U.S. patent application number 15/131363 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-27 for systems and methods for integrated pole structure and function.
This patent application is currently assigned to Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Bill Belcourt, Kasey Jarvis, Brendan Perkins, Joe Spataro. Invention is credited to Bill Belcourt, Kasey Jarvis, Brendan Perkins, Joe Spataro.
Application Number | 20160310827 15/131363 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57147215 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160310827 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Spataro; Joe ; et
al. |
October 27, 2016 |
Systems and Methods for Integrated Pole Structure and Function
Abstract
A pole system comprising a continuous elongated frame forming
both structural and functional geometries relating to the handle
and shaft portions. The continuous elongated frame may include an
internal cavity and a variable wall thickness along the lengthwise
dimension. The handle portion of the continuous elongated frame
includes a cap region, grip region, and a retention region. The
independent regions of the handle portion may include substantially
different cross sectional shapes to facilitate the corresponding
functional characteristics. For example, the grip region may
include an ergonomic tapered oval cross sectional shape to
facilitate optimal engagement with a user's hand. The shaft portion
of the continuous elongated frame is disposed between the handle
portion and the bottom end of the continuous elongated frame. The
tip is either integrated as a portion of the continuous elongated
frame or translatably coupled via a lower pole member.
Inventors: |
Spataro; Joe; (Cottonwood
Heights, UT) ; Belcourt; Bill; (Salt Lake City,
UT) ; Jarvis; Kasey; (Midway, UT) ; Perkins;
Brendan; (Salt Lake City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Spataro; Joe
Belcourt; Bill
Jarvis; Kasey
Perkins; Brendan |
Cottonwood Heights
Salt Lake City
Midway
Salt Lake City |
UT
UT
UT
UT |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Black Diamond Equipment,
Ltd.
Salt Lake City
UT
|
Family ID: |
57147215 |
Appl. No.: |
15/131363 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62152084 |
Apr 24, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 9/04 20130101; A63C
11/227 20130101; A45B 2009/007 20130101; A63C 11/222 20130101; A45B
2009/005 20130101; A45B 9/02 20130101; A63C 11/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63C 11/22 20060101
A63C011/22; A45B 9/04 20060101 A45B009/04; A45B 9/02 20060101
A45B009/02 |
Claims
1. A pole system comprising: a continuous elongated frame including
a top end, a plurality of adjacent lengthwise portions, and a
bottom end, and wherein the independent adjacent portions include a
handle portion and a shaft portion; the handle portion further
includes a cap region, a grip region, and a retention region,
wherein the grip region is disposed between the cap region and the
retention region, and wherein the cap region is disposed on the top
end; the shaft portion of the continuous elongated frame is
disposed between the handle portion and the bottom end; a tip
including a point; wherein the bottom end of the continuous
elongated frame includes at least one of the tip and a coupler
releasably coupled to a lower pole member including the tip; and
wherein at least two of the cap region, grip region, and retention
region of the continuous elongated frame include substantially
different cross sectional shapes.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the continuous elongated frame
includes a hollow internal cavity and a wall thickness.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the wall thickness of the
continuous elongated frame is variable between the top end and the
bottom end.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the continuous elongated frame
includes a carbon fiber composition.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the grip region and retention
region of the handle portion include the same cross sectional shape
and area.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the grip region includes a
smaller cross sectional area with respect to at least one of the
cap region and retention region.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the cap region includes a
releasable opening to a hollow internal cavity of the continuous
elongated frame.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the grip region includes an
external cover member extending between the cap region and the
retention region.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the external cover member
includes at least one of foam, tape, and rubber.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the coupler includes a cross
sectional clamping member having a clamped state and a
translational state, and wherein the clamped state retains a
lengthwise position of the continuous elongated frame and the lower
pole member, and wherein the translational state enables a
translation between the continuous elongated frame and the lower
pole member.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the lower pole member includes
a lower first segment, a lower second segment, and a lower coupler,
and wherein the lower coupler includes a second cross sectional
clamping member having a clamped state and a translational
state.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein a basket is releasably coupled
to the tip between two tip retention regions of the continuous
elongated frame.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the continuous elongated frame
include a second grip region disposed within the shaft portion.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the handle portion includes a
lengthwise angle greater than twenty degrees causing the cap region
to be substantially offset from the shaft portion with respect to
the lengthwise axis of the continuous elongated frame.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein lower pole member is configured
to selectively translate within the continuous elongated frame to
the top end.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the grip region includes a
non-circular cross sectional shape.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the coupler is disposed over a
recess on the bottom end of the continuous elongated frame.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein tip is continuous with the
continuous elongated frame.
