed in claim 9, in which the foot is interchangeable with another foot.
11. A walking stick as claimed in claim 9 or 10, in which the attachment formation to which the foot is attached is adapted to allow accessories to be attached to the second end of the shaft.
12. A walking stick as claimed in claim 11, in which the accessories may be a spade, larger net or torch.
13. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, in which the formation is on an underside of the foot and which engages the ground in use.
14. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, and including a receptacle positioned on the shaft so as to stow the bag when in the first position.
15. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, and including a fastener to releasably secure the bag in the second position.
16. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, in which the handle has a cleft shape.
17. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, and including a further receptacle attached to the shaft toward the handle.
18. A walking stick as claimed in claim 18, in which the further receptacle is attached to the shaft by a releasable fastener.
19. A kit of parts assembleable into a walking stick as claimed in claim 1, and including: a shaft; a handle; and a bag attachable toward a second end of the shaft and movable between a first stowage position and a second usable position, and a foot at the second end of the shaft, the foot having a formation with a shape representing a footprint.

19. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, in which the stick can be include a collapsible tripod slidably mounted on the shaft so as to be operable between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration, in which the stick is free-standing.

20. A kit of parts assembleable into a walking stick as claimed in claim 1, and including: a shaft; a handle; and a bag attachable toward a second end of the shaft and movable between a first stowage position and a second usable position, and a foot at the second end of the shaft, the foot having a formation with a shape representing a footprint.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS: 1. A walking stick comprising: a shaft; a handle at a first end of the shaft; a bag attached toward a second end of the shaft and moveable between a first stowage position and second usable position; and a foot at the second end of the shaft, the foot having a formation with a shape representing a footprint.

2. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, in which the shaft is extendible.

3. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, in which the bag is connected to the shaft so as to be pivotable between the first and second positions.

4. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, in which the bag is collapsible.

5. A walking stick as claimed in claim 4, in which the bag has a collapsible frame defining an opening of the bag when in its usable position.

6. A walking stick as claimed in claim 5, in which the collapsible frame is resilient so that the bag can open automatically.

7. A walking stick as claimed in claim 6, and including a I releasable fastener to hold the bag in a collapsed state.

2s 8. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, in which the foot can be removable.

9. A walking stick as claimed in claim 8, in which the foot is interchangeable with another foot.

10. A walking stick as claimed in claim 8 or 9, in which the attachment formation to which the foot is attached is S adapted to allow accessories to be attached to the second end of the shaft.

11. A walking stick as claimed in claim 10, in which the accessories may be a spade, larger net or torch.

12. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, in which the l0 formation is on an underside of the foot and which engages the ground in use.

13. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, and including a receptacle positioned on the shaft so as to stow the bag when in the first position.

14. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, and including a fastener to releasably secure the bag in the second position.

15. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, in which the handle has a cleft shape.

16. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, and including a further receptacle attached to the shaft toward the handle.

17. A walking stick as claimed in claim 16, in which the further receptacle is attached to the shaft by a releasable fastener.

18. A walking stick as claimed in claim 1, in which the stick can be include a collapsible tripod slidably mounted on the shaft so as to be operable between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration, in which the stick is free-standing.