US4244602A — Shock-absorbing ski pole grip and method of adjus…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 371 words

A shock absorbing ski pole capable of absorbing impacts caused by being planted into snow during use, said ski pole comprising: a. a hollow shaft having a lower snow engaging end and an upper hand engaging end, b. a hand grip mounted circumjacent to the upper end of said shaft, c. a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly mounted to the upper end of the shaft, said assembly comprising a first cylinder member fixedly connected to one of said shaft and said hand grip, and a piston member fixedly connected to the other of said shaft and hand grip and positioned for reciprocating motion in said cylinder, said cylinder and piston defining an air compression chamber to resist relative movement of said hand grip downward relative to the shaft, d. spring means mounted in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft and urge the hand grip to an upper position with a first force of a predetermined value, e. stop means to limit upward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft, and f. an elongate friction and positioning sleeve positioned securely within said hand grip and frictionally engaging the outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to exert a frictional force thereagainst less than the first force exerted by said spring means, said sleeve engaging the upper end of the shaft along the length thereof to prevent movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the shaft, while permitting relative movement about an axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft, whereby when the ski pole is being manipulated with its snow engaging end free of the snow, the friction and positioning sleeve prevents relative movement between the hand grip and shaft in a manner to give a secure feel to the ski pole, and when the ski pole is planted in a snow surface to push the hand grip downwardly so as to compress the spring means and pressurize the compression chamber to absorb the impact, said friction and positioning sleeve resists return movement of the hand grip to absorb resiliency in the return motion.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 371 words

A shock absorbing ski pole capable of absorbing impacts caused by being planted into snow during use, said ski pole comprising: a. a hollow shaft having a lower snow engaging end and an upper hand engaging end, b. a hand grip mounted circumjacent to the upper end of said shaft, c. a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly mounted to the upper end of the shaft, said assembly comprising a first cylinder member fixedly connected to one of said shaft and said hand grip, and a piston member fixedly connected to the other of said shaft and hand grip and positioned for reciprocating motion in said cylinder, said cylinder and piston defining an air compression chamber to resist relative movement of said hand grip downward relative to the shaft, d. spring means mounted in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft and urge the hand grip to an upper position with a first force of a predetermined value, e. stop means to limit upward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft, and f. an elongate friction and positioning sleeve positioned securely within said hand grip and frictionally engaging the outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to exert a frictional force thereagainst less than the first force exerted by said spring means, said sleeve engaging the upper end of the shaft along the length thereof to prevent movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the shaft, while permitting relative movement about an axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft, whereby when the ski pole is being manipulated with its snow engaging end free of the snow, the friction and positioning sleeve prevents relative movement between the hand grip and shaft in a manner to give a secure feel to the ski pole, and when the ski pole is planted in a snow surface to push the hand grip downwardly so as to compress the spring means and pressurize the compression chamber to absorb the impact, said friction and positioning sleeve resists return movement of the hand grip to absorb resiliency in the return motion.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 47 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 1, wherein said friction and positioning sleeve is provided with slot means to permit expansion and contraction radially relative to its lengthwise axis, said ski pole further comprising a tension member pressing said sleeve into frictional engagement with said shaft.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 32 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 2, wherein said tension member engages said sleeve at a lower end thereof to insure firm engagement of the sleeve at the lower end thereof.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 54 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 1, wherein said sleeve is provided with at least one elongate slot extending from a lower end thereof toward the upper end of the sleeve, and said sleeve is adapted to receive therearound a tension member to cause firm frictional engagement of said sleeve with said shaft.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 51 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 4, wherein there are two circumferentially spaced elongate slots separating the lower end of said sleeve into opposed leg members, said ski pole further comprising a resilient band engaging said leg portions of the sleeve to press them into firm engagement with the shaft.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 31 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 4, wherein said slot means comprises a plurality of elongate slots extending from the lower end of said sleeve toward an upper end thereof.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 44 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 1, wherein said sleeve is provided with a plurality of elongate slots arranged in a staggered pattern around the circumference of said sleeve, so that said sleeve can be contracted laterally for firm engagement with said shaft.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 33 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 1, wherein said sleeve is provided with a plurality of inwardly protruding elements which frictionally grip an outside surface of said shaft for frictional engagement therewith.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 37 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 1, wherein said sleeve is provided with slot means which extends circumferentially and upwardly around said sleeve to permit said sleeve to contract radially for firm engagement with the shaft.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 40 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 1, wherein said sleeve and said shaft are arranged to provide recesses therebetween, and there are rotatable friction elements press-fitted in said recesses to provide frictional engagement between said sleeve and said shaft.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 84 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 1, wherein said cylinder and piston assembly is provided with a bleed orifice to permit restricted inflow and outflow of air into and from said compression chamber, whereby during downward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, pressurized air in said compression chamber resists downward movement of said hand grip, and during upward movement of said hand grip relative to the lower shaft, lower pressure in said compression chamber tends to retard such return movement.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 119 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 1, wherein said cylinder comprises a side wall and a bottom wall, and said cylinder is mounted in said shaft with an open end thereof facing upwardly, said piston having a piston head mounted for reciprocation in said cylinder and an upwardly extending piston rod connected to said hand grip, said spring means has a lower end mounted from said cylinder and extends upwardly to press said hand grip upwardly, whereby said cylinder and piston define a compression chamber to resist downward movement by said piston, and said spring means is positioned outside of said compression chamber so as not to limit relative movement of said piston and cylinder toward one another.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 51 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 12, wherein matching retaining holes are formed in said cylinder and said shaft, and there is a retaining pin extending through said matching holes and locating said cylinder in said shaft, said sleeve surrounding said shaft to retain said pin in its locating position.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 24 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 13, wherein said hand grip and said sleeve are secured to said piston by removable fastening means.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 125 words