19. A pole system comprising: a continuous elongated frame
including a top end, a plurality of adjacent lengthwise portions,
and a bottom end, and wherein the independent adjacent portions
include a handle portion and a shaft portion, and wherein the
continuous elongated frame includes a hollow internal cavity and a
variable wall thickness; the handle portion further includes a cap
region, a grip region, and a retention region, wherein the grip
region is disposed between the cap region and the retention region,
and wherein the cap region is disposed on the top end; the shaft
portion of the continuous elongated frame is disposed between the
handle portion and the bottom end; a tip including a point; wherein
the bottom end of the continuous elongated frame includes at least
one of the tip and a coupler releasably coupled to a lower pole
member including the tip; and wherein at least two of the cap
region, grip region, and retention region of the continuous
elongated frame include substantially different cross sectional
shapes.
20. A pole system comprising: a continuous elongated frame
including a top end, a plurality of adjacent lengthwise portions,
and a bottom end, and wherein the independent adjacent portions
include a handle portion and a shaft portion; the handle portion
further includes a cap region, a grip region, and a retention
region, wherein the grip region is disposed between the cap region
and the retention region, and wherein the cap region is disposed on
the top end; the shaft portion of the continuous elongated frame is
disposed between the handle portion and the bottom end; a tip
including a point; wherein the bottom end of the continuous
elongated frame includes at least one of the point and a coupler
releasably coupled to a lower pole member including the tip; and
wherein at least two of the cap region, grip region, and retention
region of the continuous elongated frame include substantially
different cross sectional shapes, and wherein the grip region
includes a smaller cross sectional area with respect to at least
one of the cap region and retention region.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention generally relates to the manufacturing and
design of ski and trekking poles. In particular, the present
invention relates to systems and methods for integrating structural
and functional pole geometry.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 62/152,084 filed Apr. 24, 2015, the contents
of which are incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Poles are used for a variety of activities, including
skiing, trekking, hiking, snowshoeing, etc. The term "ski pole" is
used interchangeably to refer to a pole that may be used for any
purpose. Likewise, the term "pole" may refer to one or two poles to
provide support for use during particular modes of movement. For
example, hikers and trekkers commonly use poles to minimize knee
impact by supporting a portion of their body weight on the poles
rather than on their legs. Likewise, skiers use poles for
intermittent support and assistance in particular types of turns.
In addition, traditional style cross-country skiers drive their
poles downward to generate additional forward momentum. Poles are
also used for various unconventional purposes such as supporting
tents, marking accidents, operating a binding, etc. The primary
function of a pole is therefore to transfer support from a surface
to a user's hand during operation.
[0004] Poles generally include handle, shaft, and tips. The handle
portion is shaped and configured to ergonomically accommodate a
user's hand including various grips, geometries, and materials. The
shaft is shaped and configured to facilitate structural lengthwise
support of the pole between the handle and tip including various
cross sectional shapes. In addition, the shaft may include various
functional coupling structures to facilitate collapsibility while
maintaining the necessary structural strengths. For example, the
shaft may include components for lockable telescopic couplings,
releasable segmentation couplings, releasable foldable couplings,
etc. The tip is shaped and configured to establish a point of
support on the surface over which the user is travelling. The tip
may also include various components and geometries to optimize the
supportive coupling between the tip and the surface.
