An apparatus for training a student to ski is a ski pole that, used in a pair and held laterally, converts to guiding harness. The apparatus is configured as a pair arranged around the student and held by both student and instructor. The apparatus converts to typical-use ski poles when training is complete. The apparatus is configured like a typical-use ski pole, but articulated with a ratchet joint that enables arrangement around the student.

A grip element having an elongate grip body with a first end region and a second end region. The grip body has a first surface near the second end region, with a curved subregion for supporting a subregion of the ball of the human hand, and an outwardly curved second surface supporting a subregion of the palm, and an inwardly curved third surface adjacent to the first surface and supporting the extended thumb, and an outwardly curved fourth surface lying substantially opposite the third surface and supporting the middle finger, adjacent to which fourth surface an outwardly curved fifth surface is provided for supporting the ring finger. The grip body has a sixth surface to support the index finger. The sixth surface, starting from a subregion of the second surface spaced apart from the second end region of the grip body, extends in the direction to the first end region and runs longitudinally along the grip body.

The present disclosure presents a multi-purpose pole grip design in a generally conical shape to resist a user's hand from sliding off it while under axial loading. The present disclosure provides a more ergonomic and comfortable handle that requires less grip strength thus making it a prime design for poles used in sports like skiing and hiking and general walking sticks, including canes.

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.

An illumination system for a handheld support apparatus is disclosed. A variety of applications for the handheld support apparatus are considered, including, but not limited to, hiking, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, trailblazing, rock climbing, and mountaineering. The illumination system can advantageously illuminate the surrounding environment of the handheld support apparatus during use. Illumination systems can be disposed within the support apparatus or on the external surface of the support apparatus. The illumination system can comprise a power source and a light-emitting device. The illumination system can further comprise at least one internal electrical conductor configured to transfer power from the power source to the light-emitting device. In some embodiments, the light-emitting from the support apparatus can be controlled by predetermined values to optimize preferred performance parameters.

Training equipment includes a hollow shaft having a sidewall defining an internal cavity and at least one polymer material filling at least a portion of the internal cavity. The polymer material may fill the entire internal cavity of the hollow shaft. The polymer material may be a visco-elastic polymer material or polyurethane. A spacer or a filler may fill at least a portion of the internal cavity. A method of making weighted training equipment with a hollow shaft having a sidewall defining an internal cavity may include injecting a curable composition into at least a portion of the internal cavity. The method may further include curing the curable composition into a polymer material.

An illumination system for a handheld support apparatus is disclosed. A variety of applications for the handheld support apparatus are considered, including, but not limited to, hiking, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, trailblazing, rock climbing, and mountaineering. The illumination system can advantageously illuminate the surrounding environment of the handheld support apparatus during use. Illumination systems can be disposed within the support apparatus or on the external surface of the support apparatus. The illumination system can comprise a power source and a light-emitting device. The illumination system can further comprise at least one internal electrical conductor configured to transfer power from the power source to the light-emitting device. In some embodiments, the light-emitting from the support apparatus can be controlled by predetermined values to optimize preferred performance parameters.

The invention consists of a Nordic walking/running/exercise pole, which is equipped with a handle flexing towards the pole shaft.

A handle 10 for a pole that houses within its body 12 a power means housing 20, the housing 20 having an electrical power storage means 50 where a device can be connected to the handle 10 and supplied with electrical energy from the storage means 50. Due to increased demands of portable electricity, during outdoor activities, the handle 10 allows a means to easily carry and supply electricity for devices.

An apparatus for training a student to ski is a ski pole that, used in a pair and held laterally, converts to guiding harness. The apparatus is configured as a pair arranged around the student and held by both student and instructor. The apparatus converts to typical-use ski poles when training is complete. The apparatus is configured like a typical-use ski pole, but articulated with a ratchet joint that enables arrangement around the student.