The ski poles are recited in claim 1, wherein: a. said cylinder has a side wall and bottom wall and is positioned in said shaft with an upper open end thereof facing upwardly, b. said piston has a head mounted for reciprocating motion in said cylinder, and an upwardly extending piston rod, c. said spring means has a lower end extending from said cylinder upwardly to press said hand grip upwardly, d. said friction and positioning sleeve has at least one elongate slot extending from a lower end of said sleeve toward an upper end thereof, said slot permitting radial contraction of said sleeve, and e. there is resilient band means engaging said sleeve and urging it inwardly for proper frictional engagement of said shaft.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 65 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 15, wherein said cylinder and said shaft are provided with matching through holes, and there is a retaining pin extending through said holes to locate said cylinder relative to said shaft, said sleeve extending around said shaft to retain said pin in its locating position, removable fastening means securing said hand grip and said sleeve to said piston.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 83 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 15, wherein said cylinder and piston assembly is provided with a bleed orifice to permit restricted inflow and outflow of air into and from said compression chamber, whereby during downward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, pressurized air in said compression chamber resists downward movement of said hand grip, and during upward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, lower pressure in said compression chamber tends to retard such return movement.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 75 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 17, wherein said bleed orifice is positioned in a bottom wall of said cylinder, whereby during downward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, pressurized air in said compression chamber bleeds into the interior of said shaft, and during upward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, air is drawn from the interior of said shaft into said compression chamber through the bleed orifice.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 25 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 15, wherein the coefficient of friction between said sleeve and said shaft is no greater than about 1.0.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 26 words

The ski pole as recited in claim 15, wherein the coefficient of friction between said sleeve and said ski pole is between about 0.3 and 0.7.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 384 words

A shock absorbing hand grip assembly for a ski pole having a hollow shaft, said hand grip assembly comprising: a. a hand grip adapted to be mounted circumjacent to the upper end of said shaft, b. a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly adapted to be mounted in the upper end of the shaft, said assembly comprising a first cylinder member adapted to be fixedly connected to one of said shaft and said hand grip, and a piston member adapted to be fixedly connected to the other of said shaft and hand grip and positioned for reciprocating motion in said cylinder, said cylinder and piston defining an air compression chamber to resist relative movement of said hand grip downward relative to the shaft, c. spring means adapted to be mounted in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft and urge the hand grip to an upper position with a first force of a predetermined value, d. stop means to limit upward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft and e. an elongate friction and positioning sleeve positioned securely within said hand grip and adapted to frictionally engage the outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to exert a frictional force thereagainst less than the first force exerted by said spring means, said sleeve adapted to engage the upper end of the shaft along the length thereof to prevent movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the shaft, while permitting relative movement about an axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft, whereby when the hand grip assembly is mounted to the ski pole and the ski pole is being manipulated with its snow engaging end free of the snow, the friction and positioning sleeve prevents relative movement between the hand grip and the shaft in a manner to give a secure feel to the ski pole, and when the ski pole is planted in a snow surface to push the hand grip downwardly so as to compress the spring means and pressurize the compression chamber to absorb the impact, said friction and positioning sleeve resists return movement of the hand grip to absorb resiliency in the return motion.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 384 words