[0005] The overall weight of the pole system is an important
performance characteristic because a user must repeatedly translate
the pole from one location to another during operation. In
addition, if the pole is not in use, the user must store and
transport the pole so that it is available. The weight of the pole
system directly corresponds to the minimum structural strengths at
various locations. For example, the pole system must include
certain tensile, torsion, and compression strengths to prevent
fracture during operation. Therefore, the weight of the pole system
directly corresponds to the structure necessary to create the
minimum structural strengths of the system. Conventional poles that
incorporate numerous functional performance features are often
heavier as a result of the necessary components corresponding to
the functional features. For example, collapsibility generally
requires multiple components between segments of the pole which
facilitate releasable mechanisms. Likewise, optimal ergonomic
tapered handle portions require multiple grips and structures which
must be coupled to the shaft. Unfortunately, the incorporation of
additional components to achieve the functional performance
features generally increases the weight and complexity of the
overall pole system in order to achieve the necessary structural
strengths.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the industry for an improved
pole system that integrates the structural and functional pole
components to minimize weight, complexity and/or manufacturing
costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to the manufacturing and
design of ski and trekking poles. In particular, the present
invention relates to systems and methods for integrating structural
and functional pole geometry. One embodiment of the present
invention relates to a pole system comprising a continuous
elongated frame forming both structural and functional geometries
relating to the handle and shaft portions. The continuous elongated
frame may include an internal cavity and a variable wall thickness
along the lengthwise dimension. The handle portion of the
continuous elongated frame includes a cap region, a grip region,
and a retention region. The independent regions of the handle
portion may include substantially different cross sectional shapes
to facilitate the corresponding functional characteristics. For
example, the grip region may include an ergonomic tapered oval
cross sectional shape to facilitate optimal engagement with a
user's hand. The shaft portion of the continuous elongated frame is
disposed between the handle portion and the bottom end of the
continuous elongated frame. In one embodiment, the tip is
integrated as a portion of the continuous elongated frame. In a
second embodiment, the tip is disposed on a lower pole member that
is translatably coupled to the continuous elongated frame via a
coupler. The lower pole member may further include a first and
second pole segment that are translatably intercoupled.
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention represent a significant
advance in the field of pole systems by integrating functional
features with necessary structural strength while maintaining
minimal weight. Conventional lightweight pole systems incorporate
multiple components or segments to enable functional performance
features such as collapsibility, handle taper, etc. Each of the
components must then be assembled and coupled with the lightweight
structural elements of the pole. For example, a conventional pole
system may include a carbon fiber shaft coupled to a plastic handle
with multiple layers of rubber grip material. Embodiments of the
present invention incorporate a substantially single-composition
continuous elongated frame that forms both functional regions and
the lightweight structural regions of the pole system. The
integration of the necessary geometries for the functional and
structural regions eliminates or reduces the manufacturing
complexity of coupling structural components (ie. tubular shafts)
with functional components (i.e. handles, grips, etc.). The novel
integration of structural and functional components creates a
synergistic strength increase and weight decrease above the
conventional combination of lightweight functional components. For
example, integrating the functional grip geometry with the
structural shaft creates a cross-sectionally shaped structure that
is significantly lighter and stronger than a conventional
combination of slide-on-grip (function) and narrow elongated pole
(structure) components.
[0009] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in
the description that follows and in the appended claims. The
features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of
the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the
invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will
be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The following description of the invention can be understood
in light of the Figures, which illustrate specific aspects of the
invention and are a part of the specification. Together with the
following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the
principles of the invention. In the Figures, the physical
dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference
numerals in different drawings represent the same element, and thus
their descriptions will be omitted.
[0011] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate cross-sectional views of a
conventional assembled handle portion versus an integrated
structure and function handle portion in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention;
[0012] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate cross-sectional views of a
conventional pole system handle versus an integrated structure and
function handle portion in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an integrated structure and function pole
system in accordance with an integrated tip embodiment of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a handle portion of an integrated
structure and function pole system in accordance with embodiment of
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a shaft portion, lower pole member, and
tip in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIGS. 6A-B illustrate a perspective and elevated view of a
collapsed state of the second embodiment of the pole system
particularly illustrating the positioning of the lower pole member;
and
[0017] FIGS. 7A-B illustrate a horizontal and vertical
cross-sectional views of a conventional pole system versus a pole
system with a continuous elongated frame in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention relates to the manufacturing and
design of ski and trekking poles. In particular, the present
invention relates to systems and methods for integrating structural
and functional pole geometry. One embodiment of the present
invention relates to a pole system comprising a continuous
elongated frame forming both structural and functional geometries
relating to the handle and shaft portions. The continuous elongated
frame may include an internal cavity and a variable wall thickness
along the lengthwise dimension. The handle portion of the
continuous elongated frame includes a cap region, a grip region,
and a retention region. The independent regions of the handle
portion may include substantially different cross sectional shapes
to facilitate the corresponding functional characteristics. For
example, the grip region may include an ergonomic tapered oval
cross sectional shape to facilitate optimal engagement with a
user's hand. The shaft portion of the continuous elongated frame is
disposed between the handle portion and the bottom end of the
continuous elongated frame. In one embodiment the tip is integrated
as a portion of the continuous elongated frame. In a second
embodiment, the tip is disposed on a lower pole member that is
translatably coupled to the continuous elongated frame via a
coupler. The lower pole member may further include a first and
second pole segment that are translatably intercoupled. Also, while
embodiments are described in reference to recreational poles it
will be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention are
applicable to other areas including but not limited to industrial
poles.
