Slalom pole

Claim 1

A slalom pole adapted to be supported in snow, ice and/or the ground, including a lower part adapted to be placed in the ground and an upper part extending upwardly above the ground and being adapted to pivot against the lower part when subjected to an impact force from a skier in any direction, comprising, in combination, said lower part including a lower portion comprising threading means for anchoring it in an upward position in the snow, ice, and/or ground, said upper part including an upper portion surmounting the lower portion and normally being aligned therewith and being pivotally movable relative to the lower part over a radius of flexure, a middle portion disposed between said upper and lower portions and normally aligned therewith and being composed of a series of superposed annular members, said lower, middle and upper portions normally forming an elongated rod-like structure presenting a substantially continuous external surface, restoring means operable to urge said upper portion to return to its normal position in alignment with said lower portion, when the upper portion has been pivoted from said normal position, said restoring means comprising two springs, one of said springs being disposed coaxially with relation to said upper portion and the other spring being disposed coaxially with relation to said lower portion, a third spring disposed within said annular members of said middle portion, thereby providing said radius of flexure, said third spring being coaxial with said first two springs, means interconnecting and engaging said first two springs, said three springs and interconnecting means cooperating to pivot said upper portion about said radius of flexure upon impact from a skier and then to return said pole to an upright position.