A shock absorbing hand grip assembly for a ski pole having a hollow shaft, said hand grip assembly comprising: a. a hand grip adapted to be mounted circumjacent to the upper end of said shaft, b. a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly adapted to be mounted in the upper end of the shaft, said assembly comprising a first cylinder member adapted to be fixedly connected to one of said shaft and said hand grip, and a piston member adapted to be fixedly connected to the other of said shaft and hand grip and positioned for reciprocating motion in said cylinder, said cylinder and piston defining an air compression chamber to resist relative movement of said hand grip downward relative to the shaft, c. spring means adapted to be mounted in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft and urge the hand grip to an upper position with a first force of a predetermined value, d. stop means to limit upward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft and e. an elongate friction and positioning sleeve positioned securely within said hand grip and adapted to frictionally engage the outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to exert a frictional force thereagainst less than the first force exerted by said spring means, said sleeve adapted to engage the upper end of the shaft along the length thereof to prevent movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the shaft, while permitting relative movement about an axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft, whereby when the hand grip assembly is mounted to the ski pole and the ski pole is being manipulated with its snow engaging end free of the snow, the friction and positioning sleeve prevents relative movement between the hand grip and the shaft in a manner to give a secure feel to the ski pole, and when the ski pole is planted in a snow surface to push the hand grip downwardly so as to compress the spring means and pressurize the compression chamber to absorb the impact, said friction and positioning sleeve resists return movement of the hand grip to absorb resiliency in the return motion.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 48 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein said friction and positioning sleeve is provided with slot means to permit expansion and contraction radially relative to its lengthwise axis, said ski pole further comprising a tension member pressing said sleeve into frictional engagement with said shaft.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 33 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 22, wherein said tension member engages said sleeve at a lower end thereof to insure firm engagement of the sleeve at the lower end thereof.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 55 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein said sleeve is provided with at least one elongate slot extending from a lower end thereof toward the upper end of the sleeve, and said sleeve is adapted to receive therearound a tension member to cause firm frictional engagement of said sleeve with said shaft.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 52 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 24, wherein there are two circumferentially spaced elongate slots separating the lower end of said sleeve into opposed leg members, said ski pole further comprising a resilient band engaging said leg portions of the sleeve to press them into firm engagement with the shaft.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 32 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 24, wherein said slot means comprises a plurality of elongate slots extending from the lower end of said sleeve toward an upper end thereof.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 45 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein said sleeve is provided with a plurality of elongate slots arranged in a staggered pattern around the circumference of said sleeve, so that said sleeve can be contracted laterally for firm engagement with said shaft.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 35 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein said sleeve is provided with a plurality of inwardly protruding elements adapted to frictionally grip an outside surface of said shaft for frictional engagement therewith.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 38 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein said sleeve is provided with slot means which extends circumferentially and upwardly around said sleeve to permit said sleeve to contract radially for firm engagement with the shaft.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 41 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein said sleeve and said shaft are arranged to provide recesses therebetween, and there are rotatable friction elements press-fitted in said recesses to provide frictional engagement between said sleeve and said shaft.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 84 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein said cylinder and piston assembly is provided with a bleed orifice to permit restricted inflow and outflow of air into and from said compression chamber, whereby during downward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, pressurized air in said compression chamber resists downward movement of said hand grip, and during upward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, lower pressure in said compression chamber tends to retard such return movement.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 123 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein said cylinder comprises a side wall and a bottom wall, and said cylinder is adapted to be mounted in said shaft with an open end thereof facing upwardly, said piston having a piston head mounted for reciprocation in said cylinder and an upwardly extending piston rod connected to said hand grip, said spring means has a lower end mounted from said cylinder and extends upwardly to press said hand grip upwardly, whereby said cylinder and piston define a compression chamber to resist downward movement by said piston, and said spring means is positioned outside of said compression chamber so as not to limit relative movement of said piston and cylinder toward one another.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 61 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 32, wherein retaining holes are formed in said cylinder adapted to match retaining holes in said shaft, and there is a retaining pin adapted to extend through said matching holes to locate said cylinder in said shaft, said sleeve being adapted to surround said shaft to retain said pin in its locating position.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 25 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 33, wherein said hand grip and said sleeve are secured to said piston by removable fastening means.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 129 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein: a. said cylinder has a side wall and bottom wall and is adapted to be positioned in said shaft with an upper open end thereof facing upwardly, b. said piston has a head mounted for reciprocating motion in said cylinder, and an upwardly extending piston rod, c. said spring means has a lower end extending from said cylinder upwardly to press said hand grip upwardly, d. said friction and positioning sleeve has at least one elongate slot extending from a lower end of said sleeve toward an upper end thereof, said slot permitting radial contraction of said sleeve, and e. there is resilient band means engaging said sleeve to urge it inwardly for proper frictional engagement of said shaft.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 78 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 35, wherein said cylinder is provided with through holes adapted to match retaining holes in said shaft, and there is a retaining pin adapted to extend through said holes to locate said cylinder relative to said shaft, said sleeve is adapted to extend around said shaft to retain said pin in its locating position, and there is removable fastening means securing said hand grip and said sleeve to said piston.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 84 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 35, wherein said cylinder and piston assembly is provided with a bleed orifice to permit restricted inflow and outflow of air into and from said compression chamber, whereby during downward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, pressurized air in said compression chamber resists downward movement of said hand grip, and during upward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, lower pressure in said compression chamber tends to retard such return movement.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 76 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 37, wherein said bleed orifice is positioned in a bottom wall of said cylinder, whereby during downward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, pressurized air in said compression chamber bleeds into the interior of said shaft, and during upward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, air is drawn from the interior of said shaft into said compression chamber through the bleed orifice.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 42 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 35, wherein said sleeve is made up of a material such that upon engagement with said shaft, the coefficient of friction between said sleeve and said shaft would be no greater than about 1.0.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 42 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 35, wherein said sleeve is made up of a material such that upon frictional engagement with said shaft, the coefficient of friction between said sleeve and said shaft is between about 0.3 and 0.7.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 440 words