[0019] The following terms are defined as follows:
[0020] Continuous elongated frame--a frame structure that comprises
a single structure rather than a multi-segment intercoupled
structure. A continuous frame may be hollow or solid and have
varying external and internal geometries, recesses, and/or holes.
Various manufacturing processes may be used to create a continuous
frame, including but not limited to injection molding, fiber
over-mold wrapping, etc.
[0021] A general pole system includes a handle portion, shaft
portion, and tip. These components will be described in further
detail below in reference to the figures but are described
generally for reference and terminology. The handle portions and
tip are positioned on opposite lengthwise ends of the system with
the shaft portion disposed between. The handle portion is
configured to receive and engage with a user's hand via various
functional geometries and regions. The handle portion may include a
cap region, grip region, and retention region. The regions of the
handle portion may include various three dimensional shapes and
contours to achieve particular functionalities corresponding to the
pole system operation. For example, the grip region may include a
thickness, cross-sectional shape, and lengthwise curvature to
enable the ergonomic engagement between a user's hand and the pole
system. Likewise, the cap and retention regions may include various
three dimensional shapes and contours to achieve additional
functionalities, including retaining a user's hand on the grip
region. The shaft portion is disposed between the handle portion
and the tip. The shaft portion primarily includes an elongated
structure configured to minimize overall weight while providing
lengthwise spacing between the handle and tips. The shaft portion
may optionally include a second grip region and second retention
region for engaging with a user's hand. The shaft portion may be
coupled directly to the tip (FIG. 3) or coupled via one or more
translatable lower pole members (FIG. 5) to enable selective
extension and collapse of the system. The tip is coupled to the
shaft portion and configured to engage with a surface over which
the user is translating (i.e. dirt or snow). The tip may include a
basket and a point.
[0022] Reference is initially made to FIGS. 1A-1B, which illustrate
lengthwise cross-sectional views of a conventional prior art pole
system handle portion 10 (FIG. 1A) versus a handle portion 120 of a
pole system 100 (FIG. 1B). The conventional pole system 10 shown in
FIG. 1A includes a handle member 20 coupled over a cylindrical tube
30 to form the handle portion of the system 10. The tube 30 extends
below the handle 20 and forms all or part of the shaft portion (not
shown). Tubular structures are conventionally used to form the
shaft portions of a pole so as to maximize lengthwise strength
while minimizing weight. The individual handle member 20 is fixably
coupled over and around the tube 30 as shown in the cross sectional
view of FIG. 1A. The handle member 20 may include various
functional cross sectional shapes and regions to facilitate
engagement with a user's hand. In contrast, embodiments of the
present invention relate to a pole system 100 that includes a
continuous elongated frame 110 to form both the structural and
functional components. Although the continuous elongated frame 110
is a single component, it is described in separate portions and
regions to explain the individual functionalities. It will be
appreciated that the continuous elongated frame 110 is a continuous
structure, meaning that it is not a combination of coupled
components and therefore has no points of discontinuity. For
example, the continuous elongated frame may be manufactured by
wrapping, spraying, injecting, and/or depositing a material over a
positive or negative mold. For example, a carbon-fiber material may
be wrapped over a positive mold, while an aluminum material may be
deposited over a negative mold. All of the necessary strengths,
external geometries, internal geometries, and thicknesses may
therefore be formed by the continuous elongated frame rather than
requiring multiple intercoupled components. The continuous
uncoupled frame thereby reduces material cost, assembly cost,
weight, and complexity while providing the same geometries to
achieve optimal performance.
