Abstract
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.
Claims
1. An apparatus for assisting in training a student to ski comprising: a ski pole having a first end and a second end; and a hand grip at said first end: and a hand grip, a basket and a point at said second end; wherein a student may hold the hand grip on said first end, and a person training the student may hold said grip on said second end.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an articulated joint proximal to said first end.
3. An apparatus for assisting in training a student to ski comprising: a ski pole having a first end and a second end; and a hand grip at said first end; and a hand grip, a basket and a point at said second end; and an articulated joint proximal to said first end; wherein a pair of said ski poles may each be bent at said articulated joint so that said student may hold said hand grip on each first end while a teacher holds said hand grip on each second end in order to guide the student.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising: a magnet on said hand grip at said first end; wherein said magnet mates with the paired magnet to assist the student in holding the hand grips.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising: a socket fixedly engaged with said hand grip at said first end of said apparatus; and a ball fixedly engaged with said magnet and pivotally engaged with said socket; wherein the ball and socket allow said magnet to meet a paired magnet to assist the student in holding the hand grips.
6. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising: a locking mechanism engaged with said articulated joint to maintain an angle between 45° and 90°.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a front view of thereof;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a top view of the example embodiment shown in use;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a front view of a configuration of the example embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a top view of the example embodiment of FIG. 4, shown in use.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a partial cross section view depicting a ball and socket engaged with a magnet in a hand grip.
DESCRIPTION
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment 100. A ski pole 100 has an extendable shaft 114 with a lock 118. One skilled in the art is familiar with extendable poles and common locking mechanisms. The ski pole 100 is articulated about a ratcheting joint 110 that has a release button 112. One skilled in the art is familiar with joints that rotate on an axis and lock into various positions. A distal grip 116 has a magnet 124 embedded in the top of the grip 116. The magnet 124 pivots so as to meet a mating magnet as shown in FIG. 2. A second grip 120 is affixed to the base of the shaft 114, proximal to a common ski-pole basket 122.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a pair of ski poles 100 angled at approximately 45°. The ratcheting joint 110 is released by depressing the release button 112; moving the joint into position; then releasing the release button 112. Magnets 124 rotate on their pivoting mounts in grips 116, to meet as shown. One skilled in the art is familiar with ball joints and other pivoting mechanisms that allow for flat surfaces such as magnets 124 to mate in surface-to-surface contact.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a set of poles used by an adult instructor 126 and a child student 128. The poles are symmetrical and like components have like reference numbers. One pole is referenced. The instructor 126 holds the proximal second set of grips 120. The pole shafts 114 are adjusted about locking mechanisms 118 to a length that allows the student 128 to ski in front of the instructor 126. The ratcheting joints 110 are pivoted about release button 112 and are locked in an approximately 45° angle. The student 128 holds the terminal grips 116 that are joined together by magnets 124. The magnets 124 are rotated in their sockets so that their top surfaces meet 125.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 4 a pair of ski poles 100 are each bent at approximately a 90° angle. The ratcheting joint 110 is released by depressing the release button 112 and moving the joint into position and then releasing the release button 112. Magnets 124 rotate on their pivoting mounts in grips 116, to meet as shown.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 5 a set of poles are shown used by an adult instructor 126 and a child student 128. The poles are symmetrical and like components have like reference numbers. One pole is referenced. The instructor 126 holds the proximal, second set of grips 120. The pole shafts 114 are adjusted about locking mechanisms 118 to a length that allows the student 128 to ski in front of the instructor 126. The ratcheting joints 110 are pivoted about the release button 112 and are locked in an approximately 90° angle. The student 128 holds the distal grips 116 that are joined together by magnets 124. The magnets 124 are rotated in their sockets so that their top surfaces meet 125. If the student falls, the magnets release so that the student is not harmed by the poles in the event of a fall.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 6 a magnet affixed to a ball and socket is depicted in the illustration. A socket 132 is affixed in the handle 116. A ball 130 pivots within the socket 132 and is further engaged with the magnet 124. Each magnet in a pair is able to pivot as shown so that they may mate face-to-face as shown in FIG. 2.
[0019] These embodiments should not be construed as limiting.