A method of disassembling a shock absorbing hand grip assembly for a ski pole, shortening the ski pole, and reassembling said hand grip assembly in its operative condition, said method comprising: a. providing a hand grip assembly for a ski pole having a shaft, wherein said hand grip assembly comprises: 1. a hand grip mounted circumjacent to the upper end of said shaft, 2. a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly mounted in the upper end of the shaft, said assembly comprising a cylinder member and a piston member positioned for reciprocating motion in said cylinder, said cylinder and piston defining an air compression chamber to resist relative movement of said hand grip downward relative to the shaft, 3. spring means mounted in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft and urge the hand grip to an upper position with a first force of a predetermined value, 4. a retaining pin extending through pairs of matching holes in said cylinder and said shaft to locate said cylinder in said shaft, 5. an elongate friction and positioning sleeve positioned securely within said hand grip and frictionally engaging the outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to exert a frictional force thereaginst less than the first force exerted by said spring means, said sleeve engaging the upper end of the shaft along the length thereof to prevent movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the shaft, while permitting relative movement about an axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft, 6. a removable fastening means connecting said hand grip and said sleeve to said piston, b. disassembling said hand grip assembly by: 1. removing said removable fastening means from its securing position, 2. removing said sleeve and said hand grip from said shaft, 3. removing said pin from said matching holes, 4. removing said cylinder and piston assembly from said shaft, c. shortening said shaft by removing an upper end portion of said shaft to leave the shaft at the desired length, d. reassembling the hand grip by: 1. providing in said shaft a second pair of holes adapted to match the holes in said cylinder at a desired location, 2. reinserting the cylinder and piston assembly in said shaft so that the holes of said cylinder are in alignment with the second pair of holes provided in said shaft, 3. inserting said pin in said aligned holes, 4. reassembling said spring means, sleeve and hand grip, and securing the same by means of said removable fastening means.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 440 words

A method of disassembling a shock absorbing hand grip assembly for a ski pole, shortening the ski pole, and reassembling said hand grip assembly in its operative condition, said method comprising: a. providing a hand grip assembly for a ski pole having a shaft, wherein said hand grip assembly comprises: 1. a hand grip mounted circumjacent to the upper end of said shaft, 2. a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly mounted in the upper end of the shaft, said assembly comprising a cylinder member and a piston member positioned for reciprocating motion in said cylinder, said cylinder and piston defining an air compression chamber to resist relative movement of said hand grip downward relative to the shaft, 3. spring means mounted in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft and urge the hand grip to an upper position with a first force of a predetermined value, 4. a retaining pin extending through pairs of matching holes in said cylinder and said shaft to locate said cylinder in said shaft, 5. an elongate friction and positioning sleeve positioned securely within said hand grip and frictionally engaging the outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to exert a frictional force thereaginst less than the first force exerted by said spring means, said sleeve engaging the upper end of the shaft along the length thereof to prevent movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the shaft, while permitting relative movement about an axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft, 6. a removable fastening means connecting said hand grip and said sleeve to said piston, b. disassembling said hand grip assembly by: 1. removing said removable fastening means from its securing position, 2. removing said sleeve and said hand grip from said shaft, 3. removing said pin from said matching holes, 4. removing said cylinder and piston assembly from said shaft, c. shortening said shaft by removing an upper end portion of said shaft to leave the shaft at the desired length, d. reassembling the hand grip by: 1. providing in said shaft a second pair of holes adapted to match the holes in said cylinder at a desired location, 2. reinserting the cylinder and piston assembly in said shaft so that the holes of said cylinder are in alignment with the second pair of holes provided in said shaft, 3. inserting said pin in said aligned holes, 4. reassembling said spring means, sleeve and hand grip, and securing the same by means of said removable fastening means.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method as recited in claim 41, wherein said second pair of holes is provided initially in said shaft prior to disassembly and assembly thereof.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method as recited in claim 41, wherein said second pair of holes is drilled in said shaft after disassembly of the hand grip assembly.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method as recited in claim 41, wherein said sleeve is placed around said shaft to retain said locating pin in said aligned holes.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 341 words