[0023] The continuous elongated frame 110 further includes a handle
portion 120 and a shaft portion 130. The continuous elongated frame
110 may optionally include a hollow internal cavity and an outer
wall thickness. The outer wall thickness may be defined as a
thickness between the hollow internal cavity and an exterior
surface of the continuous elongated frame 110. The outer wall
thickness may be variable across the length of the continuous
elongated frame. For example, the outer wall thickness may be
greater at regions of high operational stress and lower at regions
of low operational stress.
[0024] One embodiment of the handle portion 120 of the pole system
100 is illustrated in FIG. 1B. The handle portion 120 includes a
cap region 122, grip region 124, and a retention region 126. The
cap region 122 is disposed on the top end of the continuous
elongated frame 110. The retention region is disposed adjacent to
the shaft portion 130. The grip region is disposed between the cap
region and the retention region 126. As illustrated, at least two
of the cap region 122, grip region 124, and retention region 126
include different cross-sectional shapes. In FIG. 1B, the cap
region 124 and grip region 124 have different cross-sectional
shapes. In particular, the cap region 122 may include a larger
diameter, circular cross-sectional shape, and the grip region 124
may include a smaller diameter, tapered oval cross-sectional shape.
In an alternative embodiment, the retention region 126 may include
the same cross-sectional shape as the grip region 124. The
cross-sectional shape of the grip region 122 may be configured to
engage with the palm of user's hand during specific operations. The
cross-sectional shape of the grip region 122 may also be configured
to expand beyond the grip region 124 so as to prevent upward
translation of a user's hand from the grip region 124. The
cross-sectional shape of the grip region 124 may also be configured
to engage with a user's palm and fingers in a wrapped position
during specific operations. The cross-sectional shape of the
retention region 126 may also be configured to expand beyond the
grip region 124 so as to prevent downward translation of a user's
hand from the grip region 124. The cap region 122 may include a
releasable opening to an internal cavity within the continuous
elongated frame 110. The cap region 122 may also include a one or
more strap coupling recesses, detents, and/or positive protrusions.
Any of the regions or portions of the continuous elongated frame
110 may include external cover members to facilitate alternative
tactile functionalities. For example, the grip region 124 may
include a cover member comprising at least one of foam, tape, and
rubber. An external cover member does not alter the cross sectional
shape of the grip region 124 but rather merely alters the surface.
In contrast, the prior art handle member 20 (FIG. 1A) alters the
surface of the structural cylindrical tube 30 by providing a
tapered gripping surface.
[0025] A second embodiment of a pole system 200 is illustrated in
FIG. 2B in comparison to an analogous prior art pole system 12
illustrated in FIG. 2A. Many pole systems include some type of
curvature offset for specific applications and/or ergonomic
operation. The conventional offset pole system 12 includes a
curvature within the tube 32 rather than the handle member 22
because of the necessary force distributions within the structural
component (Tube 32) rather than the functional component (handle
member 22). In contrast, the pole system 200 in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention optimally positions the
curvature within the grip region 224 of the handle portion 220 of
the continuous elongated frame 210. Since the continuous elongated
frame 210 is a single structure, it is possible to position the
curvature anywhere on the system because the structural and
functional components of the system are integrated within the
continuous elongated frame 210 rather than provided by separate
components. It will be appreciated that various other multi-shape
grips and/or contours may be formed in the continuous uncoupled
frame without substantially affecting the necessary strength of the
system. The alternative pole system 200 includes a continuous
elongated frame 210 which further includes a handle portion 220 and
shaft portion 230. The handle portion 220 includes a cap region
222, grip region 224, and a retention region 226.
[0026] Reference is next made to FIG. 3, which illustrates an
integrated tip embodiment of the pole system 100. In the
illustrated embodiment in FIG. 3, the continuous elongated frame
110 includes the tip 140. The shaft portion 130 is disposed between
the tip 140 and the handle portion 120. The shaft portion 130 forms
the substantially lengthwise portion of the system 100 with respect
to the tip and handle portion 120. The shaft portion 130 may
include a second grip region 132 and second retention region 134.