A shock absorbing hand grip assembly for a ski pole having a hollow shaft, said hand grip assembly comprising: a. a hand grip means adapted to be mounted circumjacent to an upper end of said shaft and including tension means to apply a radially inward tension toward said shaft b. resilient means adapted to be positioned in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of said hand grip means relative to said shaft and urge said hand grip means to an upper position relative to said shaft, c. stop means to limit upward movement of said hand grip means relative to said shaft, and d. an elongate friction and positioning sleeve positioned securely within said hand grip means and adapted to frictionally engage an outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to exert a frictional force thereagainst less than the force exerted by said resilient means, said sleeve adapted to engage the upper end of the shaft along the length thereof to prevent movement of the hand grip means relative to the shaft about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the shaft, while permitting relative movement about an axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft, e. said friction and positioning sleeve being provided with slot means to permit expansion and contraction radially relative to its lengthwise axis, with said tension means pressing said sleeve into frictional engagement with said shaft, whereby when said hand grip assembly is mounted to the ski pole and the ski pole is being manipulated with its snow engaging end free of the snow, the friction and positioning sleeve prevents relative movement between the hand grip and the shaft in a manner to give a secure feel to the ski pole, and when the ski pole is planted in the snow surface to push the hand grip downwardly against the urging of the resilient means to absorb the impact, said friction and positioning sleeve resists return movement of the hand grip to absorb resiliency in the return motion.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 341 words

A shock absorbing hand grip assembly for a ski pole having a hollow shaft, said hand grip assembly comprising: a. a hand grip means adapted to be mounted circumjacent to an upper end of said shaft and including tension means to apply a radially inward tension toward said shaft b. resilient means adapted to be positioned in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of said hand grip means relative to said shaft and urge said hand grip means to an upper position relative to said shaft, c. stop means to limit upward movement of said hand grip means relative to said shaft, and d. an elongate friction and positioning sleeve positioned securely within said hand grip means and adapted to frictionally engage an outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to exert a frictional force thereagainst less than the force exerted by said resilient means, said sleeve adapted to engage the upper end of the shaft along the length thereof to prevent movement of the hand grip means relative to the shaft about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the shaft, while permitting relative movement about an axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft, e. said friction and positioning sleeve being provided with slot means to permit expansion and contraction radially relative to its lengthwise axis, with said tension means pressing said sleeve into frictional engagement with said shaft, whereby when said hand grip assembly is mounted to the ski pole and the ski pole is being manipulated with its snow engaging end free of the snow, the friction and positioning sleeve prevents relative movement between the hand grip and the shaft in a manner to give a secure feel to the ski pole, and when the ski pole is planted in the snow surface to push the hand grip downwardly against the urging of the resilient means to absorb the impact, said friction and positioning sleeve resists return movement of the hand grip to absorb resiliency in the return motion.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 56 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 45, wherein said stop means comprises a. an elongate member located in an upper end of said shaft and attached to said hand grip means, said elongate member having a vertical slot, b. a pin member adapted to be attached to said shaft and extending into said slot.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 75 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 45, wherein: a. said stop means comprises: 1. an elongate member located in an upper end of said shaft and attached to said hand grip means, said elongate member having a vertical slot, 2. a pin member adapted to be attached to said shaft and extending into said slot b. said resilient means comprises a compression spring positioned around said elongate member and above said pin member.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 55 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 45, wherein said sleeve is provided with at least one elongate slot extending from a lower end thereof toward the upper end of the sleeve, and said sleeve is adapted to receive therearound said tension means to cause firm frictional engagement of said sleeve with said shaft.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 51 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 48, wherein there are two circumferentially spaced elongate slots separating the lower end of said sleeve into opposed leg members, said tension means further comprising a resilient band engaging leg portions of the sleeve to press them into firm engagement with the shaft.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 42 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 45, wherein said sleeve is made up of a material such that upon engagement with said shaft, the coefficient of friction between said sleeve and said shaft would be no greater than about 1.0.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 42 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 45, wherein said sleeve is made up of a material such that upon frictional engagement with said shaft, the coefficient of friction between said sleeve and said shaft is between about 0.3 and 0.7.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 19 words

The assembly as recited in claim 45, wherein said tension means comprises a tension member positioned around said sleeve.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 33 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 52, wherein said tension member engages said sleeve at a lower end thereof to insure firm engagement of the sleeve at the lower end thereof.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 256 words

A shock absorbing hand grip assembly for a ski pole having a hollow shaft, said hand grip assembly comprising: a. a hand grip adapted to be mounted circumjacent to the upper end of said shaft, b. a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly adapted to be mounted in the upper end of the shaft, said assembly comprising a first cylinder member adapted to be fixedly connected to one of said shaft and said hand grip, and a piston member adapted to be fixedly connected to the other of said shaft and hand grip and positioned for reciprocating motion in said cylinder, said cylinder and piston defining an air compression chamber to resist relative movement of said hand grip downward relative to the shaft, c. spring means adapted to be mounted in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft and urge the hand grip to an upper position with a first force of a predetermined value, d. stop means to limit upward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft, and e. said cylinder and piston assembly being provided with a bleed orifice to permit restricted inflow and outflow of air into and from said compression chamber, whereby during downward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, pressurized air in said compression chamber resists downward movement of said hand grip, and during upward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, lower pressure in said compression chamber tends to retard such return movement.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 256 words

A shock absorbing hand grip assembly for a ski pole having a hollow shaft, said hand grip assembly comprising: a. a hand grip adapted to be mounted circumjacent to the upper end of said shaft, b. a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly adapted to be mounted in the upper end of the shaft, said assembly comprising a first cylinder member adapted to be fixedly connected to one of said shaft and said hand grip, and a piston member adapted to be fixedly connected to the other of said shaft and hand grip and positioned for reciprocating motion in said cylinder, said cylinder and piston defining an air compression chamber to resist relative movement of said hand grip downward relative to the shaft, c. spring means adapted to be mounted in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft and urge the hand grip to an upper position with a first force of a predetermined value, d. stop means to limit upward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft, and e. said cylinder and piston assembly being provided with a bleed orifice to permit restricted inflow and outflow of air into and from said compression chamber, whereby during downward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, pressurized air in said compression chamber resists downward movement of said hand grip, and during upward movement of said hand grip relative to the shaft, lower pressure in said compression chamber tends to retard such return movement.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 123 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 54, wherein said cylinder comprises a side wall and a bottom wall, and said cylinder is adapted to be mounted in said shaft with an open end thereof facing upwardly, said piston having a piston head mounted for reciprocation in said cylinder and an upwardly extending piston rod connected to said hand grip, said spring means has a lower end mounted from said cylinder and extends upwardly to press said hand grip upwardly, whereby said cylinder and piston define a compression chamber to resist downward movement by said piston, and said spring means is positioned outside of said compression chamber so as not to limit relative movement of said piston and cylinder toward one another.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 63 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 54, wherein retaining holes are formed in said cylinder adapted to match retaining holes in said shaft, and there is a retaining pin adapted to extend through said matching holes to locate said cylinder in said shaft, said hand grip assembly being arranged to surround said shaft to retain said pin in its locating position.

Claim 62

Independent Claim 63 words

A method of disassembling a shock absorbing hand grip assembly for a ski pole, shortening the ski pole, and reassembling said hand grip assembly in its operative condition, said method comprising: a. providing a hand grip assembly for a ski pole having a shaft, wherein said hand grip assembly comprises: 1. a hand grip mounted circumjacent to an upper end of said shaft,

Claim 63

Independent Claim 63 words

A method of disassembling a shock absorbing hand grip assembly for a ski pole, shortening the ski pole, and reassembling said hand grip assembly in its operative condition, said method comprising: a. providing a hand grip assembly for a ski pole having a shaft, wherein said hand grip assembly comprises: 1. a hand grip mounted circumjacent to an upper end of said shaft,