The second grip region 132 may be configured to engage with a
user's hand and fingers in a wrapped configuration during certain
operational parameters. The second grip region 132 therefore may
include a particular cross-sectional shape such as a tapered oval
to facilitate the engagement. Likewise, the second retention region
134 may include a larger diameter cross-sectional shape with
respect to the second grip region 132 to prevent translation of the
user's hand. A second cover member (not shown) may also be placed
over the second grip region 132 to increase the softness and/or
dampening tactile properties versus the external surface of the
continuous elongated frame 110. The tip 140 is disposed adjacent to
the shaft portion 130 and opposite the handle portion 120. The tip
includes a basket 142 and a point 144. In the illustrated
embodiment, the point 144 is disposed on the bottom end of the
continuous elongated frame 110 opposite the cap region 122. The
point 144 may include a conical tapered region and an external
metal point member (not shown). The illustrated basket 142 is a
releasable member separate from the continuous elongated frame 110.
Alternatively, the basket 142 could be part of the continuous
elongated frame 110. In addition, the tip 140 may include various
retention regions having particular cross sectional shapes that
retain the illustrated removable basket 142 in a particular
lengthwise position.
[0027] Reference is next made to FIGS. 4 and 5, which illustrate a
separate tip embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated
pole system 100 includes a continuous elongated frame 110 in which
the bottom end includes a coupler 160 (rather than extending to the
tip 140 as illustrated and described in reference to FIG. 3). The
shaft portion 130 therefore includes the coupler 160 opposite the
handle portion 120. The illustrated coupler 160 (FIG. 5) is not
part of the continuous elongated frame 110 but may be manufactured
in an alternative embodiment. The bottom end of the frame portion
130 and continuous elongated frame 110 may include a lengthwise
recess over which the coupler 160 is disposed. The coupler 160 may
be a redial selective clamping type coupler including an unclamped
state (shown in FIG. 5) and a clamped state (not shown). A second
lower pole member 150 may be telescopically engaged within the
bottom end of the continuous elongated frame 110 and shaft portion
130 via the coupler 160 as shown. The selective clamping of the
coupler 160 may facilitate the translation of the lower pole member
150 with respect to the continuous elongated frame 110. For
example, in the unclamped state of the coupler 160, a user may
translate the lower pole member 150 with respect to the continuous
elongated frame 110 to customize the length of the system 100 for a
particular operation. It is generally preferable to minimize the
overall length of the system for portability and then expand the
system 100 to a particular length during operation. It will be
appreciated that additional telescopic segments or pole members may
be internested to facilitate greater ranges of the collapsibility
in accordance with known practices in the field.
[0028] Reference is next made to FIGS. 6A-B, which illustrate a
perspective and top view of a pole system 100 in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention. As discussed above, the
continuous elongated frame 110 may be formed to include an internal
cavity 116 in the handle portion 120 accessed via a recess 118 or
opening on the top end. Likewise, the system 100 may optionally
include a lower pole member 150 translatably coupled within the
continuous elongated frame 110. Conventional telescopic pole
systems are limited by the structural members are to where the
internested pole segments may translate. This limitation then
limits the overall collapsibility range of the system. For example,
a convention pole system may include cylindrical tubes forming the
structural lengthwise integrity of the system; the internested
telescopic pole segments may only overlap within the respective
tube segments and not extend into external components such as a
handle member 20 (See FIG. 1A). FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a pole
system 100 embodiment in which the shaft portion 130 includes a
lower pole member 150 which may selectively telescope/internest
within the continuous elongated frame 110 so as to reduce the
overall length of the system. The illustrated lower pole member 150
is configured to translate all the way within the internal cavity
of the handle portion toward the top end of the continuous
elongated frame 110, thereby further reducing the overall length of
the system in a collapsed/portable state beyond that which may be
achieved by a convention pole system.
[0029] Reference is next made to FIGS. 7A-B, which illustrate
lengthwise and orthogonal lengthwise cross-sectional views of an
elongated continuous frame 110 and a conventional tube 30. The
cross-sectional views illustrate the effect of the novel
integration of structural and functional components into a
continuous elongated frame 110 to create a synergistic strength
increase and weight decrease above a conventional combination of
components. Specifically, FIGS. 7A-B illustrate that the
single-composition frame avoids the conventional point of weakness
resulting from intercoupling functional components. In addition,
the expanded horizontal cross-sectional shape of the
single-composition frame is significantly lighter and stronger
across the functional regions (i.e. grip, couplers, etc.) versus a
conventional combination of functional and structural
components.
[0030] It should be noted that various alternative system designs
may be practiced in accordance with the present invention,
including one or more portions or concepts of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1 or described above. Various other embodiments
have been contemplated, including combinations in whole or in part
of the embodiments described above.
* * * * *