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 208 words

an elongate member mounted in the upper end of the shaft, 3. spring means mounted in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft and urge the hand grip to an upper position with a first force of a predetermined value, 4. a retaining pin extending through a slot in said elongate member and through a pair of holes in said shaft, 5. an elongate friction and positioning sleeve positioned securely within said hand grip and frictionally engaging an outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to exert a frictional force thereagainst less than the first force exerted by said spring means, said sleeve engaging the upper end of the shaft along the length thereof to prevent movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the shaft, while permitting relative movement about an axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft, 6. a removable fastening means connecting said hand grip and said sleeve to said elongate member, b. disassembling said hand grip assembly by: 1. removing said removable fastening means from its securing position, 2. removing said sleeve and said hand grip from said shaft,

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 208 words

an elongate member mounted in the upper end of the shaft, 3. spring means mounted in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft and urge the hand grip to an upper position with a first force of a predetermined value, 4. a retaining pin extending through a slot in said elongate member and through a pair of holes in said shaft, 5. an elongate friction and positioning sleeve positioned securely within said hand grip and frictionally engaging an outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to exert a frictional force thereagainst less than the first force exerted by said spring means, said sleeve engaging the upper end of the shaft along the length thereof to prevent movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the shaft, while permitting relative movement about an axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft, 6. a removable fastening means connecting said hand grip and said sleeve to said elongate member, b. disassembling said hand grip assembly by: 1. removing said removable fastening means from its securing position, 2. removing said sleeve and said hand grip from said shaft,

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 122 words

removing said pin from said shaft and from said elongate member 4. removing said elongate member from said shaft, c. shortening said shaft by removing an upper end portion of said shaft to leave the shaft at a desired length, d. reassembling the hand grip by: 1. providing in said shaft a second pair of holes at a desired location, 2. reinserting said elongate member in said shaft so that the slot in the elongate member is in alignment with the second pair of holes provided in said shaft, 3. inserting said pin in said second pair of holes and said slot, 4. reassembling said spring means, sleeve and hand grip, and securing the same by means of said removable fastening means.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 122 words

removing said pin from said shaft and from said elongate member 4. removing said elongate member from said shaft, c. shortening said shaft by removing an upper end portion of said shaft to leave the shaft at a desired length, d. reassembling the hand grip by: 1. providing in said shaft a second pair of holes at a desired location, 2. reinserting said elongate member in said shaft so that the slot in the elongate member is in alignment with the second pair of holes provided in said shaft, 3. inserting said pin in said second pair of holes and said slot, 4. reassembling said spring means, sleeve and hand grip, and securing the same by means of said removable fastening means.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method as recited in claim 57, wherein said second pair of holes is provided initially in said shaft prior to disassembly and assembly thereof.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method as recited in claim 57, wherein said second pair of holes is drilled in said shaft after disassembly of the hand grip assembly.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method as recited in claim 57, wherein said sleeve is placed around said shaft to retain said locating pin in said pair of holes.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 325 words

A shock absorbing hand grip assembly for a ski pole having a hollow shaft, said hand grip assembly comprising: a. a hand grip adapted to be mounted circumjacent to an upper end of said shaft, b. resilient means adapted to be positioned in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of said hand grip relative to said shaft and urge said hand grip to an upper position relative to said shaft, c. stop means to limit upward movement of said hand grip relative to said shaft, d. an elongate friction and positioning sleeve positioned securely within said hand grip and adapted to frictionally engage an outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to exert a frictional force thereagainst less than the force exerted by said resilient means, said sleeve adapted to engage the upper end of the shaft along the length thereof the prevent movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the shaft, while permitting relative movement about an axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft, e. said friction and positioning sleeve being provided with slot means to permit expansion and contraction radially relative to its lengthwise axis, said ski pole further comprising a tension member pressing said sleeve into frictional enagagement with said shaft, whereby when said hand grip assembly is mounted to the ski pole and the ski pole is being manipulated with its snow engaging end free of the snow, the friction and positioning sleeve prevents relative movement between the hand grip and the shaft in a manner to give a secure feel to the ski pole, and when the ski pole is planted in the snow surface to push the hand grip downwardly against the urging of the resilient means to absorb the impact, said friction and positioning sleeve resists return movement of the hand grip to absorb resiliency in the return motion.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 325 words

A shock absorbing hand grip assembly for a ski pole having a hollow shaft, said hand grip assembly comprising: a. a hand grip adapted to be mounted circumjacent to an upper end of said shaft, b. resilient means adapted to be positioned in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of said hand grip relative to said shaft and urge said hand grip to an upper position relative to said shaft, c. stop means to limit upward movement of said hand grip relative to said shaft, d. an elongate friction and positioning sleeve positioned securely within said hand grip and adapted to frictionally engage an outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to exert a frictional force thereagainst less than the force exerted by said resilient means, said sleeve adapted to engage the upper end of the shaft along the length thereof the prevent movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the shaft, while permitting relative movement about an axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft, e. said friction and positioning sleeve being provided with slot means to permit expansion and contraction radially relative to its lengthwise axis, said ski pole further comprising a tension member pressing said sleeve into frictional enagagement with said shaft, whereby when said hand grip assembly is mounted to the ski pole and the ski pole is being manipulated with its snow engaging end free of the snow, the friction and positioning sleeve prevents relative movement between the hand grip and the shaft in a manner to give a secure feel to the ski pole, and when the ski pole is planted in the snow surface to push the hand grip downwardly against the urging of the resilient means to absorb the impact, said friction and positioning sleeve resists return movement of the hand grip to absorb resiliency in the return motion.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 33 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 61, wherein said tension member engages said sleeve at a lower end thereof to insure firm engagement of the sleeve at the lower end thereof.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 332 words

A shock absorbing hand grip assembly for a ski pole having a hollow shaft, said hand grip assembly comprising: a. a hand grip adapted to be mounted circumjacent to an upper end of said shaft, b. resilient means adapted to be positioned in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of said hand grip relative to said shaft and urge said hand grip to an upper position relative to said shaft, c. stop means to limit upward movement of said hand grip relative to said shaft, d. an elongate friction and positioning sleeve positioned securely within said hand grip and adapted to frictionally engage an outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to exert a frictional force thereagainst less than the force exerted by said resilient means, said sleeve adapted to engage the upper end of the shaft along the length thereof to prevent movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the shaft, while permitting relative movement about an axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft, e. said sleeve being provided with at least one elongate slot extending from a lower end thereof toward the upper end of the sleeve, and said sleeve is adapted to receive therearound a tension member to cause firm frictional engagement of said sleeve with said shaft, whereby when said hand grip assembly is mounted to the ski pole and the ski pole is being manipulated with its snow engaging end free of the snow, the friction and positioning sleeve prevents relative movement between the hand grip and the shaft in a manner to give a secure feel to the ski pole, and when the ski pole is planted in the snow surface to push the hand grip downwardly against the urging of the resilient means to absorb the impact, said friction and positioning sleeve resists return movement of the hand grip to absorb resiliency in the return motion.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 332 words

A shock absorbing hand grip assembly for a ski pole having a hollow shaft, said hand grip assembly comprising: a. a hand grip adapted to be mounted circumjacent to an upper end of said shaft, b. resilient means adapted to be positioned in the upper end of said shaft to resist downward movement of said hand grip relative to said shaft and urge said hand grip to an upper position relative to said shaft, c. stop means to limit upward movement of said hand grip relative to said shaft, d. an elongate friction and positioning sleeve positioned securely within said hand grip and adapted to frictionally engage an outer surface of the upper end of the shaft to exert a frictional force thereagainst less than the force exerted by said resilient means, said sleeve adapted to engage the upper end of the shaft along the length thereof to prevent movement of the hand grip relative to the shaft about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the shaft, while permitting relative movement about an axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the shaft, e. said sleeve being provided with at least one elongate slot extending from a lower end thereof toward the upper end of the sleeve, and said sleeve is adapted to receive therearound a tension member to cause firm frictional engagement of said sleeve with said shaft, whereby when said hand grip assembly is mounted to the ski pole and the ski pole is being manipulated with its snow engaging end free of the snow, the friction and positioning sleeve prevents relative movement between the hand grip and the shaft in a manner to give a secure feel to the ski pole, and when the ski pole is planted in the snow surface to push the hand grip downwardly against the urging of the resilient means to absorb the impact, said friction and positioning sleeve resists return movement of the hand grip to absorb resiliency in the return motion.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 51 words

The hand grip assembly as recited in claim 62, wherein there are two circumferentially spaced elongate slots separating the lower end of said sleeve into opposed leg members, said ski pole further comprising a resilient band engaging leg portions of the sleeve to press them into firm engagement with the shaft.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1984-01-13	1984-07-14	1985-01-13	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1988-01-13	1988-07-14	1989-01-13	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1992-01-13	1992-07-14	1993-01-13	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Shock-absorbing ski pole grip and method of adjusting the same

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